What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCandelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientAcetyl Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPhytonadione
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingAlgin
MaskingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningCellulose
AbsorbentSodium Phytate
Escin
TonicLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialRuscus Aculeatus Root Extract
AstringentAmmonium Glycyrrhizate
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTocopherol
AntioxidantIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Stearoyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Microcrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPolyisobutene
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Cetyl Alcohol
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingMica
Cosmetic ColorantTin Oxide
AbrasivePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glycerin, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Acetyl Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Stearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Phytonadione, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Phospholipids, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Sorbitan Oleate, Algin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Cellulose, Sodium Phytate, Escin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Panthenol, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyisobutene, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Cetyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Mica, Tin Oxide, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCoco-Caprylate
EmollientTranexamic Acid
AstringentDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantSqualane
EmollientMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientDilinoleic Acid/Propanediol Copolymer
EmollientArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantBakuchiol
AntimicrobialNicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-76
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingCedrus Atlantica Bark Extract
PerfumingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningPistacia Lentiscus Gum
MaskingBacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBisabolol
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlucose
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningPhytonadione
Lecithin
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Caprate
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Phytate
Sodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate, Tranexamic Acid, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Squalane, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dilinoleic Acid/Propanediol Copolymer, Arachidyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Bakuchiol, Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-76, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Ascorbyl Glucoside, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Extract, Caffeine, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Pistacia Lentiscus Gum, Bacillus Ferment, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Sodium PCA, Allantoin, Silica, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Bisabolol, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Xanthan Gum, Glucose, Tocopherol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Phospholipids, Phytonadione, Lecithin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate, Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Behenyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Arachidyl Glucoside, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Pentylene Glycol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77891, Mica, Iron Oxides, CI 77492, CI 77491
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 TriglycerideCetearyl 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 AlcoholCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491CI 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeGlycerin (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 GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Extract comes from the common sunflower.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E. Studies show sunflowers contain antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
The fatty acids found in sunflowers include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus ExtractHydrogenated Polydecene is an emollient. It creates a non-occlusive film on the skin that offers extra protection for your skin barrier.
The texture of Hydrogenated Polydecene ranges from light and silky to rich.
Hydrogenated Polydecene is the end compound of controlled hydrogenation of Polydecene.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolydeceneHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
Though naturally occuring in Norwegian spruce needles, this ingredient is usually synthetically created.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing. Recent research also suggests it may have skin-brightening effects through tyrosinase inhibition.
Learn more about HydroxyacetophenoneThis is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.
It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate is a natural preservative. It comes from fermenting radish roots with a bacteria called leuconostoc. The trade name for this ingredient is Leucidal.
Leuconostoc comes from lactic acid.
This ingredient has antimicrobial properties and helps prevent the growth of bacteria in a product.
Leuconostoc is used to make the traditional Korean side-dish, kimchi. It is also used to make sourdough bread (both incredibly yummy foods).
Learn more about Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateMica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaOryza Sativa Bran Extract comes from the outer layer of a rice kernel. It is a byproduct of milling rice, or the operation to produce a whole grain rice product.
This ingredient has moisturizing properties due to its components of polysaccharides and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains calcium, selenium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract contains numerous antioxidants such as ferulic acid. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material.
Learn more about Oryza Sativa Bran ExtractPhenoxyethanol 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.
Phospholipids are a family of skin-identical lipids that makeup the structural backbone of every cell membrane in your body.
In cosmetics, they function as skin conditioning agents with emulsifier and surfactant properties. They're typically sourced from soybean or sunflower lecithin (or sometimes egg yolk or marine sources).
Because they mirror the lipids naturally found in the deeper layers of your skin, topical phospholipids help reinforce the lipid matrix, reduce transepidermal water loss, and leave skin feeling conditioned.
They're also used to form liposomes, or tiny self-assembling vesible used to stabilize actives like vitamin c or retinol. This helps these ingredients integrate into the upper layers of skin more easily.
Phospholipids are compatible with everything and the CIR Expert Panel has concluded them to be safe at current use levels.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe since phospholipids contain fatty acid chains in the C11-24 range that the malassezia yeast likes to feed on.
Some types of phospholipids include:
Learn more about PhospholipidsRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.
While Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil can be volatile due to its fragrant properties, the fragrance components are usually removed in the leaf extract.
Rosemary Leaf Extract contains many antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid. Rosemarinic acid, a compound found in rosemary leaf, has been found to help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf ExtractSodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water. This helps stabilize the ingredients and the product.
Tocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
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 WaterThis ingredient is also known as Vitamin K1.