What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Propanediol
Solvent
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV Filter
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV Absorber
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Pelargonium Graveolens Extract
Masking
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningJuniperus Virginiana Oil
Masking
Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
Masking
Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil
Masking
Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Oil
Masking
Brassica Campestris Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Camelina Sativa Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Decyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Tromethamine
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Propanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Niacinamide, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Caprylyl Methicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pelargonium Graveolens Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Oil, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil, Camelina Sativa Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Decyl Glucoside, Tromethamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Isopropyl Palmitate
Emollient
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Vinyldimethicone
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDibutyl Adipate
EmollientDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Polysilicone-15
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Betula Alba Bark Extract
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin Conditioning
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Nasturtium Officinale Leaf Extract
Masking
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Solanum Virginianum Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Citrata Leaf Extract
Astringent
Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentDiospyros Kaki Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPinus Densiflora Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Safflower Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
Masking
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Aesculus Hippocastanum Extract
Antioxidant
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Orange Roughy Oil
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Citrus Limon Fruit Oil
Astringent
Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water
MaskingBetula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
Emulsifying
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantFructooligosaccharides
Humectant
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLimonene
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Synthetic Wax, Isopropyl Palmitate, Caprylyl Methicone, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Vinyldimethicone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dibutyl Adipate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ozokerite, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Polysilicone-15, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Betula Alba Bark Extract, Tocopherol, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Nasturtium Officinale Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Solanum Virginianum Extract, Mentha Citrata Leaf Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Safflower Flower Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Orange Roughy Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citrus Limon Fruit Oil, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Water, Butylene Glycol, Allantoin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Fructooligosaccharides, Beta-Glucan, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Limonene, Citral, Linalool
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinButylene 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 Methicone is a synthetic and lightweight silicone fluid. It gives products a silky, dry-touch finish without the heaviness of pure oils.
Though the EU CosIng Database lists this ingredient as a skin conditioner, it is also used for sensory reasons. It spreads easily, cuts greasiness, and reduces tackiness.
This ingredient is volatile which means it will mostly evaporate (but it evaporates slower than older cyclomethicones, like Cyclotetrasiloxane).
Typical concentration ranges from 1-30% depending on if it's being used to tweak the feel of a product or acting as the main emollient.
Learn more about Caprylyl MethiconeDibutyl Adipate is a lightweight, oil-soluble ester that acts as an emollient and solvent. It helps products spread more easily and leaves a soft, silky, dry-touch finish without being greasy.
You'll likely see this ingredient in sunscreens because it does a nice job dissolving UV filters and keeping them evenly distributed.
This ingredient has been found to be safe as used in cosmetics, wasn't a skin or eye irritant in clinical patch testing, and wasn't phototoxic.
In a clinical comedogenicity test, this ingredient tested negative so it isn't likely to clog pores.
Typical use levels are about 5-8% for sunscreens + nail products, but can range from 0.005%-8% depending on the product.
Learn more about Dibutyl AdipateDiethylamino 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 BenzoateEthylhexyl 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 TriazoneEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidWater. 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
