What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingSqualane
EmollientOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingAlthaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingStearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Allantoin
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentAdenosine
Skin ConditioningLauryl Alcohol
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Sorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantHamamelis Virginiana Water
AstringentPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingChamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingWater, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Niacinamide, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Squalane, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Stearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Myristyl Alcohol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Adenosine, Lauryl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tocopherol, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Pentylene Glycol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Madecassoside, Centella Asiatica Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventNiacinamide
SmoothingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingCetearyl Olivate
C18-21 Alkane
SolventSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingStearic Acid
CleansingStearyl Alcohol
EmollientArginine
MaskingHydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide Mea
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingIsomerized Linoleic Acid
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDecylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingOleic Acid
EmollientMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantPalmitic Acid
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantLauryl Alcohol
EmollientHydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingLinoleic Acid
CleansingSodium PCA
HumectantSerine
MaskingRosa Canina Fruit Extract
AstringentGlycine
BufferingTremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide
Emulsion StabilisingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningAlanine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantCholesteryl Macadamiate
EmollientGlycosphingolipids
EmollientPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningSucrose Stearate
EmollientWater, Glycerin, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Cetearyl Olivate, C18-21 Alkane, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Sorbitan Olivate, Carbomer, Stearic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Arginine, Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide Mea, Cetyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cholesterol, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Isomerized Linoleic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Decylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Oleic Acid, Myristyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Palmitic Acid, Tocopherol, Lauryl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Linoleic Acid, Sodium PCA, Serine, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Glycine, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Ceramide NP, Alanine, Glutamic Acid, Cholesteryl Macadamiate, Glycosphingolipids, Phytosphingosine, Sucrose Stearate
Reviews
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
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 GlycolThis ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Sorbitan Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may feed that yeast, so it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateCetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinLauryl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol. It is derived from palm kernel oil or coconut oil.
Fatty alcohols are not the same as drying, volatile alcohols like alcohol denatured or ethanol; they're designed to be non-sensitizing and hydrating.
Lauryl alcohol pulls triple duty:
Because lauryl alcohol falls within the C11 - C24 carbon chain range that the Malassezia yeast (fungal acne) can metabolize, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Lauryl AlcoholMyristyl Alcohol is type of fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
As an emollient, myristyl alcohol hydrates the skin by trapping moisture in.
Fatty alcohols are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent alcohols.
The FDA allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Myristyl AlcoholNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePropanediol 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 PropanediolSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Cetearyl Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may feed that yeast, so it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateStearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Fatty alcohols are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent (ethanol) alcohols.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Stearyl AlcoholTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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