What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethiconol
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingSclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
HumectantCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGeraniol
PerfumingCapsicum Annuum Extract
MaskingBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Parfum, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Limonene, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Linalool, Citronellol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Geraniol, Capsicum Annuum Extract, Beta-Carotene, Tocopherol, Glycolipids
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialDimethicone
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil
Skin ProtectingCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientPyrus Malus Seed Oil
EmollientMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingPrunus Avium Seed Oil
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantTerminalia Chebula Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningVigna Radiata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCorchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingLycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
AstringentHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein Extract
Skin ConditioningMilk Protein
Skin ConditioningMalus Domestica Fruit Extract
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningWhey Protein
Skin ConditioningSilkworm Cocoon Extract
HumectantMilk Protein Extract
Hydrolyzed Silk
HumectantHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientHydrolyzed Elastin
EmollientHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAvena Sativa Protein Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Protein
AntioxidantPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Lupine Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Oat Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Pea Protein
EmollientHydrolyzed Sesame Protein
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantAsparagine
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein
Skin ConditioningLeucine
Skin ConditioningAspartic Acid
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingGlutamine
Skin ConditioningElastin Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningAlanine
MaskingArginine
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingPhenylalanine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Silk Amino Acids
HumectantSilk Powder
Skin ConditioningKeratin Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningCysteine
AntioxidantHistidine
HumectantMethionine
Skin ConditioningTryptophan
MaskingOrnithine
Skin ConditioningCarnitine
CleansingCholesterol
EmollientAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingAmyl Cinnamal
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingCoumarin
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingParfum
MaskingCyclopentasiloxane, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Trisiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Water, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Pyrus Malus Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Prunus Avium Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopherol, Terminalia Chebula Fruit Extract, Vigna Radiata Seed Extract, Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Extract, Milk Protein, Malus Domestica Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Whey Protein, Silkworm Cocoon Extract, Milk Protein Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Glycine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Avena Sativa Protein Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Protein, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Protein, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Hydrolyzed Sesame Protein, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Asparagine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein, Leucine, Aspartic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glutamine, Elastin Amino Acids, Alanine, Arginine, Lysine, Valine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Threonine, Silk Amino Acids, Silk Powder, Keratin Amino Acids, Biotin, Isoleucine, Cysteine, Histidine, Methionine, Tryptophan, Ornithine, Carnitine, Cholesterol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Amyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Coumarin, Limonene, Geraniol, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Parfum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
You may know this ingredient as argan oil. It has emollient and skin conditioning properties that help soften skin and reinforce the lipid barrier.
The fatty acid profile of argan oil is roughly 45-55% oleic acid, 28-36% linoleic acid, 10-15% palmitic acid, and 5-7% stearic acid. It also contains vitamin E, sterols, squalene, and polyphenols like ferulic acid.
Two clinical studies in postmenopausal women found that applying argan oil for 60 days significantly improved skin elasticity and moisturization (reduced transepidermal water loss and increased epidermal water content).
Since it is high in oleic and linoleic acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Both of these fall in the C11-C24 range that Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Argania Spinosa Kernel OilThis ingredient is also known as Tsubaki oil, or the fixed oil from the seeds of the Japanese camellia.
It's basically a fatty acid delivery system (~75-85% oleic acid) plus some minor extras like squalene, tocopherols, and phytosterols.
That profile makes it a classic emollient; it works by hanging out with the skin's surface lipids, softens, and slows down water loss.
The most cited study on it was done on skin cells in a dish where this oil got them to make more of the building blocks for collagen while also slowing down the enzyme that breaks collagen down. Researchers tested this on human skin too; it didn't cause irritation and helped skin hold onto moisture better.
Another study done on cells and mice found this oil quieted down some of the body's inflammation signals.
These studies are still small, early, and not done on humans, so it's best to think of this ingredient as a great supporting ingredient for the rest of your routine and not the main active.
Concentrations can range from 1-5% in serums to 100% as a single face oil (how it's most traditionally used).
Because this ingredient is a triglyceride of long-chain fatty acids, this ingredient may not be Malassezia safe.
Allergies to this protein are quite rare as the refined seed oil contains very little residual protein. Human irritation testing also came back clean. But it is a plant and as with any botanical ingredient, contact allergy is possible.
Learn more about Camellia Japonica Seed OilCaprylic/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 TriglycerideCitronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolThis ingredient is also known as coconut oil. It is a plant-derived ingredient with skin conditioning properties.
The fatty acid profile of coconut oil is mostly lauric acid (~54%), followed by capric, caprylic, palmitic, and myristic acids. This profile allows it to penetrate easily into skin, moisturize, and improve dry skin.
A double-blind study confirmed that extra virgin coconut oil is as effective as mineral oil for treating very dry skin. Another study found it outperformed mineral oil for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children.
Another study from 2018 found that virgin coconut oil can soothe inflammation and boost key skin barrier proteins. Just know this evidence is still only from lab settings and not human trials.
It has also been shown to reduce Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that commonly overgrows in people with eczema.
Clinical testing shows very minimal skin irritation and no evidence of sensitization or phototoxicity.
Coconut oil gets flagged as a "fragrance" because it has a natural mild scent (not because it's a synthetic perfume). The European Cosmetic ingredient database also lists "perfuming" as a function of this ingredient.
Just so you know, the term "fragrance" is completely unregulated. Some brands still use botanical extracts or essential oils in their "fragrance-free" formulas, but regulatory databases technically classify these under "fragrance".
Coconut oil has a tiny and useless bit of natural SPF. Early lab studies clocked it around SPF 7-8 but a more recent study found the real number closer to SPF 1.2. It also offers no meaningful UVA protection (SPF only overs UVB rays).
The comedogenic rating of 4/5 means it has a high potential to clog pores; but it's worth noting that comedogenicity is highly individual and ratings cannot predict how an overall formula will behave on skin.
Since lauric acid is the dominant fatty acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast feeds on fatty acids with carbon chain lengths between 11-24, and lauric acid falls within these lengths (C12).
Learn more about Cocos Nucifera OilCyclopentasiloxane (D5) is a lightweight silicone that mostly acts as an emollient and solvent in cosmetics. Its the reason your products feel silky, fast-spreading, and non-greasy.
Since D5 is volatile, it does its thing and then evaporates off the skin quickly.
The safety profile of this ingredient is reassuring; the US CIR Expert Panel concluded D5 is safe as used in cosmetics and Health Canada concluded that D5 is not harmful to human health or the environment as currently used in cosmetics
There's a study that people mention about D5 in a rat study showing tumors. This study is related to long-term inhalation of high D5 levels.
Regulatory bodies have judged this study to be not applicable in topical skincare since skin absorption of D5 is very low and we're not really inhaling huge amounts of D5.
The only restriction for this ingredient is environmental. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) restricted D5 in wash-off cosmetics at or above 0.1% due to their persistence in water.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolLimonene is the compound that gives citrus peel its smell.
In skincare, it shows up as a standalone fragrance ingredient or as a natural compound of citrus and other essential oils.
You'll typically see this ingredient used in very small amounts; anything above 0.001% in a leave-on product or 0.01% in a rinse-off has to be named on the label in the EU. The citrus oils that carry it sit around 0.5-1% in a finished formula.
Fresh limonene is a weak allergen; the real issue is that it slowly reacts with air and then breaks down from oxidation to create hydroperoxides (which are strong sensitizers). This is why suppliers are required to keep the peroxide value below 20 mmol.
Positive reactions in people being investigated for eczema vary:
It's worth skipping if you have a known fragrance allergy or a compromised barrier, but the risk is low for most people.
Older or long-opened products are also more likely to bother you than fresh ones due to oxidation.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a small, naturally occurring scent molecule found in plants like lavender, coriander, bergamot, and more.
It is one of the two most-used fragrance ingredients in cosmetics and added purely for smell. Since it's not used for a skin benefit, there's no "effective dose". Concentration depends on the fragrance load of the product.
The EU requires it to be named on the label above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products.
Fresh linalool is a weak sensitizer but air exposure turns some of it into hydroperoxides, which are strong sensitizers. Those oxidation products are the actual allergy concern.
Patch-test clinics see positive reactions to linalool hydroperoxides in about 4% to 12% of dermatitis patients depending on country and test concentration.
Resassuringly, one analytical study found hydroperoxide levels in real fragranced products to be orders of magnitude below what induced sensitization in animal studies with no evidence of oxidation building up during normal storage.
The practical takeaway is that linalool is fine for most people but worth avoiding if you have a confirmed fragrance contact allergy or a badly compromised barrier.
Products stored a long time after opening are also the high-risk scenario since that is when oxidation happens.
The scent of linalool is described as floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolThis ingredient is also known as olive oil. It has been used in skincare for centuries and science largely backs up its reputation as a nourishing emollient.
The main components of olive oil are oleic acid (55-83%), linoleic acid (3.5-20%), and palmitic acid (7-20%). Oleic acid promotes skin regeneration and helps regulate inflammatory responses.
Squalene is also naturally present in olive oil and exhibits moisturizing and antioxidant properties.
The polyphenols in olive oil also show anti-aging promise; one clinical study found a measurable improvement in skin appearance after 30 days of topical serum use.
Just be aware that applying olive oil directly to skin can weaken the barrier and cause redness. One study with volunteers found even people without sensitive skin experienced a significant reduction in stratum corneum integrity and induced mild erythema.
It's best to use this ingredient as part of a carefully crafted formula (instead of putting it on skin directly from the bottle).
Because it has a 0-2 on the comedogenic scale, it is low risk for acne-prone skin. Just remember the overall formulation of a product matters more than a few ingredients with comedogenic ratings.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because of the oleic and palmitic acid content. These fall within the C11-24 fatty acid range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize to grow.
Overall, olive oil is a well-studied and nourishing skincare ingredient.
Learn more about Olea Europaea Fruit OilParfum 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 ParfumTocopherol 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