What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTapioca Starch
Stearyl Alcohol
EmollientMagnesium Hydroxide
AbsorbentButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingNiacinamide
SmoothingHydrogenated Castor Oil
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientTriethyl Citrate
MaskingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientParfum
MaskingPolyglyceryl-3 Stearate
EmulsifyingZinc Ricinoleate
Water
Skin ConditioningXylityl Sesquicaprylate
AntimicrobialDisodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphates
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantSclareolide
MaskingTerminalia Ferdinandiana Seed Oil
AntioxidantLactobacillus/Papaya Fruit Ferment Extract
AbrasiveAnhydroxylitol
HumectantRibes Nigrum Seed Oil
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecyl Oleate
EmollientAnanas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCarica Papaya Seed Oil
HumectantPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingBenzoic Acid
MaskingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tapioca Starch, Stearyl Alcohol, Magnesium Hydroxide, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Niacinamide, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Triethyl Citrate, Behenyl Alcohol, Parfum, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Zinc Ricinoleate, Water, Xylityl Sesquicaprylate, Disodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphates, Tocopherol, Sclareolide, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Seed Oil, Lactobacillus/Papaya Fruit Ferment Extract, Anhydroxylitol, Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Lactobacillus Ferment, Octyldodecyl Oleate, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Carica Papaya Seed Oil, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Limonene, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningTapioca Starch
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingIsoamyl Laurate
EmollientLactic Acid
BufferingTriethyl Citrate
MaskingSaccharomyces Ferment
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPropanediol
SolventBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientMandelic Acid
AntimicrobialCetearyl Olivate
Glyceryl Stearate
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingHydrated Silica
AbrasiveSodium Hydroxide
BufferingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasiveSodium Benzoate
MaskingXylityl Sesquicaprylate
AntimicrobialPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeEucalyptus Radiata Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientAnhydroxylitol
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningEucalyptol
PerfumingMenthol
MaskingMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingMenthone
PerfumingIsomenthone
PerfumingNiacinamide
SmoothingSqualane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientLimonene
PerfumingWater, Tapioca Starch, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isoamyl Laurate, Lactic Acid, Triethyl Citrate, Saccharomyces Ferment, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, Mandelic Acid, Cetearyl Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydrated Silica, Sodium Hydroxide, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Hydroxyacetophenone, Xanthan Gum, Silica, Sodium Benzoate, Xylityl Sesquicaprylate, Potassium Sorbate, Eucalyptus Radiata Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Anhydroxylitol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Eucalyptol, Menthol, Mentha Piperita Oil, Menthone, Isomenthone, Niacinamide, Squalane, Glycerin, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Limonene
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is created from dehydrating xylitol in acidic conditions. Xylitol is a famous sugar and humectant.
Much like its predecessor, anhydroxylitol is a humectant. Humectants attract and hold water to moisturize the skin.
This ingredient is most commonly found in a popular trio called Aquaxyl. Aquaxyl is made up of anhydroxylitol (24 - 34%), xylitylglucoside (35 - 50%), and xylitol (5 - 15%).
According to a manufacturer, Aquaxyl is known for a 3-D hydration concept and an anti-dehydration shield to reinforce the outer layer of skin.
This ingredient is often derived from plants such as wood and sugarcane.
Learn more about AnhydroxylitolBehenyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol (these are different from the drying, solvent alcohols).
Fatty Alcohols have hydrating properties and are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils; behenyl alcohol is derived from the fats of vegetable oils.
Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.
In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.
Learn more about Behenyl AlcoholThis ingredient is a lightweight 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. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilLimonene 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 LimoneneNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideTapioca starch is a thickening agent and is made from the cassava root, also known as yucca.
According to a manufacturer, it is an excellent talc replacement.
It is gluten-free.
Learn more about Tapioca StarchTocopherol 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 TocopherolTriethyl Citrate comes from citric acid. It has masking, perfuming, and solvent properties. As a solvent, this ingredient helps disperse ingredients evenly in skincare.
One manufacturer claims this ingredient can:
According to perfume manufacturers, this ingredient is almost odorless but has a mild fruity, wine and plum scent. It can be used to mask the scent of other ingredients.
This ingredient can be plant-sourced or synthetic; it can naturally be found in cabbage and white wine.
Learn more about Triethyl CitrateWater. 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 WaterXylityl Sesquicaprylate is used for its gentle antimicrobial properties. It also helps moisturize the skin as a humectant.
One part of Xylityl Sesquicaprylate is mono and diesters of caprylic acid. Caprylic Acid is a fatty acid. The other part is hexitol anhydrides derived from xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sugar found in fruits and vegetables.
As a humectant, Xylityl Sesquicaprylate helps attract water to your skin. This helps with increasing hydration for your skin.
Learn more about Xylityl Sesquicaprylate