What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientGlycereth-26
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingButylene Glycol
HumectantPalmitic Acid
EmollientC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Retinoate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientSolanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantDiethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingBenzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberGlucose
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantSh-Polypeptide-121
Skin ConditioningDiisopropyl Adipate
EmollientAnastatica Hierochuntica Extract
AstringentLecithin
EmollientPPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
EmulsifyingArachis Hypogaea Oil
Skin ConditioningSilybin
Skin ConditioningRetinal
Skin ConditioningRetinol
Skin ConditioningBHT
AntioxidantSoluble Collagen
HumectantPolyglyceryl-10 Behenate/Eicosadioate
EmulsifyingIsopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
AntioxidantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningBHA
AntioxidantDecyl Glucoside
CleansingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingGlycereth-25 PCA Isostearate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Tromethamine
BufferingStearic Acid
CleansingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Hydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Glycereth-26, Dipropylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Palmitic Acid, C14-22 Alcohols, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Retinoate, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Madecassoside, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Glucose, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sh-Polypeptide-121, Diisopropyl Adipate, Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract, Lecithin, PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Arachis Hypogaea Oil, Silybin, Retinal, Retinol, BHT, Soluble Collagen, Polyglyceryl-10 Behenate/Eicosadioate, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cyanocobalamin, Caramel, Tocopherol, Pentylene Glycol, BHA, Decyl Glucoside, Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Stearate, Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Tromethamine, Stearic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTriethylhexanoin
MaskingHydrogenated Polydecene
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAesculus Hippocastanum Extract
AntioxidantLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingEclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCollagen Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCetearyl Olivate
C12-16 Alcohols
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Microcrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingFructose
HumectantHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantSqualane
EmollientPalmitic Acid
EmollientBetaine
HumectantCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialDisodium EDTA
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingSucrose
HumectantStearic Acid
CleansingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin ConditioningFructooligosaccharides
HumectantInulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingCollagen
MoisturisingHydrolyzed Elastin
EmollientHyaluronic Acid
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeLinalool
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Triethylhexanoin, Hydrogenated Polydecene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Cyclohexasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Collagen Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetearyl Olivate, C12-16 Alcohols, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cetearyl Glucoside, Sorbitan Olivate, Fructose, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Palmitic Acid, Betaine, Cellulose Gum, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Beta-Glucan, Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Isononyl Isononanoate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sucrose, Stearic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Fructooligosaccharides, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Citric Acid, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Collagen, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Hyaluronic Acid, Tocopherol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Parfum, Potassium Sorbate, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal
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.
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 preservatives
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 TriglycerideDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolDisodium 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 EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (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 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.
Niacinamide 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 NiacinamidePalmitic Acid is a fatty acid naturally found in our skin and in many plant and animal sources. In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It serves many purposes in skincare, acting as a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.
As an emollient, palmitic acid helps soften and smooth the skin by preventing water loss. In cleansers, it helps remove oil and dirt while creating foam.
Its emulsifying properties help stabilize products by keeping water and oil-based ingredients from separating.
This may not be suitable for fungal acne-prone skin, as fatty acids like this can sometimes trigger breakouts in sensitive individuals.
Learn more about Palmitic AcidParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPolysorbate 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 60Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSorbitan 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 IsostearateStearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTocopherol (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