What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningIsostearyl Hydroxystearate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingPropanediol
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Dimethicone
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientHydrolyzed Yeast Extract
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientRetinol
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Propionate
Skin ConditioningOleyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSerine
MaskingHexyldecanol
EmollientGlycine Soja Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGlycine Soja Sterols
EmollientUrea
BufferingYeast Amino Acids
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantInositol
HumectantTaurine
BufferingBetaine
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantPolyglucuronic Acid
Skin ConditioningC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingDioscorea Batatas Extract
AntioxidantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Polyacrylate
Algin
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSwertia Chirata Extract
HumectantLecithin
EmollientPullulan
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingPotassium Phosphate
BufferingPEG-75 Stearate
Ceteth-20
CleansingSteareth-20
CleansingCetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPicolinamide
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate
UV AbsorberAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingParfum
MaskingWater, Isostearyl Hydroxystearate, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C14-22 Alcohols, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract, Isopropyl Palmitate, Retinol, Retinyl Propionate, Oleyl Alcohol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Serine, Hexyldecanol, Glycine Soja Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycine Soja Sterols, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Glycerin, Polyglucuronic Acid, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Dioscorea Batatas Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Algin, Caprylyl Glycol, Swertia Chirata Extract, Lecithin, Pullulan, Disodium Phosphate, Potassium Phosphate, PEG-75 Stearate, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Picolinamide, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, CI 19140, CI 14700, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingJojoba Esters
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetyl Esters
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCetyl Palmitate
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantLauryl Lactate
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingDimethicone
EmollientBakuchiol
AntimicrobialHordeum Distichon Extract
Skin ProtectingSantalum Album Extract
CleansingPhellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningDicetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCeteth-10 Phosphate
CleansingButylene Glycol
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantSqualane
EmollientUrsolic Acid
MaskingPseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
HumectantSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingEthoxydiglycol
HumectantAstragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSilanetriol
Rhamnose
HumectantLycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
AstringentAcetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientCocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
EmollientRetinol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningSorbic Acid
PreservativePalmitoyl Hexapeptide-14
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Methylpropanediol
SolventUbiquinone
AntioxidantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSodium Citrate
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingBenzoic Acid
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAllyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingBHT
AntioxidantSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingPropyl Gallate
AntioxidantWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Jojoba Esters, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Esters, Pentylene Glycol, Cetyl Palmitate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Lauryl Lactate, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Dimethicone, Bakuchiol, Hordeum Distichon Extract, Santalum Album Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Dicetyl Phosphate, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Squalane, Ursolic Acid, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethoxydiglycol, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Silanetriol, Rhamnose, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Lecithin, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Retinol, Sodium Hydroxide, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, Sorbic Acid, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-14, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Methylpropanediol, Ubiquinone, Dipropylene Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Propanediol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, BHT, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Propyl Gallate
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholDimethicone 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 EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (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 GlycerinLecithin 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 LecithinPentylene 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 GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolRetinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium 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 Water