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
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 an 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.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
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
Manufacturers use the name Olivem 1000. This ingredient has been found to preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria. This ingredient is grouped with Sorbitan Olivate under the name Olivem 1000.
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 (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
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 most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent alcohols.
Myristyl Alcohol is type of fatty alcohol. It is a white, waxy solid and insoluble in water.
As an emollient, it hydrates the skin by trapping moisture in.
Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent 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.
Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.
Due to its olive oil base, this ingredient 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.
Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent alcohols. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water