What's inside

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Show highlights for:

Water

Skin Conditioning

Dibutyl Adipate

Emollient

Propanediol

Solvent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Titanium Dioxide

Cosmetic Colorant
0 / 0 UV Protection IconMineral UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking
Coconut Derived IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol

UV Absorber

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Antimicrobial

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Ethylhexyl Triazone

UV Absorber
UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Methyl Trimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone

UV Absorber
UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning
Good for Barrier Repair Icon

Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Lespedeza Capitata Leaf/Stem Extract

Skin Conditioning

Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract

Skin Conditioning

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial

Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Bambusa Vulgaris Water

Skin Conditioning

Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Emollient
0 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Biosaccharide Gum-4

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Fructan

Skin Conditioning

Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Prunus Persica Fruit Extract

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Ficus Carica Fruit Extract

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Centella Asiatica Extract

Cleansing
Helps with Anti-Aging IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract

Antimicrobial

Rosa Damascena Flower Water

Masking
Helps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness Icon

Jasminum Officinale Flower Water

Masking

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Emulsifying
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Silicon Icon

Polyhydroxystearic Acid

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Dimethiconol

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Trisiloxane

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Alumina

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Stearic Acid

Cleansing
2-3 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6

Emulsion Stabilising

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Cetyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 2 Fatty Alcohol IconCoconut Derived IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Polyacrylate

Absorbent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Polyether-1

T-Butyl Alcohol

Perfuming
Alcohol IconFragrance IconCan worsen Dry Skin Icon

Ceramide NP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Beta-Glucan

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Octyldodecanol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Dipropylene Glycol

Humectant

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Maltodextrin

Absorbent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sodium Palmitoyl Proline

Skin Conditioning

Water

Skin Conditioning

Dibutyl Adipate

Emollient

Propanediol

Solvent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Silicon Icon

Ethylhexyl Triazone

UV Absorber
UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter Icon

Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol

UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

Emollient
Coconut Derived Icon

Caprylyl Methicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone

UV Absorber
UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Lespedeza Capitata Leaf/Stem Extract

Skin Conditioning

Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract

Skin Conditioning

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial

Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Bambusa Vulgaris Water

Skin Conditioning

Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Emollient
0 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Prunus Persica Fruit Extract

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract

Antimicrobial

Rosa Damascena Flower Water

Masking
Helps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness Icon

Jasminum Officinale Flower Water

Masking

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning
Good for Barrier Repair Icon

Behenyl Alcohol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate

Emulsion Stabilising

Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Decyl Glucoside

Cleansing
Coconut Derived Icon

Tromethamine

Buffering

Carbomer

Emulsion Stabilising
1 / 0

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate

Cleansing

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6

Emulsion Stabilising

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

T-Butyl Alcohol

Perfuming
Alcohol IconFragrance IconCan worsen Dry Skin Icon

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Octyldodecanol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Dipropylene Glycol

Humectant

Maltodextrin

Absorbent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sodium Palmitoyl Proline

Skin Conditioning

Fructan

Skin Conditioning

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Biosaccharide Gum-4

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse. 

It is a:

  • Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
  • Emollient, helping to soften skin
  • Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
  • Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives 
Skin Conditioning

Bambusa Vulgaris Water comes from bamboo plant.

Skin Conditioning

This is a fermented gum derived from sorbitol, a sugar alcohol.

According to a manufacturer, this ingredient's high molecular weight makes it an effective emollient.

Emollients help keep the skin hydrated by preventing water from evaporating.

Learn more about Biosaccharide Gum-4
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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 Glycol

Cardiospermum halicacabum extract is more commonly known as Balloon Vine Extract.

Balloon Vine Extract helps soothe skin and is an antioxidant. It also contains many fatty acids, such as palmitic, oleic, and stearic acids. While these fatty acids help soften skin, they may not be fungal-friendly.

Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

Balloon Vine has been used in traditional medicine in many Asian cultures.

Learn more about Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract yet.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Dibutyl Adipate is an emollient and solvent. It is created from butyl alcohol and adipic acid.

As a solvent, Dibutyl Adipate helps mix and disperse ingredients evenly.

Dibutyl Adipate is soluble in water and organic solvents. It does not absorb UV rays.

Learn more about Dibutyl Adipate

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).

DHHB is well-liked for:

DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.

This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.

Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Absorber, UV Filter

Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone is a photostable UV absorber. It protects in both the UVB and UVA II range.

The great thing about this ingredient is that it is ultra-photostable at low concentrations.

It is also pretty water-resistant and is highly oil-soluble (so your oil cleanser will get it off right away).

This ingredient is currently available in Europe and Japan, but not in the US.

Learn more about Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
Humectant, Masking, Solvent

Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.

This ingredient helps:

Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.

As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.

Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.

Learn more about Dipropylene Glycol
UV Absorber, UV Filter

Ethylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.

It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.

Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.

It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Triazone
Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin 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 Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Fructan yet.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin (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 Glycerin
Antimicrobial, Astringent, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient comes from the English Ivy, a climbing evergreen plant. The extract is rich in compounds that give it antioxidant, skin conditioning, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Two of the compounds, Alpha-Hederin and Hederasaponin-C, showed strong inhibition of shown to be effective at protecting against oxidative damage as well as synthetic antioxidants like butylated hydroxyanisole and BHT.

Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.

It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.

The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.

The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.

Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.

One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).

This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.

On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.

Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Sunflower seed oil unsaponifiables comes from the the small part of sunflower seed oil that does not convert into soap during the saponification process.

This ingredient is rich in vitamin E, fatty acids (like linoleic acid), and other lipophilic compounds, making it a great emollient. Emollients help keep the skin hydrated and soft.

Due to its rich fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.

Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables

Jasminum Officinale Flower Water is created by distilling parts of the Jasmine plant.

Jasmine contains many antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids. It also contains coumarin, a known EU allergen.

Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

We don't have a description for Lespedeza Capitata Leaf/Stem Extract yet.

Absorbent, Emulsion Stabilising, Skin Conditioning

Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide. It is derived from starch such as rice, corn, wheat, or potato starch.

In food, Maltodextrin is used to improve the texture and thicken a product. Due to its structure, it can help create a gel texture. As an emulsion stabilizer, it helps keep the ingredients in a product together.

As a polysaccharide, Maltodextrin has moisturizing properties. Polysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate. The top layer of skin uses polysaccharides to retain water, keeping the skin hydrated.

Maltodextrin is water soluble and has a sweet taste.

Learn more about Maltodextrin
Skin Conditioning

Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract comes from the seeds of the Moringa oleifera plant.

Moringa seeds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin hydrating properties. These seeds are rich in oils, proteins, monounsaturated fats, and tocopherols.

As an emollient, moringa seed oil helps trap moisture in the skin by creating a film on top. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.

Many compounds in moringa seed oil are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. These compounds include Vitamin E. , catechins, ferulic acid, and more.

Another compound found in Moringa seed oil is oleic acid.

Moringa trees are native to the Himalayan mountains.

Learn more about Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning, Tonic

We don't have a description for Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract yet.

Emollient, Masking

Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).

It is:

You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.

This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.

Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.

Learn more about Octyldodecanol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Pentylene 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 Glycol
Emulsion Stabilising

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a texture enhancer and pH adjuster.

It is be used to thicken water-based products and create a gel-texture with a velvet feel.

One manufacturer claims this ingredient to have a pH range of 2-8 and to be biodegradable.

This ingredient is also known as Sepimax Zen.

Learn more about Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6

Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.

When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.

Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.

If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Solvent

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin. 

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 Propanediol
Abrasive, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning

Prunus Persica Fruit Extract comes from peaches.

Peaches are rich in antioxidants, such as Vitamins C, E and A. Antioxidants help reduce the signs of aging. These vitamins also have plenty of skin benefits on their own (for instance, Vitamin C, E helps with skin brightening).

Peach extract is also an abrasive. Abrasives are an agent used to wear away the surface of skin. They are used to help polish or exfoliate skin.

Emerging research shows Peach extract may help protect UV-B induced skin damage. However, further research is needed.

Learn more about Prunus Persica Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

This ingredient comes from the common pear and has skin conditioning/skin protecting properties. Pears are rich in bioactive phenolic compounds, with the most notable ones being Arbutin, Chlorogenic Acid, and Catechin.

A small in-vivo study with 13 volunteers found using a 5% pear extract gel over 12 weeks significantly improved skin moisture and elasticity, and decreased melanin and sebum levels compared to placebo.

In phytochemical analysis, this extract has also demonstrated anti-tyrosinase activity which further supports its brightening properties.

Just so you know, individuals with birch pollen allergy should be careful and patch test this ingredient as pears belong to the same family. But topical use of this ingredient is generally well-tolerated.

Learn more about Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract

Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil is oil from the seeds of Black Currant. A more common name for this ingredient is Black Currant Seed Oil.

Black Currant Seed Oil contains a high amount of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains linoleic acid.

Black currant berries contain anthocyanins, an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

Black currant berries also contain Vitamin E and fatty acids. It can help soften the skin.

Learn more about Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil
Masking, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Rosa Damascena Flower Water is the water-based byproduct of steam-distilling damask rose petals. It has skin conditioning, masking, and skin protecting properties.

Research shows that Rosa damascena is rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds like gallic acid that contribute to its antioxidant activity.

In vitro studies have shown that Rosa damascena can scavenge free radicals and reduce melanin overproduction. Research has also found this extract offers some degree of UV absorption but this should not replace your sunscreen.

Learn more about Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Antimicrobial, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.

While Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil can be volatile due to its fragrant properties, the fragrance components are usually removed in the leaf extract.

Rosemary Leaf Extract contains many antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid. Rosemarinic acid, a compound found in rosemary leaf, has been found to help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and acne.

Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Sodium Palmitoyl Proline yet.

Perfuming, Solvent

T-Butyl Alcohol it is most commonly used as a solvent.

At room temperature, T-Butyl Alcohol melts and has a similar smell to camphor.

This ingredient is derived from isobutane. It is the simplest form of a tertiary alcohol. Due to its chemical structure, it is more resistant to oxidation.

Some sources online claim T-Butyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. However, it is not considered one due to its chemical structure.

Learn more about T-Butyl Alcohol
Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Tocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.

You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.

Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.

It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.

This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.

This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.

In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.

Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.

Learn more about Tocopherol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. 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
Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum

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