What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDibutyl Adipate
EmollientButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Glycerin
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV Absorber
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethyl Caprylate
Betula Alba Juice
AstringentPolyglyceryl-6 Stearate
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Propanediol
Solvent
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingTromethamine
BufferingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Skin ConditioningC9-12 Alkane
SolventSilica
Abrasive
Trimethoxybenzylidene Pentanedione
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Menthyl Ethylamido Oxalate
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPolyglyceryl-6 Behenate
Emulsion Stabilising
Disodium EDTA
Triethyl Citrate
Masking
Trehalose
Humectant
Urea
Buffering
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Serine
Masking
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingSodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Carrageenan
Emulsion StabilisingAlgin
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingGlyceryl Polyacrylate
Pullulan
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Potassium Phosphate
BufferingMaris Sal
Skin ConditioningLinalool
Perfuming
Parfum
Masking
Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dibutyl Adipate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Phenoxyethyl Caprylate, Betula Alba Juice, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Tromethamine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, C9-12 Alkane, Silica, Trimethoxybenzylidene Pentanedione, Phenoxyethanol, Saccharide Isomerate, Menthyl Ethylamido Oxalate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Disodium EDTA, Triethyl Citrate, Trehalose, Urea, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Serine, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Citric Acid, Phenethyl Alcohol, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Carrageenan, Algin, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Pullulan, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Phosphate, Maris Sal, Linalool, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Disodium Phenyl Dibenzimidazole Tetrasulfonate
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV Absorber
Propanediol
Solvent
Triethanolamine
BufferingTrisiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentBrassica Oleracea Gemmifera Extract
AstringentVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract
HumectantSpinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPlankton Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentErgothioneine
Antioxidant
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Creatine
Skin ConditioningAdenosine Phosphate
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Carnitine Hcl
Skin ConditioningMicrococcus Lysate
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin Protecting7-Dehydrocholesterol
Emulsion StabilisingBiosaccharide Gum-4
Skin Conditioning
Hypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingAlbizia Julibrissin Bark Extract
MaskingSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningGelidiella Acerosa Extract
Skin ProtectingCaffeine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Rna
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientArabidopsis Thaliana Extract
Antioxidant
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sea Whip Extract
Skin ConditioningYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seedcake
Abrasive
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Dimethiconol
Emollient
Arginine
Masking
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Trehalose
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCapryloyl Glycine
CleansingPhytic Acid
Lecithin
Emollient
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
BHT
Antioxidant
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Disodium Phenyl Dibenzimidazole Tetrasulfonate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Propanediol, Triethanolamine, Trisiloxane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Brassica Oleracea Gemmifera Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract, Spinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract, Plankton Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Ergothioneine, Lactobacillus Ferment, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Creatine, Adenosine Phosphate, Acetyl Carnitine Hcl, Micrococcus Lysate, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, 7-Dehydrocholesterol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Caffeine, Sodium Rna, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Sea Whip Extract, Yeast Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seedcake, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethiconol, Arginine, Polyethylene, Trehalose, Pentylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Capryloyl Glycine, Phytic Acid, Lecithin, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Phenoxyethanol, BHT, Mica, CI 77891
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
This ingredient is more commonly known as Ensulizole, a chemical sunscreen ingredient.
Ensulizole mainly protects UV-B (290-340 nm) but offers a little UV-A (320-400 nm) protection. It is often paired with less photo-stable sunscreen ingredients due to its photo-stability.
Due to it being water-soluble, Ensulizole helps give sunscreens a light and non-oily texture.
Ensulizole is approved worldwide:
Learn more about Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic AcidPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateTrehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
