What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingLactic Acid
BufferingGlycerin
HumectantPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantIsohexadecane
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
PEG-100 Stearate
Ceteth-10 Phosphate
CleansingDicetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBHT
AntioxidantOryza Sativa Bran Oil
EmollientTocotrienols
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientCeteareth-25
Cleansing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantBehenic Acid
CleansingCaprooyl Phytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCaprooyl Sphingosine
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Eos
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Oleate
EmollientLecithin
EmollientWater, Niacinamide, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Isopropyl Myristate, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Isohexadecane, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, PEG-100 Stearate, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Dicetyl Phosphate, Chlorphenesin, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Parfum, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Panthenol, BHT, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Tocotrienols, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Ceteareth-25, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetyl Alcohol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Behenic Acid, Caprooyl Phytosphingosine, Caprooyl Sphingosine, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide Eos, Ceramide NP, Ceramide Ns, Cholesterol, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Oleate, Lecithin
Water
Skin ConditioningIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Butylene Glycol
HumectantBifida Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Glucoside
HumectantPropanediol
SolventPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientXylitylglucoside
HumectantLecithin
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientSqualane
EmollientAnhydroxylitol
HumectantPEG-100 Stearate
Octyldodecanol
EmollientChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialXylitol
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBHT
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantSorbitol
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Dioleate
EmulsifyingLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCholesterol
EmollientPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningDiatomaceous Earth
AbrasiveCeramide Ag
HumectantCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPolymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningWater, Isononyl Isononanoate, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Bifida Ferment Filtrate, Betaine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Glucoside, Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Stearate, Xylitylglucoside, Lecithin, Dimethicone, Squalane, Anhydroxylitol, PEG-100 Stearate, Octyldodecanol, Chlorphenesin, Xylitol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, BHT, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glucose, Sorbitol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ceramide NP, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Phospholipids, Diatomaceous Earth, Ceramide Ag, Ceramide AP, Ceramide Ng, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice, Maltodextrin, Ceramide EOP, Lactobacillus
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder comes from the aloe plant.
You may know Aloe to be a good sunburn reliever and inflammation reducer. This is because it contains many components that are known to help reduce irritation and itchiness.
Aloe leaves are also great moisturizers. They are naturally rich in polysaccharides, a carbohydrate made of sugars. Polysaccharides are able to mimic the carbs found in the top layer of your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
Aloe contains the antioxidants Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins neutralize free radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Aloe does not protect against UV rays, despite it soothing sunburns.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice PowderBHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTButylene 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 GlycolCeramide AP is a type of Ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.
They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide NP
Ceramide EOP
Ceramide EOP is a type of Ceramide.
EOP stands for a linked Ester fatty acid, a linked Omega hydroxy fatty acid, and the Phytosphingosine base.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin. They bind dead skin cells together to create a barrier. The ceramides in our skin have the ability to hold water to keep our skin hydrated.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A strong skin barrier helps with:
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Learn more about Ceramide EOPCeramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinCholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolDimethicone 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 EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.
This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.
As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.
This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Some other names for this ingredient include soy lecithin and deoiled soy lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePeg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.
PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Tocopheryl 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 AcetateWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum