What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Uralensis Extract
EmollientEthylhexyl Olivate
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningEctoin
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Cetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Oleate
EmulsifyingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSynthetic Beeswax
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantSalicylic Acid
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantSodium Phytate
Sorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasiveDextrin
AbsorbentAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclohexasiloxane, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Extract, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Panthenol, Ectoin, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Synthetic Beeswax, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Salicylic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Phytate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Silica, Dextrin, Allantoin, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Madecassoside, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Xanthan Gum
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycereth-26
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientArginine
MaskingPolyglyceryl-4 Laurate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-6 Laurate
EmulsifyingSuccinic Acid
BufferingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDiethoxyethyl Succinate
SolventBetaine
HumectantPropanediol
SolventHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSalicylic Acid
MaskingPolyisobutene
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingTromethamine
BufferingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Sorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMonascus Extract
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientDextrin
AbsorbentCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningGeranium Maculatum Oil
MaskingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningMorinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningMomordica Charantia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingHibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycereth-26, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Ether, Arginine, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate, Succinic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Betaine, Propanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Salicylic Acid, Polyisobutene, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Squalane, Allantoin, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Tromethamine, Adenosine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitan Oleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Monascus Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Dextrin, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Ceramide NP, Tocopherol, Phytosphingosine, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, Beta-Glucan, Momordica Charantia Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract
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
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizingg properties. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Studies show higher concentrations of this ingredient can promote wound healing.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinButylene 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 TriglycerideCeramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Corallina Officinalis Extract is from the red seaweed, Corallina Officinalis. This seaweed is found all over the world but is most common in the rocky shores of Great Britain and Ireland.
Corallina Officinalis Extract contains antioxidant and emollient properties.
Extracted polysaccharides, galactose and xylose, in red algae showed antioxidant activity. Antioxidants help with anti-aging by neutralizing free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules may damage your skin cells and DNA. Galactose is also a PHA.
Corallina Officinalis is structurally similar to coral due to its high calcium content.
Learn more about Corallina Officinalis ExtractCurcuma Longa Root Extract is from the spice, turmeric. Besides being a healthy and delicious spice, turmeric also has plenty of skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties.
Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant. Antioxidants help neutralize unstable free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules may damage your skin's cells and DNA. Curcumin may help with anti-aging.
Curcumin also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe skin and reduce irritation. On top of that, curcumin has been shown to help prevent hyperpigmentation from sun damage.
The anti-microbial property of turmeric can make it effective in treating acne. This property has also been shown to help regulate the production of sebum.
Learn more about Curcuma Longa Root ExtractDextrin is used to thicken a product and helps bind ingredients together. It is created from starch and glycogen.
As an emulsifier, dextrin prevents ingredients from separating. This helps elongate a product's shelf life.
Studies show coating UV filters with dextrin prevents these ingredients from being absorbed. This helps UV ingredients last longer on the skin.
Learn more about DextrinGlycerin 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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract is from the Neem tree. Neem trees originate from India.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
The flowers of this tree are lilac colored.
Learn more about Melia Azadirachta Flower ExtractMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is extract from the neem plant.
The leaves of this tree contain flavonoids and polyphenols. These two compounds are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Further research is needed as to their effects when applied on skin.
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract comes from the Holy Basil plant. Holy Basil is native to India.
Holy Basil is rich in antioxidants due to its high romarinic acid, ferulic acid, and rutin content. This gives it skin brightening and soothing properties.
While Holy Basil has many claims to help fight acne, more research is needed.
One thing to note is the presence of tannins; tannins are naturally found in nature. However, this compound may be skin-sensitizing.
Learn more about Ocimum Sanctum Leaf ExtractPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate is a skin conditioner with emollient and emulsifier properties.
It is an esther of stearic acid and Polyglycerin-10.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-10 StearateSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic 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 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