What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
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Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientStearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeCetyl Esters
EmollientIsohexadecane
EmollientParfum
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeQuaternium-91
Polysorbate 60
EmulsifyingCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCetrimonium Methosulfate
AntimicrobialChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPolysilicone-19
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientTetrasodium EDTA
Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride
Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientOctocrylene
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCystine Bis-Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantIrvingia Gabonensis Kernel Butter
Skin ConditioningKaempferia Galanga Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
EmollientButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningLitchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract
Skin ConditioningKeratin
Skin ConditioningLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningBioflavonoids
Skin ConditioningStyrax Benzoin Resin Extract
MaskingCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata Extract
EmollientDextrin
AbsorbentLimonene
PerfumingButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingWater, Isododecane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Esters, Isohexadecane, Parfum, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Quaternium-91, Polysorbate 60, Cetrimonium Chloride, Panthenol, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Chlorphenesin, Isopropyl Alcohol, Dipropylene Glycol, Polysilicone-19, Caprylyl Glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Octocrylene, Butylene Glycol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Cystine Bis-Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Irvingia Gabonensis Kernel Butter, Kaempferia Galanga Root Extract, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Propylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract, Keratin, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Bioflavonoids, Styrax Benzoin Resin Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata Extract, Dextrin, Limonene, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hexyl Cinnamal
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientPPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate
EmollientHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
EmollientCetyl Esters
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientIsohexadecane
EmollientParfum
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantBehentrimonium Methosulfate
SurfactantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeStearalkonium Chloride
PreservativeQuaternium-91
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCetrimonium Methosulfate
AntimicrobialPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialDimethiconol
EmollientSorbic Acid
PreservativeAlcohol
AntimicrobialCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTrisodium EDTA
Butylene Glycol
HumectantMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientCinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride
Trisiloxane
Skin ConditioningDimethyl Stearamine
EmulsifyingIrvingia Gabonensis Kernel Butter
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Jojoba Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningStyrax Benzoin Resin Extract
MaskingWheat Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingCystine Bis-Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningDisodium Phosphate
BufferingHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingPotassium Benzoate
PreservativeKaempferia Galanga Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantSodium Benzoate
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantArachidyl Propionate
EmollientAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningSodium Phosphate
BufferingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingEthyl Linolenate
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLitchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
Ethyl Linoleate
EmollientEthyl Oleate
EmollientApigenin
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningBiotinoyl Tripeptide-1
Citrulline
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingLimonene
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Cetyl Esters, Isododecane, Isohexadecane, Parfum, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Phenoxyethanol, Stearalkonium Chloride, Quaternium-91, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Panthenol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Cetrimonium Chloride, Chlorphenesin, Dimethiconol, Sorbic Acid, Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Trisodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Trisiloxane, Dimethyl Stearamine, Irvingia Gabonensis Kernel Butter, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Styrax Benzoin Resin Extract, Wheat Amino Acids, Citric Acid, Cystine Bis-Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Lecithin, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Disodium Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Polysorbate 60, Potassium Benzoate, Kaempferia Galanga Root Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Arachidyl Propionate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium Phosphate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethyl Linolenate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Tetrasodium EDTA, Ethyl Linoleate, Ethyl Oleate, Apigenin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Oleanolic Acid, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Citrulline, Sodium Hydroxide, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool
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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCetearyl 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.
A 2019 study has also observed Malassezia growth in the presence of this ingredient, confirming it to be not-fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholThis ingredient is a preservative, antimicrobial, and emulsifier. It is often used in cosmetics for its ability to cleanse, condition, and reduce static.
Cetrimonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt, meaning it has a water-soluble structure.
We don't have a description for Cetrimonium Methosulfate yet.
Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. It is a primary fatty alcohol with a chain length above 12 carbons. A study from 2019 show Malassezia can feed on fatty alcohols in this range, so it may trigger fungal acne in those prone to it.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholCetyl Esters is an emollient with an interesting backstory: it's a synthetic wax originally designed to be a copy of spermaceti, a waxy material that used to be harvested from whales.
This ingredient delivers the same "velvety" feel without anything animal-derived (usually made from coconut or palm-sourced fatty alcohols/acids).
Chemically, it's a blend of esters from 14-18 fatty acids and alcohols that is a solid at room temperature but melts on contact with skin. It helps soften and smooth the skin while improving the feel and spread of products.
Typical use concentrations range from 1-10% (most commonly 2-5%).
The CIR Expert Panel has concluded it's safe as used and has shown no skin irritation in available studies.
Because it's a blend of fatty acid esters in the chain-length range that Malassezia can feed on, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetyl EstersChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinWe don't have a description for Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride yet.
Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract comes from the watermelon. Watermelon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Watermelons are rich in antioxidants such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C and lycopene. It also contains sugars and amino acids, such as arginine and glutathione.
Lycopene is a potent antioxidant. Besides helping to protect your skin against free-radical molecules, it also helps soothe the skin. Lycopene gives watermelon the distinct red color.
Learn more about Citrullus Lanatus Fruit ExtractWe don't have a description for Cystine Bis-Pg-Propyl Silanetriol yet.
Glycerin (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 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 ExtractHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilHexyl Cinnamal is a fragrance ingredient with a similar scent to jasmine. It can be naturally found in chamomile essential oil.
This ingredient is a known EU allergen and may sensitize the skin. The EU requires this ingredient to be listed separately on an ingredients list.
Hexyl Cinnamal is not water soluble but is soluble in oils.
Learn more about Hexyl CinnamalHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides isn't fungal acne safe.
We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol yet.
Irvingia Gabonensis Kernel Butter isn't fungal acne safe.
Isododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
The chemical name for this ingredient is 2,2,4,6,6-PENTAMETHYLHEPTANE.
Learn more about IsododecaneIsohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.
Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.
Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.
Learn more about IsohexadecaneWe don't have a description for Kaempferia Galanga Root Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Leontopodium Alpinum Extract yet.
Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneWe don't have a description for Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract yet.
Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
Panthenol 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 PanthenolParfum 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 ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.
Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.
In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.
Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.
Learn more about Polysorbate 60We don't have a description for PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate yet.
We don't have a description for Quaternium-91 yet.
This ingredient is used to add a warm, sweet, and vanilla-like scent to products.
Tetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable.
Tetrasodium EDTA comes as a white solid and is soluble in water.
Water. 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