What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
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
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDimethicone
EmollientDimethiconol
EmollientDisiloxane
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingCoumarin
PerfumingCamellia Seed Oil
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningBorago Officinalis Seed Oil
EmollientZea Mays Oil
EmulsifyingBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantTocopherol
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Disiloxane, Parfum, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Linalool, Citronellol, Coumarin, Camellia Seed Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Zea Mays Oil, Beta-Carotene, Water, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
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
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 OilButylene 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 GlycolCitronellol 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 CitronellolCoumarins are a group of substances found naturally in plants. There are over 1300 types of coumarins identified. It has a natural vanilla scent.
Coumarin is an identified EU known allergy, meaning it may cause an allergic reaction when applied to the skin.
In many countries, coumarin is banned as a food additive. However, it can be found in soaps, tobacco products, and some alcohol drinks.
Plants use coumarins as a chemical defense. Some plants that have coumarins include lavender, tonka beans, and yellow clovers.
Learn more about CoumarinCyclopentasiloxane, 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. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeHydrolyzed Keratin is derived from keratin. Keratin is a large protein that is naturally found in our hair and skin.
Studies show keratin is able to seal broken hair cuticles, helping to prevent split ends and breakage.
As a humectant, hydrolyzed keratin helps draw moisture from the air to your hair and skin. This helps keep your skin and hair hydrated.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed KeratinYou can find hydrolyzed silk in both haircare and skincare products. According to a manufacturer, it can help improve skin and hair hydration.
This ingredient is created by adding acid or enzymes to 'hydrolyze' silk protein.
Due to the origins of this ingredient, it is not vegan. Silk is an animal product from silkworms.
Depending on the source, this ingredient can be considered cruelty-free. It is created from left-over cocoons of silkworms. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about where their hydrolyzed silk comes from.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed SilkLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is 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 2-3 on the comedogenic scale, it is a moderate risk for acne-prone skin. However, 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 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water