What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Olivate
Skin Conditioning
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
C12-16 Alcohols
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Decyl Esters
Emulsion Stabilising
Isostearyl Alcohol
Emollient
C13-15 Alkane
SolventButylene Glycol Cocoate
Emulsifying
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Sphingolipids
Emollient
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Linolenic Acid
Cleansing
Microcrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentCitric Acid
Buffering
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ethylcellulose
Helianthus Annuus Extract
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Phytate
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSodium Citrate
BufferingWater, Glycerin, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Behenyl Alcohol, C12-16 Alcohols, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Decyl Esters, Isostearyl Alcohol, C13-15 Alkane, Butylene Glycol Cocoate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Palmitic Acid, Phospholipids, Sphingolipids, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Squalane, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Citric Acid, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylcellulose, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Phytate, Potassium Sorbate, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Sodium Citrate
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Isoamyl Laurate
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Myristyl Alcohol
Emollient
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Arginine
Masking
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHeptyl Undecylenate
EmollientPropanediol
Solvent
Artemisia Capillaris Extract
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Coptis Chinensis Root Extract
Antioxidant
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
Emollient
Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningLauryl Alcohol
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Extract
BleachingRosa Damascena Flower Water
Masking
Phytosterols
Skin Conditioning
Iris Florentina Root Extract
MaskingOleic Acid
Emollient
Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract
AntimicrobialCandida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Oryza Sativa Germ Oil
Emollient
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Chamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin Conditioning
Myristic Acid
Cleansing
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Ficus Carica Fruit Extract
Humectant
Morus Alba Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Punica Granatum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Ginkgo Biloba Nut Extract
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sparassis Crispa Extract
Emulsion StabilisingDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Germ Extract
EmollientCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientMadecassoside
Antioxidant
Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningUndaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningBorago Officinalis Extract
Emollient
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Illicium Verum Fruit Extract
Perfuming
Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGeranium Maculatum Extract
TonicChrysanthellum Indicum Extract
Skin Conditioning
Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Soluble Collagen
Humectant
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Masking
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Atelocollagen
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Stearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Isoamyl Laurate, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxyacetophenone, Myristyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Arginine, Carbomer, Heptyl Undecylenate, Propanediol, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Octyldodecanol, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitic Acid, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Coptis Chinensis Root Extract, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Lauryl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Adenosine, Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Phytosterols, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Oleic Acid, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa Germ Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Myristic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Nut Extract, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Sparassis Crispa Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Glycine Soja Germ Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Madecassoside, Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract, Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Borago Officinalis Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Illicium Verum Fruit Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Geranium Maculatum Extract, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Soluble Collagen, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Atelocollagen, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
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 also known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.
Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).
Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterThis 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 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 or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolGlycerin (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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is a more stable version of lecithin.
It's made by taking lecithin (a phospholipid commonly found in soybeans and egg yolks) and hydrogenating it. This just means the unsaturated fatty acids are turned into saturated ones so they don't go bad as easily.
This ingredient is an emollient, emulsifier, and penetration enhancer. As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Hydrogenated Lecithin can form tiny spherical structures made of phospholipid bilayers called liposomes. These liposomes are able to capture compounds inside their structure and deliver them through the skin barrier.
Because phospholipids are a natural component of our cell membranes, this ingredient is inherently compatible with skin.
A 2021 study found lecithin-based surfactants were less harsh and more tolerable comared to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
Learn more about Hydrogenated LecithinPalmitic Acid is a fatty acid naturally found in our skin and in many plant and animal sources. In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It serves many purposes in skincare, acting as a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.
Interestingly, topically applied Palmitic Acid can be elongated into longer chain fatty acids and ceramides. A 2019 study found low levels of Palmitic Acid lead to slower development of cells, suggesting it plays a role in keeping your skin's renewal process on track.
The CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) panel determined it safe as used in cosmetics at concentrations up to 13%. It is non-irritating and non-sensitizing in clinical studies.
The culprit behind fungal acne, the Malassezia yeast, feeds on fatty acids with carbon chain lengths between C11-C24. Palmitic Acid, at C16, falls right into that sweet spot.
In vitro studies have shown that Palmitic Acid is one of the fatty acids that induce rapid Malassezia growth in lab settings.
It's worth noting that what feeds yeast in a lab doesn't necessarily feed it on your face since formulation and your skin's chemistry play a bigger role.
Learn more about Palmitic AcidSodium 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 HyaluronateWater. 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
