What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic ColorantIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPolybutene
Dimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCeteareth-6 Olivate
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientSqualane
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
HumectantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingTin Oxide
AbrasiveXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCeteareth-25
CleansingTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCaesalpinia Sappan Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Mica, Isononyl Isononanoate, Polybutene, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Ceteareth-6 Olivate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Squalane, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sodium Polyacrylate, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Polysorbate 60, Tin Oxide, Xanthan Gum, Ceteareth-25, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caesalpinia Sappan Bark Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Titanium Dioxide, CI 15850, CI 77499, CI 77491
Water
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientGlyceryl Oleate Citrate
EmulsifyingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlycerin
HumectantRibes Nigrum Seed Oil
EmollientSclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
HumectantTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Juice Extract
AntioxidantCaesalpinia Sappan Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
BufferingPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningLinoleic Acid
CleansingLinolenic Acid
CleansingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPropanediol
SolventSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantGlutamylamidoethyl Imidazole
Silica
AbrasiveButylene Glycol
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingSorbic Acid
PreservativeSodium Citrate
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientBoron Nitride
AbsorbentHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTin Oxide
AbrasiveMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Glyceryl Oleate Citrate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glycerin, Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Vitis Vinifera Juice Extract, Caesalpinia Sappan Bark Extract, Sodium Lactate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Sorbitan Isostearate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Glutamylamidoethyl Imidazole, Silica, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Boron Nitride, Hexylene Glycol, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tin Oxide, Mica, CI 77891, CI 77491
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolWe don't have a description for Caesalpinia Sappan Bark Extract yet.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (tea extract) is one of the most well-researched plant extracts in skincare with an impressive resume.
Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from the Camellia Sinensis plant.
Studies show green tea extract and its catechins (like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)) help your skin cells product energy more efficiently and reducing the number of free-radicals that can damage your skin from the inside.
In lab-grown skin models, this translated to younger, healthier, and stronger skin.
There's also good sun protection data; researchers saw less DNA damage and redness on human skin when green tea was applied before UVB exposure. And the more they applied, the better the protection.
Needless to say, this ingredient shouldn't replace your sunscreen. But it is a great supportive ingredient that you can already find in many sunscreens and antioxidant serums.
A 2009 study found a 2% green tea lotion was effective for mild-to-moderate acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity.
The quality of the extract matters a lot here:
Good extracts contain 50-90% catechins while lower quality ones are mostly there for marketing. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the quality or source of their ingredients.
Human Repeated Insult Patch Testing showed no irritation or sensitization at use concentrations (0.86% in leave-on products and up to 30% as leaf water).
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractThis 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 TriglycerideCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491Ethylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinThis is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.
It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.
Mica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.
Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.
In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.
Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.
Learn more about Polysorbate 60Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of the Marula plant. In South Africa, Marula is called "an elephant's favorite treat".
Marula seed oil is a non-fragrant oil. It is rich in fatty acids, such as oleic, linoleic, palmitic, stearic, and more. These fatty acids help hydrate the skin.
Other components of marula seed oil include vitamin E and antioxidants such as flavonoids.
Due to the fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sclerocarya Birrea Seed OilSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.
Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateThis ingredient is extracted from the seeds of the cocoa tree.
Cacao seeds contain antioxidants known as polyphenols. These include flavonoids, procyanidins, and epicatechins.
Studies show these polyphenols help improve skin health.
The more famous ingredient from cocoa tree is cocoa butter.
Learn more about Theobroma Cacao ExtractTin Oxide is an inorganic oxide used to add opacity and volume to a product. In nature, it is already found in mineral form. The main ore of tin is an opaque and shiny mineral called casseterite.
Tin Oxide helps remove translucency in a product, or make it more opaque. Besides adding opacity, tin oxide is used for bulking to add volume.
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 WaterXanthan 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