What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Silica
Abrasive
Kaolin
Abrasive
Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides
Emollient
C9-12 Alkane
SolventTribehenin
Emollient
Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Vp/Eicosene Copolymer
Glyceryl Rosinate
Perfuming
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Sr-Hydrozoan Polypeptide-1
Humectant
Ganoderma Lucidum Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningTremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Antioxidant
Euphorbia Cerifera Cera
Astringent
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingWater
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantButyrospermum Parkii Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Silica, Kaolin, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, C9-12 Alkane, Tribehenin, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Octyldodecanol, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Glyceryl Rosinate, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Sr-Hydrozoan Polypeptide-1, Ganoderma Lucidum Stem Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Water, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, CI 77891, CI 15850, CI 19140
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Silica
Abrasive
C13-15 Alkane
SolventOctyldodecanol
Emollient
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Copernicia Cerifera Wax
Glyceryl Hydrogenated Rosinate
Squalane
Emollient
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tourmaline
Quartz
Abrasive
Rose Extract
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Masking
Coffea Arabica Leaf/Seed Extract
MaskingJasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract
Masking
Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract
Masking
Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCananga Odorata Flower Extract
Perfuming
Cucumis Melo Cantalupensis Fruit Extract
AstringentEugenia Caryophyllus Bud Extract
Perfuming
Orchis Mascula Flower Extract
SoothingAmyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Cinnamyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Eugenol
Perfuming
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Silica, C13-15 Alkane, Octyldodecanol, Mica, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Glyceryl Hydrogenated Rosinate, Squalane, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Tourmaline, Quartz, Rose Extract, Kaolin, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycine Soja Oil, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Coffea Arabica Leaf/Seed Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract, Cananga Odorata Flower Extract, Cucumis Melo Cantalupensis Fruit Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus Bud Extract, Orchis Mascula Flower Extract, Amyl Cinnamal, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Eugenol, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool, CI 77891, Iron Oxides
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is a fat-soluble form of vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) made by combining it with palmitic acid.
It is able to blend easily into creams and oil-based formulas because it dissolves in oils rather than water.
As you may know, regular vitamin C is notorious for breaking down when exposed to sunlight and air. Ascorbyl Palmitate is more stable and degrades at a slower rate.
Research on whether it converts efficiently into active vitamin C once it's applied on your skin is still limited.
Some in-vitro studies suggest it may support collagen production, but it is not considered one of the stronger vitamin C derivatives, like:
Due to the palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Comedogenic studies have also shown this ingredient to have a rating of 2.
It's also worth keeping in mind that comedogenic and irritancy ratings are tested on individual ingredients, not finished formulas. The final product's formulation, concentration, and other ingredients all play a role in how something actually behaves on your skin.
Learn more about Ascorbyl PalmitateCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that 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. Just 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.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl 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 GlycolCi 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Kaolin 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 KaolinOctyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaTocopherol 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 Tocopherol
