What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Bentonite
Absorbent
Methylpropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Citrus Limon Peel Oil
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Ozothamnus Diosmifolius Extract
Althaea Rosea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentPinus Densiflora Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Maranta Arundinacea Root Extract
SmoothingUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Skin Protecting
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
Masking
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Castanea Sativa Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningChrysanthemum Indicum Extract
Antioxidant
Tetrasodium EDTA
Sodium Phosphate
BufferingMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
Absorbent
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Cellulose
Absorbent
Glucose
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Fructooligosaccharides
Humectant
Fructose
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Canadian Colloidal Clay
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Montmorillonite
AbsorbentIllite
Abrasive
Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide
MaskingCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaffeine
Skin Conditioning
Limonene
Perfuming
CI 77510
Cosmetic ColorantGuaiazulene
Antimicrobial
Water, Kaolin, Bentonite, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Ozothamnus Diosmifolius Extract, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Maranta Arundinacea Root Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Castanea Sativa Bark Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Extract, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Phosphate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Caprylyl Glycol, Cellulose, Glucose, Butylene Glycol, Allantoin, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Phytate, Tocopherol, Canadian Colloidal Clay, Gluconolactone, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Montmorillonite, Illite, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Copper Tripeptide-1, Xanthan Gum, Caffeine, Limonene, CI 77510, Guaiazulene
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Calamine
AbsorbentZinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Kaolin 6%
Abrasive
Bentonite 4%
Absorbent
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil
Masking
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Masking
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
Masking
Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil
Masking
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Juniperus Mexicana Oil
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Volcanic Ash
Abrasive
Boswellia Carterii Oil
Masking
Myristica Fragrans Kernel Oil
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Camellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientTagetes Minuta Flower Oil
Masking
Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil
Masking
Epilobium Fleischeri Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract
MaskingPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Tromethamine
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Myristic Acid
Cleansing
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Arachidic Acid
Cleansing
Lauric Acid
Cleansing
Oleic Acid
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Limonene
Perfuming
Parfum
Masking
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Calamine, Zinc Oxide, Kaolin 6%, Bentonite 4%, Dipropylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Volcanic Ash, Boswellia Carterii Oil, Myristica Fragrans Kernel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Tagetes Minuta Flower Oil, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Epilobium Fleischeri Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tromethamine, Caprylyl Glycol, Cellulose Gum, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Phytate, Myristic Acid, Allantoin, Arachidic Acid, Lauric Acid, Oleic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, Maltodextrin, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Limonene, Parfum, CI 77492, CI 77491
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
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinBentonite is an aluminium phyllosilicate clay with great absorbent properties. The name 'bentonite' comes from the area where the largest source is found: Fort Benton, Wyoming.
As a clay, bentonite is often used to absorb excess oil and provide exfoliation. It has also been shown to have some antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show bentonite was effective at calming dermatitis from poison ivy and in diaper dermatitis of infants. Bentonite has also been shown to act as a barrier against toxic compounds on your skin.
Sunscreens containing bentonite display higher water resistance and stay on the skin for much longer. The sunscreens containing bentonite also show higher potency and UV light absorbtion.
Bentonite is naturally created from volcanic ash and several natural weathering/hydrothermal processes.
A common usage of bentonite is removing excess protein from white wines. Bentonite contains a property of being able to absorb large amounts of protein from aqueous solutions.
Phyllosilicate clay has a structure formed by sheets.
Learn more about BentoniteButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is the oil from the bergamot orange and is primarily used as a fragrance. It has a "fresh" and "bright orange" scent.
The main aroma compounds found in this ingredient are limonene (~27-52%), linalool (~2-22%), and linalyl acetate (~27-40%). These are known EU fragrance allergens.
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.
When used topically, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is a photosensitizer due to the furanocoumarin content. Furanocoumarins absorb UV-A and cause phytophotodermatitis; this can look like redness, blistering, and lasting brown pigmentation on sun-exposed skin.
Due to this, this ingredient is capped at 0.4% in leave-on products applied to sun exposed skin.
Many modern formulas used a "furanocoumarin-free" version that sidesteps the phototoxicity issue, but still contains the fragrance allergens.
Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit OilCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil is oil from the peel of an orange fruit.
Limonene and linalool make up the majority of oils from citrus peels. Limonene has a "citrus" fragrance. Citrus peels also contain flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Citrus peel is also a rich source of flavonoids. Flavonoids are natural antioxidants and help protect your skin against damage. Flavonoids are a group of compounds naturally found in vegetables and fruits.
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 Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel OilEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinKaolin is a clay. It is used for oil control and to help minimize pores. Like other clays, kaolin has the ability to absorb excess sebum or oil. This can help clean out pores and mattify the skin.
Some types of kaolin may have exfoliating properties. When water is added to kaolin, it becomes a paste with small abrasive particles.
Most kaolin is a white color, but may be pink/orange/red depending on where it comes from.
The name 'kaolin' comes from a Chinese village named 'Gaoling'. Kaolin clay comes from rocks rich in kaolinite. Kaolinite, the mineral, has a silicate layered structure. Kaolinite is formed from chemical weathering of aluminum siilicate minerals.
Besides skincare, kaolin is commonly used to make glossy paper, in ceramics, toothpaste, and as medicine to soothe stomach issues.
Learn more about KaolinLimonene 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 LimoneneSodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water. This helps stabilize the ingredients and the product.
Tocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
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. Remember to 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
