What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingIsohexadecane
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPEG-6 Isostearate
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingTriethanolamine
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantCaprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmollientRetinol
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingLinoleic Acid
CleansingOleic Acid
EmollientDimethiconol
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingBisabolol
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPPG-15 Stearyl Ether
EmollientIsostearyl Glyceryl Ether
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentButylene Glycol
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Sorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingAphanizomenon Flos-Aquae Extract
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHesperetin Laurate
AntioxidantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCoenochloris Signiensis Extract
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientLactic Acid
BufferingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Dimethicone, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Allantoin, PEG-6 Isostearate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Triethanolamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Retinol, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 20, Linoleic Acid, Oleic Acid, Dimethiconol, Polysorbate 60, Bisabolol, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether, Maltodextrin, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitan Isostearate, Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Hesperetin Laurate, Potassium Sorbate, CI 19140, Coenochloris Signiensis Extract, Lecithin, Lactic Acid, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningBrassica Alcohol
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantNeopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventBis-Stearyl Dimethicone
EmollientTrimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientSqualane
EmollientPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingRetinol
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Ficus-Indica Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientBakuchiol
AntimicrobialSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysilicone-11
Disodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingWater, Brassica Alcohol, Glycerin, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Propanediol, Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid Copolymer, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Dimethicone, Squalane, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract, Glycine Soja Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Bakuchiol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Polysilicone-11, Disodium EDTA, Parfum
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 TriglycerideDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract comes from sunflower seeds.
Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E. Studies show sunflowers contain antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds 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 Seed ExtractParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPolysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolRetinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolWater. 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 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