What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Trioctyldodecyl Citrate
EmollientAlgae Oligosaccharides
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Teprenone
Skin ConditioningRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Oligopeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-11
Sh-Polypeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Skin Conditioning
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Nannochloropsis Oculata Extract
HumectantLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingUbiquinone
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Coffea Arabica Seed Extract
Masking
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningFolic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Linoleate
Emollient
Glyceryl Linolenate
Emollient
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantMagnesium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Bacillus
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-1
Humectant
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Emollient
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Acer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningMorinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Glutamine
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingPullulan
Punica Granatum Extract
AstringentButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingLecithin
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Extract
Emollient
Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Algin
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Superoxide Dismutase
Antioxidant
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Trioctyldodecyl Citrate, Algae Oligosaccharides, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Teprenone, Retinol, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Allantoin, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-11, Sh-Polypeptide-9, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Nannochloropsis Oculata Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Ubiquinone, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Persea Gratissima Oil, Ceramide NP, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Folic Acid, Glyceryl Linoleate, Glyceryl Linolenate, Calcium Gluconate, Magnesium Gluconate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Bacillus, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Phospholipids, Acer Saccharum Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, Acetyl Glutamine, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Pullulan, Punica Granatum Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Lecithin, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Algin, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Superoxide Dismutase, Potassium Hydroxide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Gluconolactone, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Cholesterol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Lactate
BufferingPolyglyceryl-6 Palmitate/Succinate
Emulsifying
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate
Emollient
Ethyl Macadamiate
Skin Conditioning
N-Capryloyl Lysine
EmollientJojoba Esters
Emollient
Carnitine
CleansingDimethicone
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Urea
Buffering
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Salicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Linolenic Acid
Cleansing
Carnosine
Skin Conditioning
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Pullulan
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTriethyl Citrate
Masking
Silica
Abrasive
Lecithin
Emollient
Phytic Acid
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Triacetin
AntimicrobialSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Cholesterol, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Lactate, Polyglyceryl-6 Palmitate/Succinate, Sodium PCA, Squalane, Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate, Ethyl Macadamiate, N-Capryloyl Lysine, Jojoba Esters, Carnitine, Dimethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Urea, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Carnosine, Caffeine, Salicylic Acid, Tocopherol, Pullulan, Caprylyl Methicone, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethyl Citrate, Silica, Lecithin, Phytic Acid, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Triacetin, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Lactic Acid
Alternatives
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 an 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.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCeramide NP is a type of ceramide and formally known as ceramide 3.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Lactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective.
Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the âglueâ that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin.
Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they donât penetrate as deeply. This means theyâre less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Like glycolic acid, it can:
Lactic acid also acts as a humectant (like hyaluronic acid). It can draw water into the skin to improve hydration and also plays a role in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the form of sodium lactate.
Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skinâs microbiome.
To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4.
Lower strengths (5-12%) focus on surface exfoliation; higher strengths (12% and up) can reach deeper in the dermis (deeper, supportive layer) to improve skin texture and firmness over time.
Though it was originally derived from milk, most modern lactic acid used in skincare is vegan. It is made through non-dairy fermentation to create a bio-identical and stable form suitable for all formulations.
When lactic acid shows up near the end of an ingredient list, it usually means the brand added just a tiny amount to adjust the productâs pH.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and brightens. It's a great ingredient for giving your skin a smooth, glowing, and healthy look without the harshness of stronger acids.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.
This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.
As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.
This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Some other names for this ingredient include soy lecithin and deoiled soy lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Pullulan is a low viscosity polysaccharide (a long chain carbohydrate) with binding and film forming properties when dissolved in water. It is used to create a "silicone-like" or silky feel in cosmetics without adding viscosity.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient's ability to easily dissolves makes it a great carrier for active ingredients.
Due to it being edible and tasteless, you'll likely find this ingredient in breath freshener strips. This ingredient is produced from the starch of the fungus, Aureobasidium pullulans.
Pullulan is stable over a broad-range of pH.
Learn more about PullulanSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
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 skinâs 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. 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
