What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningCeteareth-25
CleansingAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Beeswax
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingDimethicone
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDisodium Ethylene Dicocamide PEG-15 Disulfate
CleansingVp/Eicosene Copolymer
Hydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantOpuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin ConditioningSucrose Stearate
EmollientAlcohol
AntimicrobialDipropylene Glycol
HumectantEthyl Macadamiate
Skin ConditioningResveratrol
AntioxidantSodium Benzoate
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantOligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningWater, Propanediol, Glycerin, Silica, Caprylyl Methicone, Ceteareth-25, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Beeswax, Glyceryl Stearate, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Ethylene Dicocamide PEG-15 Disulfate, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Sucrose Stearate, Alcohol, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethyl Macadamiate, Resveratrol, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Oligopeptide-1
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV AbsorberHomosalate 9%
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%
UV AbsorberOctocrylene 3%
UV AbsorberBenzophenone-3 4.5%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Cetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCeteareth-25
CleansingNiacinamide
SmoothingOpuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantOligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningResveratrol
AntioxidantSucrose Palmitate
EmollientBisabolol
MaskingSilica
AbrasiveDisodium Ethylene Dicocamide PEG-15 Disulfate
CleansingHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingGlyceryl Linoleate
EmollientEthoxydiglycol
HumectantMethyldihydrojasmonate
MaskingEthylene Brassylate
MaskingTetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes
MaskingEthyl Linalool
MaskingIsobutyl Methyl Tetrahydropyranol
MaskingMethylenedioxyphenyl Methylpropanal
PerfumingPhenylisohexanol
MaskingTrimethylbenzenepropanol
MaskingMethyl Benzodioxepinone
MaskingTriethanolamine
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientIodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
PreservativeButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 9%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%, Octocrylene 3%, Benzophenone-3 4.5%, Water, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dimethicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-25, Niacinamide, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Oligopeptide-1, Resveratrol, Sucrose Palmitate, Bisabolol, Silica, Disodium Ethylene Dicocamide PEG-15 Disulfate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Glyceryl Linoleate, Ethoxydiglycol, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Ethylene Brassylate, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, Ethyl Linalool, Isobutyl Methyl Tetrahydropyranol, Methylenedioxyphenyl Methylpropanal, Phenylisohexanol, Trimethylbenzenepropanol, Methyl Benzodioxepinone, Triethanolamine, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer (let's call it AAVC for short) is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
AAVC is able to increase the consistency and viscosity of products due to its large molecule size. It also prevents ingredients from separating.
Ceteareth-25 comes from Cetearyl Alcohol. (And Cetearyl Alcohol is created from cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol.
This ingredient is a fatty alcohol used as an emulsifier and surfactant. As an emulsifier, it helps oil mix with water.
Like cetearyl alcohol, Ceteareth-25 can help thicken and create a gel-like consistency.
Learn more about Ceteareth-25Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTADisodium Ethylene Dicocamide PEG-15 Disulfate is a type of sulfate.
Ethylhexylglycerin (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 GlycerinNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideThis synthetic peptide consists of glycine, histidine, and lysine. Peptides have skin conditioning properties.
This name refers to a group of Oligopeptide-1 derivatives, such as the famous Sh-Oligopeptide-1.
We don't have a description for Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract yet.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Propanediol 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 PropanediolResveratrol is a famous emerging antioxidant. It is a good alternative for sensitive skin types who cannot tolerate retinoids.
This antioxidant is most famous for it's anti-aging benefits. Studies show it combats the signs of aging by:
Besides anti-aging, this ingredient also helps with skin brightening and soothing.
The most effective forms of resveratrol are isobutyrate and butyrate. These have the strongest effect on increasing A1 collagen and reducing inflammation.
A note on it being a retinoid alternative:
Despite it's amazing skin benefits, it is not a replacement for retinoids. However, it is recommended for people with sensitive skin or intolerance to retinoids.
Resveratrol is naturally found in grapes, peanuts, and berries.
Learn more about ResveratrolWe don't have a description for Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract yet.
Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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