What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Isopropyl Palmitate
Emollient
PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Emollient
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningGuaiazulene
Antimicrobial
Oenothera Biennis Oil
Emollient
Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
Emollient
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
Emollient
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Salvia Officinalis Oil
Masking
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Juglans Regia Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Asiatic Acid
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Saururus Chinensis Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Capillaris Extract
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Acorus Calamus Root Extract
Perfuming
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Glucose
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Palmitate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Glycine Soja Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Water, Guaiazulene, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Ceramide NP, Salvia Officinalis Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Allantoin, Tocopherol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Panthenol, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Juglans Regia Seed Oil, Zinc PCA, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Xanthan Gum, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Saururus Chinensis Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Acorus Calamus Root Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Glucose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Madecassoside, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Limonene, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Coco-Betaine
Cleansing
Acrylates Copolymer
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Canola Oil
Emollient
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Masking
Carica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Papain
Skin Conditioning
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Water, Glycerin, Coco-Betaine, Acrylates Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Canola Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Gluconolactone, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Papain, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
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
You may know this ingredient as argan oil. It has emollient and skin conditioning properties that help soften skin and reinforce the lipid barrier.
The fatty acid profile of argan oil is roughly 45-55% oleic acid, 28-36% linoleic acid, 10-15% palmitic acid, and 5-7% stearic acid. It also contains vitamin E, sterols, squalene, and polyphenols like ferulic acid.
Two clinical studies in postmenopausal women found that applying argan oil for 60 days significantly improved skin elasticity and moisturization (reduced transepidermal water loss and increased epidermal water content).
Since it is high in oleic and linoleic acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Both of these fall in the C11-C24 range that Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Argania Spinosa Kernel OilButylene 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 GlycolEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinThis ingredient is also known as tea tree oil. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Tea tree oil is a complex lipophilic (fat-loving) oil that contains around 100 compounds with terpinen-4-ol being the most abundant (~40%).
Terpinen-4-ol is responsible for tea tree oil's broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and makes it a well-researched option for acne.
Clinical studies support 5% tea tree oil as an effective topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. A study with 124 patients compared 5% tea tree oil gel to 5% benzoyl peroxide and both reduced acne (though tea tree oil worked more slowly).
Besides acne, it is also seen in anti-dandruff shampoos and scalp treatments for it's antimicrobial and anti-seborrheic properties.
Safety-wise, the allergic potential of low concentrations on healthy skin is considered low. However, oxidized (old or improperly stored) tea tree oil is a stronger sensitizer.
Irritation can also occur if using the undiluted oil on skin; it's best to use this ingredient as part of a carefully crafted cosmetic formula. This is because regulations require tea tree oil in cosmetics to be stabilized to prevent degradation.
This ingredient has been deemed safe up to 2% in shampoo, 1% in cleansers, and 0.1% in face cream by the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).
There is some lab evidence that tea tree oil is antifungal against Malassezia, but it is a supportive option at best and not a replacement for proven antifungal treatments.
Learn more about Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf OilVitis Vinifera Seed Oil comes from the grape vine. Grape seeds are a byproduct of creating grape juice or wine.
The components of grape seeds have many skin benefits. Research has found it to be antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It also contains many potent antioxidants such as Vitamin E , Vitamin C, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Proanthocyanidin has been shown to help even out skin tone.
Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radicals by donating extra electrons. Grape seed extract may help reduce the signs of aging.
The antimicrobial properties of grape seed may help treat acne. However, more research is needed to support this claim.
Grape seed has also been found to help absorb UV rays. Grape seed extract should not replace your sunscreen.
The fatty acids of grape seed oil give it emollient properties. Emollients help soothe and soften your skin by creating a film. This film traps moisture within, keeping your skin hydrated.
Learn more about Vitis Vinifera Seed OilWater. 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
