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 ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Salicylic Acid
MaskingDimethicone
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialIsohexadecane
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePEG-100 Stearate
Ceteth-10 Phosphate
CleansingDicetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGlyceryl Glucoside
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAlanine
MaskingArginine
MaskingAspartic Acid
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningCysteine
AntioxidantGlucose
HumectantGlutamic Acid
HumectantGlycine
BufferingHistidine
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningLeucine
Skin ConditioningLysine
Skin ConditioningMethionine
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
MaskingPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantThreonine
Tyrosine
MaskingValine
MaskingWater, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Potassium Hydroxide, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Salicylic Acid, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Isohexadecane, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-100 Stearate, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Dicetyl Phosphate, Parfum, Chlorphenesin, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Glucoside, 1,2-Hexanediol, Alanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Cysteine, Glucose, Glutamic Acid, Glycine, Histidine, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Potassium Hyaluronate, Proline, Serine, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Threonine, Tyrosine, Valine
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
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 PowderAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer (let's call it AAVC for short) is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
AAVC is able to increase the consistency and viscosity of products due to its large molecule size. It also prevents ingredients from separating.
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 GlycolCetearyl 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 AlcoholWe don't have a description for Ceteth-10 Phosphate yet.
Chlorphenesin 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 ChlorphenesinWe don't have a description for Dicetyl Phosphate yet.
Dimethicone 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 StearateIsohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.
Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.
Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.
Learn more about IsohexadecaneIsopropyl Myristate is an emollient, thickening agent, and texture enhancer. It is created from isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid.
It is used to help other ingredients be better absorbed. It is also an emollient and may help soften and hydrate the skin.
The comedogenic rating of this ingredient depends on the concentration. Lower amounts results in a lower rating.
Isopropyl Myristate may not be fungal acne safe. It can potentially worsen acne prone skin.
Learn more about Isopropyl MyristateParfum 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 ParfumPeg-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.
Potassium hydroxide is commonly known as caustic potash. It is used to fix the pH of a product or as a cleaning agent in soap. In cleansers, it is used for the saponification of oils.
Sapnification is the process of creating fatty acid metal salts from triglycerides and a strong base. During this process, Potassium Hydroxide is used up and is not present in the final product.
Using high concentrations of Potassium Hydroxide have shown to irritate the skin.
Learn more about Potassium HydroxideTocopheryl 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