What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientDimethiconol
EmollientTriethylhexanoin
MaskingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientGamma-Docosalactone
Skin ConditioningMeadowfoam Delta-Lactone
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningIsostearoyl Hydrolyzed Keratin
CleansingPolyquaternium-64
Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil
EmollientRosa Centifolia Flower Oil
MaskingCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningPlukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil
EmollientHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantIsostearoyl Hydrolyzed Silk
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientPhytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningLevulinic Acid
PerfumingZein
Skin ConditioningDiethyl Sebacate
EmollientQuaternium-33
Cholesterol
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-20 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingIsostearic Acid
CleansingIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPhytosterols
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeDistearyldimonium Chloride
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingCyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Triethylhexanoin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Isopropyl Myristate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Gamma-Docosalactone, Meadowfoam Delta-Lactone, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Polyquaternium-64, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil, Rosa Centifolia Flower Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Silk, Ceramide Ng, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Diisostearyl Malate, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Levulinic Acid, Zein, Diethyl Sebacate, Quaternium-33, Cholesterol, Tocopherol, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, PEG-20 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Isostearic Acid, Isononyl Isononanoate, Phytosterols, Dipropylene Glycol, Water, Behentrimonium Chloride, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Oil
EmollientDimethiconol
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientHoney
HumectantRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningHoney Extract
HumectantPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Honey Protein
Skin ConditioningGluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningKeratin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantGamma-Docosalactone
Skin ConditioningRosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningMeadowfoam Delta-Lactone
Skin ConditioningCoco-Glucoside
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBisabolol
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningPPG-4-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingCyclopentasiloxane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Dimethiconol, Dimethicone, Honey, Royal Jelly Extract, Honey Extract, Propolis Extract, Hydrolyzed Honey Protein, Gluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate, Keratin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Gamma-Docosalactone, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Ceramide Ng, Meadowfoam Delta-Lactone, Coco-Glucoside, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bisabolol, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Water, PPG-4-Ceteth-20, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCeramide NG is a type of Ceramide. The NG stands for a sphinganine base.
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
Ceramide NP
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. 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 DimethiconeDimethiconol is a silicone that resembles the popular dimethicone. Like other silicones, it is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient helps to create a silky texture and improve spreadability. Due to its high molecular weight and thickness, it is often combined with cyclopentasiloxane.
Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolWe don't have a description for Gamma-Docosalactone yet.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneHydrolyzed 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 KeratinWe don't have a description for Meadowfoam Delta-Lactone yet.
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 ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Tocopherol 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