What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
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
EmollientDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingAesculus Hippocastanum Extract
AntioxidantPseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
HumectantPiper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPanax Ginseng Berry Extract
Skin ConditioningOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantEnantia Chlorantha Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningLupinus Albus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Leaf Extract
PerfumingCryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract
HumectantNelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract
AntimicrobialHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientSqualane
EmollientC12-16 Alcohols
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingFructose
HumectantMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentButylene Glycol
HumectantPalmitic Acid
EmollientMethylpropanediol
SolventHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialGlycosyl Trehalose
Emulsion StabilisingIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantHydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningRaffinose
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantStearic Acid
CleansingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin ConditioningEDTA
Lecithin
EmollientSucrose
HumectantBisabolol
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningInulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingCitric Acid
BufferingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantZinc PCA
HumectantTriethanolamine
BufferingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantCapryloyl Glycine
CleansingHexylene Glycol
Emulsifying3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantSarcosine
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentSaccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningOleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Elastin
EmollientDesamido Collagen
Skin ConditioningPEG-100 Stearate
Polysorbate 60
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientLinalool
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, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Aesculus Hippocastanum Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Lupinus Albus Seed Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Dimethicone, Squalane, C12-16 Alcohols, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Fructose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Butylene Glycol, Palmitic Acid, Methylpropanediol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyquaternium-51, Betaine, Alcohol, Glycosyl Trehalose, Isononyl Isononanoate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Cellulose Gum, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Beta-Glucan, Raffinose, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Stearic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Adenosine, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, EDTA, Lecithin, Sucrose, Bisabolol, Panthenol, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Folic Acid, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Citric Acid, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Zinc PCA, Triethanolamine, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Capryloyl Glycine, Hexylene Glycol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol, Sarcosine, Maltodextrin, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Oleanolic Acid, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Desamido Collagen, PEG-100 Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylyl Glycol, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Dimethicone
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPropanediol
SolventOryza Sativa Hull Powder
AbrasiveArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveSodium Hydroxide
BufferingVp/Va Copolymer
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantParfum
MaskingO-Cymen-5-Ol
AntimicrobialAsparagus Officinalis Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Isomalt
HumectantLeontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
EmollientSodium Benzoate
MaskingHydrolyzed Beta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningAlteromonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenethyl Alcohol
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeLimonene
PerfumingBuddleja Davidii Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract
MaskingDiacetyl Boldine
Skin ConditioningCalcium Gluconate
HumectantGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningRhododendron Ferrugineum Extract
MaskingNarcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract
AstringentCitric Acid
BufferingLinalool
PerfumingLecithin
EmollientVitis Vinifera Fruit Cell Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium Phosphate
BufferingWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone, Behenyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Propanediol, Oryza Sativa Hull Powder, Arachidyl Glucoside, Tocopheryl Acetate, Chlorphenesin, Mica, CI 77891, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Vp/Va Copolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Parfum, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Asparagus Officinalis Stem Extract, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Isomalt, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Algae Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Hydrolyzed Beta-Glucan, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Phenethyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Limonene, Buddleja Davidii Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract, Diacetyl Boldine, Calcium Gluconate, Gluconolactone, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Extract, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Citric Acid, Linalool, Lecithin, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Cell Extract, Disodium Phosphate
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 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 TriglycerideCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeGlycerin 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.
This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.
As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.
This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Some other names for this ingredient include soy lecithin and deoiled soy lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolParfum 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 ParfumPeg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.
PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
Potassium 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 SorbateWater. 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