What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Hybrid Oil
EmollientPolybutene
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Corylus Avellana Seed Oil
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientSodium Saccharin
MaskingDiethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantJasminum Officinale Flower Extract
MaskingPaeonia Officinalis Flower Extract
TonicPrunus Serrulata Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract
RefreshingLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingRosa Damascena Flower Oil
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSambucus Nigra Flower Extract
RefreshingCitrus Aurantifolia Oil
CleansingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientCymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil
MaskingPrunus Cerasus Fruit Extract
AntioxidantMangifera Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLitchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract
Skin ConditioningAverrhoa Carambola Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPunica Granatum Bark Extract
MaskingLycium Chinense Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Alba Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCucurbita Pepo Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialVanilla Planifolia Seed Powder
AbrasiveRubus Villosus Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningAroma
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCI 77120
Cosmetic ColorantRosin
CI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Polyisobutene, Helianthus Annuus Hybrid Oil, Polybutene, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Corylus Avellana Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Sodium Saccharin, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Glycine Soja Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Paeonia Officinalis Flower Extract, Prunus Serrulata Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil, Prunus Cerasus Fruit Extract, Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract, Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract, Averrhoa Carambola Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Bark Extract, Lycium Chinense Leaf Extract, Brassica Alba Seed Extract, Cucurbita Pepo Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Seed Powder, Rubus Villosus Leaf Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Glycerin, Water, Aroma, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Aluminum Hydroxide, CI 77120, Rosin, CI 15850, CI 42090, CI 19140
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPolybutene
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Corylus Avellana Seed Oil
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDiethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingAroma
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Saccharin
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientCitrus Aurantifolia Oil
CleansingCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract
RefreshingJasminum Officinale Flower Extract
MaskingSambucus Nigra Flower Extract
RefreshingLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingPrunus Serrulata Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Officinalis Flower Extract
TonicTocopherol
AntioxidantRosa Damascena Flower Oil
MaskingCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Polyisobutene, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Polybutene, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Corylus Avellana Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Phenoxyethanol, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Aroma, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sodium Saccharin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycine Soja Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Prunus Serrulata Flower Extract, Paeonia Officinalis Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, CI 15850, CI 19140, CI 42090
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aroma refers to an ingredient, or mixture of ingredients, that impart or mask a flavor.
The name is slightly confusing. This is because INCI associates aroma with flavor instead of smell.
Here is the official definition from the The International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook:
“Aroma is a term for ingredient labeling used to identify that a product contains a material or combination of materials normally added to a cosmetic to produce or to mask a particular flavor.”
INCI shows the only purpose of aroma to be "flavouring".
However, due to regulation differences, some companies may use aroma in place of parfum.
In Canada, this ingredient only has to be listed in concentrations above 1%.
Learn more about AromaThis ingredient is lipid-based synthetic skin-conditioning agent derived from adipic acid and a mixture of fatty acids. It is often called a lanolin substitute.
As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate the skin. Emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in.
Due to its fatty acid base, it may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2This ingredient is a high-molecular weight synthetic polymer. It is used to modify the viscosity of a formula, improve slip, and create a more "cushiony" texture.
Due to its large molecular size, this ingredient is not absorbed into the skin.
This 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 TriglycerideCi 15850 is the pigment color red. It is an azo dye and created synthetically.
Azo dyes need to be thoroughly purified before use. This allows them to be more stable and longer-lasting.
This ingredient is common in foundations, lipsticks, and blushes. This color is described as brown/orangey red.
It has many secondary names such as Red 6 and Red 7. According to a manufacturer, Red 6 usually contains aluminum.
Learn more about CI 15850CI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140Ci 42090 is a synthetic dye created from petroleum. It is used to give a bright blue color to cosmetics, medicine, and food.
This ingredient is also known as lime essential oil or key lime essential oil.
Like other citrus extracts and oils, this ingredient contains furanocoumarins that can cause phototoxicity.
This ingredient is known as bitter orange blossom or neroli flower extract. It is mainly used for its soft floral scent.
The flowers naturally contain plant antioxidants and soothing compounds that have shown calming, antioxidant, and mild brightening-related effects in lab studies.
It is generally considered low risk when used at the small amounts typical in cosmetics. However, it may still bother fragrance-sensitive skin because it’s a fragrant botanical.
Unlike some citrus peel oils, bitter orange flower extracts are not usually linked to sun sensitivity.
Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower ExtractThis ingredient is also called hazelnut oil. It is rich in fatty acids and has emollient properties.
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate (DESM) is a photostabilizer, antioxidant, and SPF booster.
One of DESM's main roles is stabilizing UV filters, especially avobenzone. Avobenzone is notoriously unstable when exposed to sunlight. By enhancing the stability of these filters, DESM helps maintain the sunscreen's effectivess through wear. It also helps improve protection against long-wave UVA rays by increasing the wavelength of the formula.
Besides enhancing UVA protection, DESM can boost the SPF of high-SPF formulations by up to 5 units.
DESM also preserves the color integrity of cosmetic products and helps reduce the chance of yellowing of fading due to light exposure.
This ingredient is typically found in concentrations between 0.3% - 0.5%. There are currently no maximum usage limits by regulatory bodies.
Though this ingredient is a chemical UV filter, it can often be found in "100% mineral" sunscreens. This is due to regulatory loopholes.
Learn more about Diethylhexyl SyringylidenemalonateThis is a synthetic polymer used to thicken formulas, improve texture, and enhance spreadability.
Due to its large molecule size, this ingredient does not penetrate the skin and is considered well-tolerated.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycine Soja Oil comes from the soybean. Glycine Soja is native to eastern Asia.
Soybean oil is an emollient. It is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids including palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids.
As an emollient, the fatty acids in soybean oil helps keep your skin soft and hydrated. It does so by creating a film on top that traps moisture in.
Soybean oil is also rich in vitamin E, a potent antioxidant. Vitamin E is also anti-inflammatory and provides a soothing effect.
Studies show soy may help fade hyperpigmentation from UVB. It does so by disrupting the melanin process from UVB induced skin inflammation.
This ingredient may not be malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne, safe.
Soybeans are rich in proteins and are part of the legume family. Foods made with soybeans include tofu, soymilk, edamame, miso, and soy sauce.
Learn more about Glycine Soja OilHelianthus 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 OilHydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneJasmine flower extract is a fragrance. The flower also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
The antioxidant activity in Jasmine comes from flavonoids - a compound found in many plants. While antioxidants are great - Jasmine flowers also contain coumarin, a known EU allergen.
This ingredient can also help mask unpleasant scents from other ingredients.
Learn more about Jasminum Officinale Flower ExtractLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract comes from the lavender plant.
Many components of lavender flowers are antioxidants, such as ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and several flavonoids.
Traditional Iranian folk medicine uses Lavender extract to help treat inflammation.
Lavender extract may have a scent.
It contains linalool, a known allergen. However, lavender extract contains less linalool than lavender essential oil.
Learn more about Lavandula Angustifolia Flower ExtractThis ingredient is derived from the Peony flower's petals.
Chemically, it contains a mix of antioxidant compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. These compounds are known to neutralize free radicals and soothe inflammatory signaling in skin cells.
In lab studies, peony flower extracts show antioxidant activity and can reduce stress response in keratinocytes, the main skin cell found in the epidermis.
Learn more about Paeonia Officinalis Flower ExtractPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.
It is used to help stabilize other antioxidants or prevent the color from changing in a product.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Thus, antioxidants may reduce the signs of aging.
This ingredient is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamatePentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate is derived from isostearic acid. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
The highest concentration of this ingredient is found in lipsticks.
This ingredient is minimally water soluble and may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl TetraisostearatePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Polybutene is used to help control the viscosity of a product. This just means it helps adjusts the texture.
It is a polymer and does not get absorbed into the skin due to its large size.
Studies found this ingredient did not irritate skin in concentrations below 15%.
Learn more about PolybuteneThis ingredient comes from the flowers of the cherry blossom tree native to Japan, Korea, China, and Vietnam.
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil is an essential oil made from the Damask Rose. It is often used as a fragrance in cosmetics.
Rose Oil has antibacterial and antioxidant properties due to its terpene, glycoside, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and Vitamin C content.
Other major parts of Rose Oil include citronellol and geraniol. Both of these are known EU allergens and cause contact-allergies.
The downsides of this ingredient outweight the positives.
Learn more about Rosa Damascena Flower OilSambucus Nigra Flower Extract comes from the European Elder Tree. It's a polyphenol-rich extract that give it antioxidant, skin soothing, and tonic properties.
In-vitro studies show elder extracts can inhibit collagenase (or the enzyme that degrades collagen), including the ones triggered by UV damage from the sun.
This ingredient is generally well-tolerated unless you have a known elder or Adoxaceae allergy.
Learn more about Sambucus Nigra Flower ExtractJojoba oil is one of the most well-studied plant-derived ingredients in cosmetics. It is an emollient with a special structure.
Because it is made up of 97-98% wax esters, it closely mirrors the linear monoesters found in human sebum. This makes it skin compatible, non-greasy, and lightweight.
Unlike other plant oils, jojoba wax doesn't easily penetrate skin. It mostly works in the uppermost layers as an emollient. This just means it forms a light barrier on the skin to help retain moisture.
Formulations with jojoba esters up to 90% reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and increased barrier recovery by 81% (outperforming bisabolol at 47%).
Besides barrier support, the science also suggests jojoba to have anti-inflammatory effects and potential applications for skin infections, aging, and wound healing.
Fun fact: Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns for centuries.
Due to its fatty acid content, Jojoba oil may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilWe don't have a description for Sodium Saccharin yet.
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 TocopherolTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate