What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Triethylhexanoin
MaskingCeresin
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates Copolymer
Water
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientIsoamyl Laurate
Emollient
Dibutyl Adipate
EmollientIsoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingZinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Glycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Nylon-12
Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin Conditioning
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Emollient
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearic Acid
Cleansing
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Laminaria Japonica Extract
Skin Protecting
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract
Antioxidant
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Fructan
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Germ Extract
EmollientOryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
BHT
Antioxidant
Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract
Antimicrobial
Angelica Gigas Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Morus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningPhellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSophora Flavescens Root Extract
Antioxidant
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pvp
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientCynanchum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningLycopodium Clavatum Extract
Skin ConditioningEquisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentPropanediol
Solvent
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Elastin
EmollientAtelocollagen
Skin Conditioning
Desamido Collagen
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingPolysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Soluble Collagen
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Collagen
Moisturising
Collagen Amino Acids
Moisturising
Astaxanthin
Skin Conditioning
Glutathione
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Fullerenes
AntimicrobialHexapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Copper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Procollagen
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Nonapeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
Humectant
Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Triethylhexanoin, Ceresin, Acrylates Copolymer, Water, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Isoamyl Laurate, Dibutyl Adipate, Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Ozokerite, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Nylon-12, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Microcrystalline Wax, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Sorbitan Olivate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Glycine Soja Oil, Disodium EDTA, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Fructan, Oryza Sativa Germ Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, BHT, Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Pvp, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Lycopodium Clavatum Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Propanediol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Atelocollagen, Desamido Collagen, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Polysorbate 80, Soluble Collagen, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Ubiquinone, Collagen, Collagen Amino Acids, Astaxanthin, Glutathione, Sodium Benzoate, Fullerenes, Hexapeptide-9, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Procollagen, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Nonapeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Potassium Hyaluronate, Parfum
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Dibutyl Adipate
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Isopropyl Palmitate
Emollient
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Boron Nitride
Absorbent
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingPolysilicone-15
UV Filter
Vinyldimethicone
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
Emulsifying
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Melia Azadirachta Bark Extract
AntimicrobialOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAmber Powder
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Artemisia Capillaris Extract
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Bambusa Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Glycerin
Humectant
Methylpropanediol
SolventCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Morinda Citrifolia Extract
AstringentVigna Radiata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Synthetic Wax, Dibutyl Adipate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Caprylyl Methicone, Caprylyl Trimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Silica, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Boron Nitride, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Microcrystalline Wax, Polysilicone-15, Vinyldimethicone, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Melia Azadirachta Bark Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Amber Powder, Water, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Extract, Vigna Radiata Seed Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin
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 GlycolButyloctyl Salicylate is a chemical UV filter structurally similar to octisalate. It is a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. This ingredient helps evenly spread out ingredients.
According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for pairing with micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateDibutyl 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 Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is an ester of palmitic acid, a C16 fatty acid that falls within the C11-24 range that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinHyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan (basically a long sugar chain) that your skin already makes on its own. In your skin, HA lives in the extracellular matrix and acts as the body's moisture reservoir.
Topically, HA is a humectant that binds water and helps skin look more plump, smooth, and hydrated.
The only catch is that HA isn't a single thing; it actually comes in a wide range of molecular weights (~50 - 2,000+ kDA) and size matters.
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
This is why the best HA serums blend the two sizes together so you get the best of both worlds.
The majority of cosmetic HA is produced by bacterial fermentation, typically using Streptococcus or Bacillus strains. Typical use levels in skincare sit around 0.1-2%.
A clinical study using a 0.2% low-molecular weight HA gel showed improvement in facial seborrheic dermatitis with excellent tolerance.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidMicrocrystalline Wax is derived from petroleum through a de-oiling process, then highly refined and purified before use in cosmetics.
In skincare formulations, it is used to improve texture and create a smooth, even consistency. It also helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating.
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 PropanediolWater. 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
