What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Cera Microcristallina
Emulsion StabilisingMagnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-3 Oleate
Emulsifying
Undecane
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-20 Octadecabehenate/Laurate
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Stearalkonium Bentonite
Gel FormingMagnesium Sulfate
Linum Usitatissimum Seed Extract
Perfuming
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Mannitol
Humectant
Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Copper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Gold
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
Antioxidant
Tridecane
Perfuming
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Propylene Carbonate
SolventGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Decyl Glucoside
Cleansing
P-Anisic Acid
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Octyldodecanol, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Cera Microcristallina, Magnesium Stearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate, Undecane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-20 Octadecabehenate/Laurate, Sorbitan Olivate, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Magnesium Sulfate, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Mannitol, Phosphatidylcholine, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Copper Tripeptide-1, Ferulic Acid, Gold, Tocopherol, Tridecane, Asiaticoside, Propylene Carbonate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Cetyl Alcohol, Decyl Glucoside, P-Anisic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Olive Oil Decyl Esters
Glycereth-26
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Polysilicone-11
Batyl Alcohol
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Hexapeptide-11
Skin Conditioning
Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Tripeptide-10 Citrulline
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Humectant
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-19
Skin Conditioning
Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Cleansing
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Hydrolyzed Polygamma-Glutamate
Sodium Polyglutamate
HumectantSqualene
Emollient
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Cereus Grandiflorus Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Humectant
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Magnesium Chloride
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Trehalose
Humectant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Silanetriol Trehalose Ether
EmollientMannitol
Humectant
Phytosterols
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventSodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingLaureth-12
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningLecithin
Emollient
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingHydrolyzed Soy Protein
Humectant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDextran
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
Buffering
Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate
Skin ConditioningSodium Phosphate
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTriethanolamine
BufferingAcrylates Copolymer
Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Olive Oil Decyl Esters, Glycereth-26, Squalane, Butylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Polysilicone-11, Batyl Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Hexapeptide-11, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Tripeptide-10 Citrulline, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-19, Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2, Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Potassium Hydrolyzed Polygamma-Glutamate, Sodium Polyglutamate, Squalene, Mica, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbic Acid, Tocopherol, Cereus Grandiflorus Flower Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Magnesium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Trehalose, Glyceryl Stearate, Silanetriol Trehalose Ether, Mannitol, Phytosterols, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polysorbate 20, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Laureth-12, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Lecithin, Disodium Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Carbomer, Dextran, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Lactate, Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate, Sodium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Triethanolamine, Acrylates Copolymer
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene 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 GlycolThis ingredient is a lightweight 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. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. 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. Be sure to 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.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetyl 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 AlcoholGlycerin (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 GlycerinMannitol is a sugar alcohol. It is a humectant and moisturizes the skin. In vitro (not tested on a living organism), mannitol displays antioxidant properties.
When found in aqueous solutions, mannitol tends to become acidic. This is because it loses a hydrogen ion. This is why mannitol can often be found with pH adjusting ingredients, such as sodium bicarbonate.
Fun fact: Mannitol can be found in foods as a sweetener. It can be naturally found in mushrooms, algae, fruits, and veggies.
Learn more about MannitolPhenoxyethanol 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 SorbateSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
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 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
