What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-100 Stearate
Dimethicone
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveCetyl Ricinoleate
EmollientOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientCoffea Arabica Seed Oil
MaskingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion StabilisingAminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingGelidiella Acerosa Extract
Skin ProtectingSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningAscophyllum Nodosum Extract
Skin ConditioningChrysanthellum Indicum Extract
Skin ConditioningAsparagopsis Armata Extract
Skin ProtectingCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingLinoleic Acid
CleansingPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantTribehenin
EmollientInulin
Skin ConditioningSorbitol
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingJojoba Wax PEG-120 Esters
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingBHT
AntioxidantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantSodium Sulfite
PreservativeDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSorbic Acid
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Butylene Glycol, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone, Silica, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Glycerin, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Oil, Caffeine, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Asparagopsis Armata Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Linoleic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Methyl Trimethicone, Trehalose, Tribehenin, Inulin, Sorbitol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopherol, Myristyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Jojoba Wax PEG-120 Esters, Carbomer, Behenyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, BHT, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Sulfite, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Sorbic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Mica, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77163
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientTriheptanoin
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Distearate
EmulsifyingC13-15 Alkane
SolventCaffeine
Skin ConditioningMyristyl Lactate
EmollientAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Behenate
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract
RefreshingIsostearic Acid
CleansingSodium Stearate
CleansingPentaerythritol
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCeteareth-20
CleansingCalcium Chloride
AstringentWater, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Triheptanoin, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, C13-15 Alkane, Caffeine, Myristyl Lactate, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891, Mica, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Behenate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Carbomer, Caramel, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, CI 77491, Tocopherol, Sodium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract, Isostearic Acid, Sodium Stearate, Pentaerythritol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Ceteareth-20, Calcium Chloride
Reviews
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 GlycolThis 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 ButterCaffeine is a naturally occurring plant compound found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa pods, and guarana.
As an antioxidant, caffeine protects your skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and envionrmnetal stressors.
Early research also shows that caffeine can help calm redness, soothe irritated skin, and support hair growth by stimulating microcirculation in the scalp.
You might have seen eye creams marketing caffeine as a depuffing ingredient. This is because it is a vasoconstrictor meaning it can temporarily constrict blood vessels, though clinical evidence for this specific use is still limited.
Most skincare products contain this ingredient at concentrations between 1-6%. It is able to penetrate skin easily regardless of skin type or thickness.
Just so you know, a very small number of case reports describe caffeine-induced allergy. This ingredient is generally well-tolerated, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for the majority of people.
Learn more about CaffeineCarbomer is a high-molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid. It is used to form gels and thicken formulas.
Due to its large molecular size, carbomer has minimal skin penetration and is considered an inert ingredient.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Learn more about CarbomerCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeGlycerin (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 GlycerinMica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePhenoxyethanol 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.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water