What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Ether
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Emollient
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Diisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingAcetyl Sh-Hexapeptide-5 Amide Acetate
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Linolenic Acid
Cleansing
Swertia Chirata Extract
HumectantGlycine
Buffering
Serine
Masking
Glutamic Acid
Humectant
Leucine
Skin ConditioningAlanine
Masking
Lysine
Skin ConditioningArginine
Masking
Tyrosine
MaskingHexapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5
Humectant
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Hexapeptide-11
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Copper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Alanine/Histidine/Lysine Polypeptide Copper Hcl
Skin Conditioning
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Tripeptide-32
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSophora Flavescens Root Extract
Antioxidant
Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract
Antimicrobial
Phenylalanine
Masking
Valine
MaskingProline
Skin Conditioning
Threonine
Aspartic Acid
Masking
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningHistidine
Humectant
Methionine
Skin ConditioningCysteine
Antioxidant
Dextrin Palmitate
Emulsifying
Superoxide Dismutase
Antioxidant
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Angelica Gigas Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Morus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningPhellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningDioscorea Opposita Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSesamum Indicum Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Dextran Sulfate
Gel Forming
Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate
Emulsifying
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPolyglyceryl-6 Oleate
Emulsifying
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Propylene Carbonate
SolventCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Phytate
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Sodium Chloride
MaskingWater, Dicaprylyl Ether, Butylene Glycol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Glycine Soja Protein, Acetyl Sh-Hexapeptide-5 Amide Acetate, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Swertia Chirata Extract, Glycine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Leucine, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Tyrosine, Hexapeptide-9, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Tripeptide-1, Hexapeptide-11, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Alanine/Histidine/Lysine Polypeptide Copper Hcl, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tripeptide-32, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract, Phenylalanine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Aspartic Acid, Isoleucine, Histidine, Methionine, Cysteine, Dextrin Palmitate, Superoxide Dismutase, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Adenosine, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Dioscorea Opposita Root Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Sodium Dextran Sulfate, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Propylene Carbonate, Cellulose Gum, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Sodium Phytate, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Maltodextrin, Sodium Chloride
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Polyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Squalane
Emollient
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
Emollient
Dipteryx Odorata Seed Extract
MaskingVanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientCitric Acid
Buffering
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin Conditioning
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Lactate
Buffering
Sodium Phytate
Triethyl Citrate
Masking
Xylose
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Vanillin
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Maltodextrin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Niacinamide, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Polyglutamic Acid, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Squalane, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Dipteryx Odorata Seed Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Citric Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Phytate, Triethyl Citrate, Xylose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Vanillin
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
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 GlycolCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that 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. Just 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.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl 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 GlycolEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinMaltodextrin is a plant-derived carbohydrate made by breaking down starch (usually from corn, potato, or rice). In cosmetic formulas, it's a multitasking absorbent, emulsion stabilizer, and skin conditioner.
This ingredient is mostly used to stabilize emulsions and improve the powdery, non-greasy feel of products (like dry shampoos).
Safety-wise, this ingredient is pretty solid; it's even recognized as a food additive. Both animal and clinical studies found no adverse effects at the levels used in cosmetics.
Industry data shows this ingredient is used up to 45.7% in spray products and up to 33% in powder products.
Learn more about MaltodextrinSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water. This helps stabilize the ingredients and the product.
Tocopherol 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
