What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningC10-18 Triglycerides
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientOrbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientSclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
HumectantLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningXylitylglucoside
HumectantAnhydroxylitol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantArginine
MaskingMethionine
Skin ConditioningCysteine
AntioxidantPalmitic Acid
EmollientHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningTremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantPhytosteryl Macadamiate
Skin ConditioningAdansonia Digitata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSophora Angustifolia Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPunica Granatum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantPrunus Serotina Fruit Extract
MaskingVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningLens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMalus Domestica Fruit Extract
AntioxidantCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingCetearyl Olivate
Cetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningDextrin
AbsorbentHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate-13
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, C10-18 Triglycerides, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Phytosphingosine, Squalane, Polyglutamic Acid, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucose, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Arginine, Methionine, Cysteine, Palmitic Acid, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Prunus Serotina Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Dextrin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyacrylate-13, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialJuniperus Communis Fruit Extract
PerfumingMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialEriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Olivate
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Hydrogenated Rapeseed Alcohol
EmollientPropanediol
SolventPantolactone
HumectantHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Sucrose
HumectantMineral Salts
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-4 Oleate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantStearic Acid
CleansingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingAniba Rosodora Wood Oil
AstringentCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingSalvia Sclarea Oil
MaskingThymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Oil
MaskingWater, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Juniperus Communis Fruit Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Panthenol, Tocopherol, Adenosine, Allantoin, Betaine, Caramel, Chlorphenesin, Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract, Glyceryl Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Alcohol, Propanediol, Pantolactone, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Tromethamine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sucrose, Mineral Salts, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Olivate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Aniba Rosodora Wood Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Salvia Sclarea Oil, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Oil
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 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.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Sorbitan Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may feed that yeast, so it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateEthylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is a fatty acid ester.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateGlycerin (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 GlycerinThis is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.
It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.
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 PanthenolSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, it keeps the water and oil ingredients from separating. This keeps formulas stable and smooth.
In a 24 hour occlusive patch test on 56 subjects, 10% sorbitan isostearate was completely non-irritating. Most formulas use less than 10%.
Because it's a fatty acid ester, it may not be fungal acne safe since the Malassezia yeast can utilize it as a nutrient source.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Cetearyl Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may feed that yeast, so it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateStearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidWater. 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