What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPropanediol
SolventEthyl Macadamiate
Skin ConditioningArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientTrehalose
HumectantJojoba Esters
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantMaltodextrin
AbsorbentArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingHymenaea Courbaril Seed Extract
Skin ProtectingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningCasearia Sylvestris Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSchinus Terebinthifolia Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeMalic Acid
BufferingConobea Scoparioides Leaf Oil
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantCitronellol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Silica, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Ethyl Macadamiate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Trehalose, Jojoba Esters, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Phenoxyethanol, Behenyl Alcohol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Maltodextrin, Arachidyl Glucoside, Parfum, Hymenaea Courbaril Seed Extract, Xanthan Gum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Lactobacillus Ferment, Tocopherol, Sodium Gluconate, Casearia Sylvestris Leaf Extract, Schinus Terebinthifolia Leaf Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Malic Acid, Conobea Scoparioides Leaf Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHomosalate
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialIsoamyl Cocoate
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingSqualane
EmollientAstrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
EmollientTriethanolamine
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingBHT
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG-4 Dilaurate
EmulsifyingPEG-4 Laurate
EmulsifyingCasearia Sylvestris Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingCitronellol
PerfumingSilica
AbrasiveSchinus Terebinthifolia Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantIodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
PreservativePEG-200
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningConobea Scoparioides Leaf Oil
MaskingAcetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
Absorbent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDMDM Hydantoin
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Homosalate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Isoamyl Cocoate, Caprylyl Methicone, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Squalane, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Triethanolamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysorbate 60, Decyl Glucoside, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, PEG-4 Dilaurate, PEG-4 Laurate, Casearia Sylvestris Leaf Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Citronellol, Silica, Schinus Terebinthifolia Leaf Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, PEG-200, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Conobea Scoparioides Leaf Oil, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Maltodextrin, 1,2-Hexanediol, DMDM Hydantoin, Potassium Sorbate
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
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone is a fragrance. It can be synthetically created or naturally occurring.
The scent of Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone is described as "flowery" but can also be "woody".
Naturally occurring Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone may be found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or the yeast used to make wine and bread.
The term '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.
Learn more about Alpha-Isomethyl IononeCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that it is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid.
In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Just patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl 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, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolWe don't have a description for Casearia Sylvestris Leaf Extract yet.
Citronellol 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 CitronellolConobea Scoparioides Leaf Oil is a fragrance and is an oil.
Glycerin (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 GlycerinMaltodextrin is a polysaccharide. It is derived from starch such as rice, corn, wheat, or potato starch.
In food, Maltodextrin is used to improve the texture and thicken a product. Due to its structure, it can help create a gel texture. As an emulsion stabilizer, it helps keep the ingredients in a product together.
As a polysaccharide, Maltodextrin has moisturizing properties. Polysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate. The top layer of skin uses polysaccharides to retain water, keeping the skin hydrated.
Maltodextrin is water soluble and has a sweet taste.
Learn more about MaltodextrinParfum 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.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateWe don't have a description for Schinus Terebinthifolia Leaf Extract yet.
Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaWater. 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