What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberOctocrylene
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberHelichrysum Arenarium Extract
AntiseborrhoeicMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveAlthaea Rosea Root Extract
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantNylon-12
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningLimonia Acidissima Extract
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBHT
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Hydroxide
BufferingRosa Davurica Bud Extract
AntioxidantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningChrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract
AstringentAbronia Villosa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientCinchona Succirubra Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Mume Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientSalvia Officinalis Water
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Water
MaskingPelargonium Graveolens Flower Water
AstringentAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialRhodiola Rosea Root Extract
EmollientMorus Alba Fruit Extract
AntioxidantDiospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantCinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
MaskingArtemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMethoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingBis-PEG/PPG-20/5 PEG/PPG-20/5 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantWater, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Helichrysum Arenarium Extract, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Silica, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Nylon-12, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Limonia Acidissima Extract, Dimethicone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Rosa Davurica Bud Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Pentylene Glycol, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract, Abronia Villosa Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Cinchona Succirubra Bark Extract, Prunus Mume Flower Extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, Salvia Officinalis Water, Calendula Officinalis Flower Water, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Water, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Methoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone, Bis-PEG/PPG-20/5 PEG/PPG-20/5 Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Methicone, Betaine
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Tocopherol
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningBambusa Vulgaris Water
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPersea Gratissima Butter
Skin ConditioningEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Extract
CleansingNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Cetearyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
PEG-8
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Polyethylene
AbrasiveCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic ColorantMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCalophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil
AntimicrobialCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialAlumina
AbrasiveDipropylene Glycol
HumectantDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingAcrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCereus Grandiflorus Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingPEG-8 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingMethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantAdansonia Digitata Fruit Extract
EmollientTriethylhexanoin
MaskingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingDimethicone
EmollientOxygen
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningBoron Nitride
AbsorbentHamamelis Virginiana Extract
AntiseborrhoeicButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingPEG-32
HumectantEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
PerfumingXylitol
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCI 77891, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Water, Persea Gratissima Oil, Bambusa Vulgaris Water, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Persea Gratissima Butter, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Pentylene Glycol, Mentha Piperita Extract, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Magnesium Sulfate, Cetearyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Silica, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, PEG-8, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, CI 77491, CI 77492, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polyethylene, CI 77499, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Mica, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil, Cyclohexasiloxane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Alumina, Dipropylene Glycol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Cereus Grandiflorus Flower Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, PEG-8 Dimethicone, Methicone, Glycerin, Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract, Triethylhexanoin, Caprylyl Methicone, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Oxygen, Adenosine, Boron Nitride, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Stearic Acid, PEG-32, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Xylitol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Microcrystalline Wax, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
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.
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 preservatives
Butylene 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 GlycolThis ingredient is an 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.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl Methicone is a type of silicone.
It helps soften and soothe the skin by creating a thin film on top. This film helps trap moisture, keeping your skin hydrated.
Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateEthylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.
The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.
According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylateEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinThis ingredient comes as a powder made up of small, porous, microbeads. It is used to add a silky feel to products and also helps absorb oil.
Parfum 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 ParfumPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
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 SilicaWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water