What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingOctocrylene
UV AbsorberMethylpropanediol
SolventPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningRosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Triceteareth-4 Phosphate
EmulsifyingGlycol Stearate
EmollientPEG-2 Stearate
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasivePotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingStearic Acid
CleansingTromethamine
BufferingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientAcrylates Copolymer
Squalane
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Polysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantSoluble Proteoglycan
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialLimonene
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingEugenol
PerfumingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, CI 77891, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Octocrylene, Methylpropanediol, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Triceteareth-4 Phosphate, Glycol Stearate, PEG-2 Stearate, Silica, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Stearic Acid, Tromethamine, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Acrylates Copolymer, Squalane, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tocopherol, Soluble Proteoglycan, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Parfum, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal, Eugenol, CI 77492, CI 77491
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveHamamelis Virginiana Leaf Water
AstringentTocopherol
AntioxidantPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Water Hyacinth Ferment
Skin ProtectingPrunus Persica Leaf Extract
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantMannitol
HumectantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantCaffeic Acid
AntioxidantUbiquinone
AntioxidantLecithin
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Millet
Skin ConditioningZinc Dna
Skin ConditioningDna
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientDextrin
AbsorbentDipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningCholesteryl Hexyl Dicarbamate Pullulan
Copper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningCalcium Pantetheine Sulfonate
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientPolyacrylate-13
Aluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPolyisobutene
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningAlumina
AbrasiveStearic Acid
CleansingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientMethoxy PEG-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone
BufferingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylic Acid
Emulsion StabilisingAlcohol
AntimicrobialSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Titanium Dioxide, Dimethicone, Trisiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Silica, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Water, Tocopherol, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Lactobacillus/Water Hyacinth Ferment, Prunus Persica Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Mannitol, Ascorbic Acid, Caffeic Acid, Ubiquinone, Lecithin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Beta-Carotene, Hydrolyzed Millet, Zinc Dna, Dna, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Hydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract, Cholesterol, Dextrin, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Cholesteryl Hexyl Dicarbamate Pullulan, Copper Tripeptide-1, Calcium Pantetheine Sulfonate, Acrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Cyclohexasiloxane, Polyacrylate-13, Aluminum Stearate, Polyisobutene, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Alumina, Stearic Acid, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Xanthan Gum, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Methoxy PEG-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone, Pentylene Glycol, Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Polyacrylic Acid, Alcohol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium EDTA, CI 77891, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
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 GlycolCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Ci 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 77891Cyclohexasiloxane is a type of silicone more commonly known as D6. It is an emollient and solvent.
Cyclohexasiloxane is used to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. When applied to the skin, Cyclohexasiloxane evaporates and leaves behind a silky feel.
As an emollient, it can help the skin feel soft and hydrated. It is also used to reduce frizz in hair products.
Learn more about CyclohexasiloxaneCyclopentasiloxane, 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 CyclopentasiloxaneDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
DHHB is well-liked for:
DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.
This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateEthylhexylglycerin (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 is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.
It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.
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 GlycolSilica, 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 SilicaSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.
Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateStearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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