What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Shea Butter Ethyl Esters
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
Emulsifying
Propanediol
Solvent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
C13-15 Alkane
SolventCrambe Abyssinica Seed Oil Phytosterol Esters
Emulsifying
Glycerin
Humectant
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Saccharomyces Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Chloride
MaskingCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Silybum Marianum Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Oleic Acid
Emollient
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Resveratrol
Antioxidant
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Water, Octyldodecanol, Squalane, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Propanediol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, C13-15 Alkane, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil Phytosterol Esters, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Saccharomyces Ferment, Sodium Chloride, Ceramide NP, Lauroyl Lysine, Cholesterol, Stearic Acid, Silybum Marianum Seed Oil, Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phytosphingosine, Lactic Acid, Oleic Acid, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Resveratrol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Diglycerin
Humectant
Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate
Skin Conditioning
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Sea Water
HumectantPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Humectant
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Algin
Masking
Propanediol
Solvent
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientGlyceryl Undecylenate
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Diglycerin, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sea Water, Panthenol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phospholipids, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Beta-Glucan, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Algin, Propanediol, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hydroxide
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCaprylyl 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 AcidEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePropanediol 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 HydroxideWater. 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
