What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-2 Caprate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-2 Sesquicaprylate
EmulsifyingSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningLactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientPyrus Communis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHedera Helix Stem Extract
Malus Domestica Fruit Extract
AntioxidantFragaria Chiloensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientDiospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
MaskingCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCastanea Crenata Shell Extract
Skin ConditioningZanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingSerine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantAspartic Acid
MaskingLeucine
Skin ConditioningAlanine
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingPhenylalanine
MaskingThreonine
Proline
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantHistidine
HumectantMethionine
Skin ConditioningCysteine
AntioxidantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ethylhexanoate, Polyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate, Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate, Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquicaprylate, Synthetic Wax, Beeswax, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract, Hedera Helix Stem Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Extract, Fragaria Chiloensis Fruit Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Glycine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Proline, Valine, Isoleucine, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Histidine, Methionine, Cysteine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Gluconolactone, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Water, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCanola Oil
EmollientSorbeth-30 Tetraoleate
EmulsifyingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientTriethylhexanoin
MaskingEthylhexyl Pelargonate
EmollientSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientPanax Ginseng Extract
AntioxidantSodium Dna
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantSqualane
EmollientVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
MaskingPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCastanea Crenata Shell Extract
Skin ConditioningZanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDiospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate, Canola Oil, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Synthetic Wax, Isopropyl Myristate, Triethylhexanoin, Ethylhexyl Pelargonate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Panax Ginseng Extract, Sodium Dna, Ceramide NP, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Squalane, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Gluconolactone, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Glucose, Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin
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 GlycolCamellia 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 comes from the safflower plant. It has skin conditioning properties and offers antioxidant support.
Most research for this ingredient is preclinical, meaning its done on cell cultures or animal models. These studies suggest compounds found in safflower can reduce oxidative markers and inflammatory gene expression under stress conditions.
A few studies show topical products containing safflower extracts might improve elasticity, hydration, and wrinkle appearance. However, replication and formulation-specific details are needed to confirm these effects broadly.
People with Asteraceae allergies (marigold, chamomile) may react to safflower extracts. Be sure to patch test.
Learn more about Carthamus Tinctorius Flower ExtractCastanea Crenata Shell Extract comes from the shell of the chestnut.
Studies show chestnut shells to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Antioxidants protect your skin against damaging molecules. This may help reduce the signs of aging.
Learn more about Castanea Crenata Shell ExtractCetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient ester. It comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient that adds a velvety feel to skin without being greasy or oily. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
This ingredient is more commonly known as the coffee bean from the Coffea Arabica tree. Besides being a delicious drink, coffee beans have a ton of skin benefits.
Coffea Arabica Seed Extract (CASE) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and UV-protective properties. (It should not replace your sunscreen!)
CASE contains several ingredients that protect and soothe skin. These include caffeine, polysaccharides, sucrose, lipids, minerals, and proteins.
The star ingredient in coffee is caffeine.
Caffeine helps with anti-aging, antioxidant, and photo-protection.
How? It has been shown to block collagenase (~41%), elastase (~35%), and tyrosinase (~13%).
Collagenase and elastase are enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, respectively. Tyrosinase is the enzyme that controls melanin production.
Our skin creates melanin when exposed to UV as a defense mechanism.
It should be noted most studies looked at caffeine's ability to inhibit damage from UV-B rays.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is often dissolved using water, glycerin, and propanediol. The caffeine content of this ingredient is about 100 ppm.
Coffea Arabica is native to Ethiopia.
Learn more about Coffea Arabica Seed ExtractDiospyros Kaki Leaf Extract comes from the leaves of the Persimmon. It is native to China, India, and Korea. Persimmon leaves have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The leaves of the persimmon tree contain triterpenoids, tannins, and ursolic acids. These components are help sooth the skin due to their antioxidant activity.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactonePersea Gratissima Oil is also known as avocado oil.
Avocado Oil has antioxidant properties. It is mostly made up of the glycerides of fatty acids. About 67% of these fatty acids is made up of oleic acid. Palmitic acid and linoleic acid are also present.
These fatty acids help hydrate and soften the skin. It may increase collagen content in the skin. Collagen helps keep your skin plump and firm. This ingredient helps reduce inflammation and has not shown to clog pores.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe due to its high fatty acid content.
Avocados also have B vitamins, vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E, and potassium.
Learn more about Persea Gratissima OilThis silica is mainly used to thicken oils and suspend particles in oils. It is not water soluble.
According to the manufacturer, it:
The manufacturer also claims this ingredient to be useful in makeup.
In lipstick formulations, this ingredient improves color payoff, reduces pigment settling, and reduces oil bleeding. This ingredient also improves the grip of powder products such as dry shampoos.
Learn more about Silica Dimethyl SilylateSynthetic Wax is created from fossil fuels such as natural gas. It is used to enhance texture, adjust pH, and as an occlusive.
It may also be used as an abrasive ingredient to exfoliate the skin.
Synthetic Wax may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract comes from grapes.
Grape extract has many skin benefits. It also contains many potent antioxidants such as Vitamin E , Vitamin C, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Antioxidants help protect skin. Proanthocyanidin have also been shown to help even out skin tone.
Grape extract also helps soothe and hydrate your skin.
Learn more about Vitis Vinifera Fruit ExtractWater. 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 WaterZanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract comes from the Japanese Pepper, also known as the Prickly Ash. This plant is native to the Korean peninsula and Japan.
The pepper has antioxidant properties. It may help reduce the signs of aging.
For those with fragrance sensitivities, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract contains limonene.
If you have concerns, we recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient.
The Japanese Pepper is related to the Sichuan Pepper.
Learn more about Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract