What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientEthyl Macadamiate
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSqualane
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Bisabolol
AntioxidantTheobroma Cacao Seed Butter
EmollientTheobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningTriethanolamine
BufferingPassiflora Edulis Seed Oil
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCichorium Intybus Root Extract
MaskingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
BHT
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Candida Saitoana Extract
Skin ProtectingPEG-4 Dilaurate
EmulsifyingPEG-4 Laurate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingCitronellol
PerfumingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientIodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
PreservativePEG-200
HumectantTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingTocopherol
AntioxidantMalic Acid
BufferingAcetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin ConditioningConobea Scoparioides Leaf Oil
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethyl Macadamiate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Squalane, PEG-100 Stearate, Bisabolol, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Triethanolamine, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cichorium Intybus Root Extract, Polysorbate 60, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Hydrolyzed Candida Saitoana Extract, PEG-4 Dilaurate, PEG-4 Laurate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Citronellol, Caprylyl Glycol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, PEG-200, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Tocopherol, Malic Acid, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Conobea Scoparioides Leaf Oil
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPropanediol
SolventGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientJojoba Esters
EmollientDi-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Cetyl Acetate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetyl Dimethicone
EmollientCandelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
EmulsifyingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Stearoyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePolymethyl Methacrylate
Butylene Glycol
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGlucosamine Hcl
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAcetylated Lanolin Alcohol
EmollientBambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSodium Hydroxide
BufferingParfum
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingLeucojum Aestivum Bulb Extract
Skin ProtectingGlycosaminoglycans
EmollientPalmitoyl Oligopeptide
CleansingGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientSodium Oleate
CleansingPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-19
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingDecapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-24
Skin ConditioningCitronellol
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Squalane, Jojoba Esters, Di-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Acetate, Glycerin, Cetyl Dimethicone, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glucosamine Hcl, Mica, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Pisum Sativum Extract, Xanthan Gum, Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol, Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Leucojum Aestivum Bulb Extract, Glycosaminoglycans, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Glycine Soja Oil, Sodium Oleate, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-19, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Decapeptide-4, Oligopeptide-24, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Linalool, Titanium Dioxide
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken, emulsify, and improve the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions to give products an elegant feel when applied.
It can also form a thin protective film on skin. One study found that a formula using this polymer helped slow down how quickly other ingredients (like DEET) were absorbed through skin.
A 2024 study of over 1,300 patients confirmed that sensitization to this ingredient is rare. It is also non-mutagenic and has a clean track record.
Learn more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCetearyl alcohol is a waxy mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Despite having "alcohol" in its name, it has nothing to do with drying solvent alcohols; the FDA also allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols like this ingredient.
It plays several roles in a formula:
Typical use levels for this ingredient sit around 1-10% and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has affirmed safety at concentrations up to 25% in leave-on products.
Multiple assessments have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing to most people.
However, there have been some cases of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with chronically compromised skin barriers.
Cetearyl alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 and irritancy rating of 1. Both of these numbers come from the 1989 study that used rabbit ears; a "2" means mildly comedogenic and a "1" means low irritancy.
Here's the catch: rabbit skin is more sensitive than human skin and throws a lot of false positives. A 1996 reappraisal found that ingredients rated 1-2 in the rabbit ear tests are generally safe for humans.
Remember comedogenic ratings are unable to assess the entire formula of a product or how it will react on your skin. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure about certain ingredients.
This ingredient is not fungal acne safe. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with chain lengths that fall within the range that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCitronellol 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 CitronellolCyclopentasiloxane, 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 Crosspolymer is a silicone created by modifying dimethicone with hydrocarbon side chains. Due to its large size, it does not penetrate skin. It is considered non-occlusive.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer is used to stabilize and thicken products. It also helps give products a silky feel.
Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is made by reacting glycerin with stearic acid (typically sourced from plant oils like palm or coconut). It's an emulsifier, emollient, and mild occlusive.
Emulsifiers help ingredients like oil and water stay mixed so your formula stays nicely blended and uniform in texture.
This ingredient is typically used in concentrations between 1-10%. Studies have found it to be non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic, and non-photoallergenic.
A close cousin of this ingredient is Glyceryl Stearate SE ("self-emulsifying"). This just has a small amount of sodium or potassium stearate added so it can emulsify without a co-emulsifier.
Since this ingredient is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, it may not be fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast can potentially metabolize within the C11-C24 range.
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateParfum 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.
Squalane is the hydrogenated and shelf-stable form of squalene (a lipid that naturally occurs in human sebum).
It is an emollient and skin conditioning agent that is able to integrate seamlessly into the skin's lipid barrier without clogging pores.
This is due to how structurally similar it is to what your skin already produces.
Though it is mostly an emollient that helps soften and hydrate skin, it also has some humectant and occlusive action. Humectants help the skin retain moisture while occlusives seal it in, making squalane a triple-threat moisturizer.
Research shows it has antioxidant capabilities that help protect against stressors like UV exposure, specifically UVA induced oxidative stress. This study also found that it supports collagen biosynthesis in human dermal fibroblasts.
No clinical study has reported significant adverse effects and irritation reactions are very rare from this ingredient (even at 100% concentration).
Overall, it's a fantastic ingredient for hydration and is suitable for all skin types.
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Though squalane is often called an oil, it’s technically not one. It is a hydrocarbon, meaning it is only made of carbon and hydrogen. True oils are triglycerides and made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
Squalane has a comedogenic rating of 1 from the original 1972 study that tested raw ingredients under occlusion on rabbit ears. This system is not standardized or peer-reviewed, and using the raw ingredients is very different from how diluted cosmetic formulations are used on human skin.
A comedogenic rating of 1 means it is "unlikely to clog pores" according to the original rating system.
The overall formula of a product matters more than the individual ingredients on whether or not it will cause clogged pores.
Learn more about SqualaneTocopheryl 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. Remember to 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