What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingPEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether
StabilisingCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingSilica
AbrasivePanthenol
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningAminobutyric Acid
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolysilicone-11
Raffinose
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Tromethamine
BufferingHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Tocopherol
AntioxidantPotassium Laurate
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningColloidal Gold
AntimicrobialAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningLinoleic Acid
CleansingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingDecylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningOleic Acid
EmollientTotarol
AntioxidantPalmitic Acid
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingLinolenic Acid
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, PEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Silica, Panthenol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentylene Glycol, Aminobutyric Acid, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysilicone-11, Raffinose, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Carbomer, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Potassium Laurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Colloidal Gold, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Polysorbate 20, Biotin, Cyanocobalamin, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Pyridoxine Hcl, Linoleic Acid, Hexylene Glycol, Decylene Glycol, Oleic Acid, Totarol, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningIsopentyldiol
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPolysilicone-11
Rosa Centifolia Flower Wax
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveCalcium Ascorbate
AntioxidantNicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
Skin ConditioningIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingResveratrol
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantUbiquinone
AntioxidantPyrroloquinoline Quinone
AntioxidantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientAstragalus Gummifer Root Extract
Emulsion StabilisingCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningThiamine Hcl
MaskingFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicButylene Glycol
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone
EmollientSqualane
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Cetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingSantalum Album Extract
CleansingPhellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Distichon Extract
Skin ProtectingBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Water, Isopentyldiol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polysilicone-11, Rosa Centifolia Flower Wax, Silica, Calcium Ascorbate, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Resveratrol, Hydrolyzed Silk, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ubiquinone, Pyrroloquinoline Quinone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Astragalus Gummifer Root Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Glycerin, Panthenol, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine, Cyanocobalamin, Thiamine Hcl, Folic Acid, Biotin, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Squalane, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Santalum Album Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Hordeum Distichon Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Phenoxyethanol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Biotin is a B vitamin that is naturally produced by our bodies. It is also called Vitamin H.
Our bodies use biotin in the metabolism process. It also helps our bodies use enzymes and move nutrients around. A biotin deficiency can lead to brittle hair and nails.
More research is needed on applying biotin topically. However, taking biotin orally has been shown to help nourish the skin, hair, and nails. They play a role in forming skin-hydrating fatty acids.
Biotin is water-soluble. It can be found in foods such as fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, and meat. Vitamin H stands for "haar" and "haut". These are the German words for hair and skin.
Learn more about BiotinButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Cyanocobalamin is the manufactured version of vitamin B12. It has skin soothing, antioxidant, and barrier protecting properties. Topical cyanocobalamin is used to treat skin irritation and atopic dermatitis.
Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
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 DimethiconeDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHexylene Glycol is a surfactant. Glycols are a class of alcohols. Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, Hexylene Glycol helps gather dirt and oil on your skin to be washed away.
As an emulsifier, Hexylene Glycol helps keep water and oil together. This prevents them from separating in a product. Hexylene Glycol also thins out the texture of a product by lessening viscosity.
Hexylene Glycol has a small molecular weight.
Learn more about Hexylene GlycolPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (formerly Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3) is a lab-made peptide with anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing benefits. It's made up of four amino acids (glycine, glutamine, proline, and arginine) and palmitic acid (which helps it penetrate skin more effectively).
This ingredient helps reduce inflammation by limiting the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a chemical that triggers inflammatory responses, particularly after UV exposure.
Less inflammation = slower collagen breakdown and a longer-lasting, youthful appearance.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 also stimulates collagen production and supports a healthier skin barrier.
Over time, this can improve skin firmness, hydration, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Itβs commonly paired with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 in the well-known Matrixyl 3000 complex for enhanced anti-aging effects.
This ingredient has been shown to be effective and safe in cosmetic use and you'll typically find it in small amounts (less than 0.01%).
Due to its palmitic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is also known as pal-GHK. It is made up of 3 amino acids and palmitic acid, a fatty acid that helps it absorb into skin more easily.
This peptide is as a signal peptide, meaning it tells the skin to produce more collagen. Collagen is the key protein that helps form the skin's structure and keep it plump, firm, and hydrated.
By boosting collagen production, this ingredient supports a stronger skin barrier and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
You'll most likely see this ingredient paired with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 in the well-known Matrixyl 3000 complex. While results from in-house testing should be viewed cautiously, this peptide duo is among the most studied and widely used in modern skincare.
Due to its palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysilicone-11 is a film-forming silicone that creates a non-tacky and matte finish on the skin. It's commonly used to improve texture, absorb excess oil, and help active ingredients spread evenly.
Due to its "rubber-like" structure, it stays on the skin's surface instead of being absorbed. On the skin, it creates a flexible layer that enhances wearability and stability.
Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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 Water