Versus

Perfect One Smooth Cleansing Balm VC7 Versus Perfect One Focus Smooth Cleansing Balm

Makeup Remover
Makeup Remover
Japanese Brand Japan
Japanese Brand Japan

Updated on November 08, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe makeup removers. They have a total of 42 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, oily skin, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances and oils

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Smooth Cleansing Balm VC7

Ethylhexyl Palmitate

Emollient
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene

Emollient
1 / 2

Synthetic Wax

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Stearic Acid

Cleansing
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

PEG-5 Glyceryl Triisostearate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Collagen Water

Humectant
Helps with Anti-Aging Icon

Hydrolyzed Collagen

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Succinoyl Atelocollagen

Skin Conditioning
Helps with Anti-Aging Icon

Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen

Cleansing
Helps with Anti-Aging Icon

Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen

Cleansing
Helps with Anti-Aging Icon

Myristyl 3-Glyceryl Ascorbate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Cysteine/Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin

Skin Conditioning

Inositol

Humectant

Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil

Moisturising
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil

Emollient
2-3 / 0 Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning
Can worsen Dry Skin Icon

Houttuynia Cordata Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Citrus Sinensis Peel Extract

Perfuming
Fragrance Icon

Berberis Vulgaris Fruit Extract

Emollient

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Trisodium Ascorbyl Palmitate Phosphate

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Potassium Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Phosphate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant Icon

Thiamine Hcl

Masking

Riboflavin

Cosmetic Colorant

Pyridoxine Tris-Hexyldecanoate

Humectant

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Ceramide AP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Sapindus Trifoliatus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hydrolyzed Grape Fruit Extract

Humectant

Hornet Extract

Antimicrobial

Ziziphus Jujuba Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Citrus Limon Juice

Skin Conditioning

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract

Masking

Papain

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Hydroxyproline

Skin Conditioning

Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Water

Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

Chitosan

Sodium Polyglutamate

Humectant

Polyglutamic Acid

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Kaolin

Abrasive
0 / 0 Exfoliant IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps fight Acne Icon

Talc

Abrasive
1 / 0 Exfoliant Icon

Silica Dimethyl Silylate

Emollient

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Isostearic Acid

Cleansing
Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Silica

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Behenyl Alcohol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Glycosphingolipids

Emollient

Pvp

Emulsion Stabilising
0 / 0

Algin

Masking
May worsen Oily Skin Icon

Hydroxyethylcellulose

Emulsion Stabilising

Phospholipids

Skin Conditioning

Polylysine

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Cetearyl Glucoside

Emulsifying

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Orange Roughy Oil

Skin Conditioning
Oil Icon

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil Icon

Ethylhexyl Palmitate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Synthetic Wax, Stearic Acid, PEG-5 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Collagen Water, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Succinoyl Atelocollagen, Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, Myristyl 3-Glyceryl Ascorbate, Cysteine/Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin, Inositol, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Citrus Sinensis Peel Extract, Berberis Vulgaris Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Trisodium Ascorbyl Palmitate Phosphate, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Potassium Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Phosphate, Thiamine Hcl, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Tris-Hexyldecanoate, Tocopherol, Ceramide AP, Sapindus Trifoliatus Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Grape Fruit Extract, Hornet Extract, Ziziphus Jujuba Seed Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Juice, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Papain, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyproline, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Chitosan, Sodium Polyglutamate, Polyglutamic Acid, Kaolin, Talc, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Squalane, Isostearic Acid, Silica, Behenyl Alcohol, Glycosphingolipids, Pvp, Algin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phospholipids, Polylysine, Cholesterol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Orange Roughy Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil

Focus Smooth Cleansing Balm

Ethylhexyl Palmitate

Emollient
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene

Emollient
1 / 2

Synthetic Wax

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate

Skin Conditioning

PEG-5 Glyceryl Triisostearate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Kaolin

Abrasive
0 / 0 Exfoliant IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps fight Acne Icon

Talc

Abrasive
1 / 0 Exfoliant Icon

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil Icon

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Silica Dimethyl Silylate

Emollient

Water

Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil

Emollient
2-3 / 0 Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Papain

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0

Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil

Moisturising
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Inositol

Humectant

Sapindus Trifoliatus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Isostearic Acid

Cleansing
Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Silica

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen

Skin Conditioning
Helps with Anti-Aging Icon

Behenyl Alcohol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Hydrolyzed Collagen

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Myristyl 3-Glyceryl Ascorbate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Hydroxyproline

Skin Conditioning

Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen

Cleansing
Helps with Anti-Aging Icon

Citrus Reticulata Peel Extract

Skin Conditioning

Citrus Aurantifolia Juice

Cleansing

Cysteine/Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin

Skin Conditioning

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Juice

Skin Conditioning

Pvp

Emulsion Stabilising
0 / 0

Algin

Masking
May worsen Oily Skin Icon

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hydroxyethylcellulose

Emulsion Stabilising

Citrus Limon Juice

Skin Conditioning

Polyepsilon-Lysine

Skin Conditioning

Soluble Collagen

Humectant
Helps with Anti-Aging Icon

Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Crataegus Cuneata Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Succinoyl Atelocollagen

Skin Conditioning
Helps with Anti-Aging Icon

Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning
Can worsen Dry Skin Icon

Chitosan

Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Cetearyl Glucoside

Emulsifying

Sodium Polygamma-Glutamate

Emulsion Stabilising

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Polyglutamic Acid

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Ethylhexyl Palmitate is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It is a fatty acid ester.

The fatty acid content of Ethylhexyl Palmitate makes it an emollient. Emollients help soften and hydrate your skin by trapping moisture within.

Ethylhexyl Palmitate is also used to help improve the texture of cosmetics. It helps other ingredient dissolve in products and help disperse ingredients more evenly. In fact, it is commonly used to evenly mix sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone and ethylhexyl triazone. It can also help stabilize the fragrances in a product as a fragrance fixative.

Ethylhexyl Palmitate can be used to substitute mineral oil.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient, Emulsifying

Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate comes from Isostearic Acid and glycerin.

It is an emollient, emulsifier, and gentle cleanser. As an emollient, it helps trap moisture to keep skin soft and hydrated. Emulsifiers help prevent ingredients from separating.

This ingredient is common in oil-based products. This is because it helps oil-ingredients be easily washed away without leaving a residue.

Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate may not be fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Masking, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is an 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.

While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.

Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.

In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.

Learn more about Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Abrasive, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking

Synthetic Wax is created from fossil fuels such as natural gas. It is used to enhance texture, adjust pH, and as an occlusive.

It may also be used as an abrasive ingredient to exfoliate the skin.

Synthetic Wax may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Synthetic Wax
Emollient, Emulsifying

PEG-5 Glyceryl Triisostearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Hydrolyzed collagen has a misleading name because it is actually a mixture of various proteins/peptides. This ingredient has skin hydrating properties.

Collagen is the most abundant type of structural protein found in your body. In your skin, it is responsible for keeping it firm and youthful.

Hydrolyzed Collagen is created by breaking up proteins into smaller peptide bonds. These peptides act as humectants and emollients.

Humectants are great at holding onto water, keeping skin hydrated. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.

There is ongoing debate about whether hydrolyzed collagen works because it increases skin hydration. Skin hydration is also linked to elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.

Collagen or peptide ingredients can be used in the morning or night. They will not increase sun sensitivity, but you should always wear sunscreen during the day.

According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is a great hair conditioner as well.

This ingredient can be extracted from different sources, including:

Vegan collagen is derived from yeast, bacteria, or plant sources. Vegan collagen would go by a different INCI name, such as hydrolyzed soy protein.

The results are varied.

A study from 2021 found hydrolyzed collagen increased elasticity and improved wrinkles in 1,125 participants between age 20 and 70. Another study found increased skin thickness in participants between the ages of 45 to 59.

However, It is difficult to prove that oral collagen will end up working on your skin. Many of the studies using hydrolyzed collagen also add several vitamins and nutrients into the test mixture as well.

Further studies are needed at this time.

Learn more about Hydrolyzed Collagen
Skin Conditioning

Succinoyl Atelocollagen can help to reduce the effects of aging.

Cleansing, Skin Conditioning

Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen can help to reduce the effects of aging.

Antioxidant, Humectant

Myristyl 3-Glyceryl Ascorbate is a form of Vitamin C and is an antioxidant. It can help to reduce the visibility of dark spots.

We don't have a description for Cysteine/Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin yet.

Humectant

Inositol is a sugar alcohol naturally found in the human body. Our bodies use this ingredient in the process of growing new cells.

Studies show inositol to be a key component for keratinocyte growth.

Keratinocytes make up the majority of the outermost layer of skin. These cells protect our skin from UV exposure, infection, and help keep skin hydrated.

This ingredient is also considered a humectant. Humectants help hydrate the skin by drawing moisture to it.

Learn more about Inositol

We don't have a description for Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract yet.

Moisturising, Skin Conditioning

Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Baobab seed oil is an emollient. It is rich in fatty acids and vitamins A, E, and D.

The fatty acid content of this oil is roughly 30-40% oleic acid, 24-34% linoleic acid, and 18-30% palmitic acid. This gives it skin hydrating and nourishing properties.

Due to this fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.

Fun fact: Our skin uses fatty acids, and especially linoleic acid, for creating ceramides.

Learn more about Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil comes from the grape vine. Grape seeds are a byproduct of creating grape juice or wine.

The components of grape seeds have many skin benefits. Research has found it to be antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It also contains many potent antioxidants such as Vitamin E , Vitamin C, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Proanthocyanidin has been shown to help even out skin tone.

Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radicals by donating extra electrons. Grape seed extract may help reduce the signs of aging.

The antimicrobial properties of grape seed may help treat acne. However, more research is needed to support this claim.

Grape seed has also been found to help absorb UV rays. Grape seed extract should not replace your sunscreen.

The fatty acids of grape seed oil give it emollient properties. Emollients help soothe and soften your skin by creating a film. This film traps moisture within, keeping your skin hydrated.

Learn more about Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil

Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil is the fixed oil obtained from Macadamia nut.

Macadamia seed oil is rich in fatty acids, including oleic acid (45-75%), palmitoleic acid (7-33%), and palmitic acid (6-12%). They also contain various B vitamins, iron, and magnesium.

Palmitoleic acid has been shown to help soothe inflammation and promote wound healing. It is also naturally found in the fat of our skin.

Macadamia seed oil may not be malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne, safe.

Learn more about Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil

Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract comes from the witch hazel plant.

Witch Hazel is an astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial ingredient. The tannin in witch hazel has a drying effect when used on skin and constricts proteins. This helps minimize the look of large pores. The tannins present and the fragrance may be sensitizing. The catechins in witch hazel have anti-inflammatory properties while the gallic acid is antibacterial.

Indigenous groups have used witch hazel to help treat inflammation, which was then used by early settlers to North America.

Learn more about Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.

Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.

Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.

You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.

There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.

Learn more about Tocopherol

We don't have a description for Sapindus Trifoliatus Fruit Extract yet.

Skin Conditioning

Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract is extract from Apples. Apples are rich in Vitamin C, sugars, and antioxidants.

The sugar in Apples are humectants and help hydrate the skin. On top of that, apples also contain some acids, such as malic acid. These acids may have a mild exfoliating effect.

Last, the phytochemicals found in apples are strong antioxidants. These antioxidants help with anti-aging as they protect your skin cells against oxidative damage.

Learn more about Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning, Tonic

Citrus Limon juice is also lemon juice.

While lemon juice contains antioxidants and vitamins, it can sensitize the skin.

The acidity of lemons may work as an astringent for acne. This can cause sensitivity. Lemon juice can also increase photosensitivity, or sensitivity to the sun.

Learn more about Citrus Limon Juice
Skin Conditioning

Papain is an enzyme found naturally in the papaya plant's leaves, fruit, and roots. It has antimicrobial, soothing, and wound healing properties.

Glycine and Vitamin A are naturally found in papain.

While papain is often touted as skin-lightening, further studies are needed to prove this. However, papain has been shown to help soothe acne-inflammation.

Papain belongs to a class of enzymes called proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes break down peptides and amino acids.

Some studies found papain to be a potential skin sensitizer and allergen. Those with latex allergies might also be allergic to papaya.

Learn more about Papain
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Hydroxyproline yet.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

We don't have a description for Chitosan yet.

Skin Conditioning

Polyglutamic Acid is made up many glutamic acids chained together. It is created from bacterial fermentation.

This ingredient is an effective skin hydrator and may help speed up wound healing. As a humectant, it draws and holds water to the skin. This ingredient is often compared to hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Similarly to hyaluronic acid, it can vary in molecular weights. This means polyglutamic acid is capable of bringing hydration to lower levels of the skin.

Fun fact: Polyglutamic Acid is found in the Japanese food, natto. It is also being used in cancer treatment studies.

Learn more about Polyglutamic Acid
Abrasive, Absorbent, Cosmetic Colorant

Kaolin is a clay. It is used for oil control and to help minimize pores. Like other clays, kaolin has the ability to absorb excess sebum or oil. This can help clean out pores and mattify the skin.

Some types of kaolin may have exfoliating properties. When water is added to kaolin, it becomes a paste with small abrasive particles.

Most kaolin is a white color, but may be pink/orange/red depending on where it comes from.

The name 'kaolin' comes from a Chinese village named 'Gaoling'. Kaolin clay comes from rocks rich in kaolinite. Kaolinite, the mineral, has a silicate layered structure. Kaolinite is formed from chemical weathering of aluminum siilicate minerals.

Besides skincare, kaolin is commonly used to make glossy paper, in ceramics, toothpaste, and as medicine to soothe stomach issues.

Learn more about Kaolin
Abrasive, Absorbent, Skin Protecting

Talc is a clay mineral. It helps absorb moisture and improve the texture of products. Like other types of clay, Talc can have a slight exfoliating effect on skin. Talc can be added to increase the volume of products.

Some Baby powders are made by combining talc with corn starch. The word "talc" comes from Latin and originates from Arabic. Talc is a mineral commonly found throughout the world.

If you have any concerns about using talc, we recommend checking out the FDA's official page.

Learn more about Talc
Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising

This silica is mainly used to thicken oils and suspend particles in oils. It is not water soluble.

According to the manufacturer, it:

The manufacturer also claims this ingredient to be useful in makeup.

In lipstick formulations, this ingredient improves color payoff, reduces pigment settling, and reduces oil bleeding. This ingredient also improves the grip of powder products such as dry shampoos.

Learn more about Silica Dimethyl Silylate
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.

Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.

Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).

In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.

The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.

Is squalane vegan?

This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.

Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.

Read more about squalene with an "e".

Learn more about Squalane
Cleansing, Emulsifying

Isostearic acid is a saturated fatty acid. Its structure makes it a great surfactant.

Surfactants help decrease the surface tension between two liquids. This property also makes it an effective emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent waters and oils from separating in a product.

Isostearic Acid is created from oleic acid.

This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Isostearic Acid
Abrasive, Absorbent

Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.

Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.

Learn more about Silica
Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising

A type of fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as traditional alcohols.

Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.

Behenyl Alcohol is usually derived from the fats in vegetable oils.

In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.

Learn more about Behenyl Alcohol
Pvp
Emulsion Stabilising

Pvp is a water-soluble synthetic polymer and common hairstyling ingredient. It is a film-forming ingredient and used to "hold" specific shapes of hair.

Pvp is less effective in high-humidity. It tends to draw moisture, but this moisture dismantles the structure and "hold".

Masking

Algin is brown algae. Algae is an informal term for a group of aquatic organisms that can photosynthesize. It is estimated there are at least 30,000 types of Algae.

Algae contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

Emulsion Stabilising, Stabilising

Hydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.

This ingredient helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating. It can also help thicken the texture of a product.

This ingredient can also be found in pill medicines to help our bodies digest other ingredients.

Learn more about Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsifying

Cetearyl Glucoside is a surfactant and emulsifier. It can be produced from synthetic of natural sources of cetearyl alcohol and glucose.

Emulsifiers help prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters. It can also be used to enhance the texture of products.

As a surfactant, Cetearyl Glucoside helps during the cleansing process. By gathering all the dirt and oils, it allows these molecules to be washed away easily.

Learn more about Cetearyl Glucoside
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol 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.

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is the oil from the bergamot orange. It is native to Italy.

This ingredient is used to add fragrance to products. It contains limonene, linalool, and linalyl acetate.

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.

When used topically, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is a photosensitizer due to its furanocoumarins. Photosensitizers make the skin and eyes much more sensitive to sunlight. Photosensitizers are linked to skin cancer.

However, more cosmetics using Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil are removing the furanocoumarins.

Bergamot oil was also found to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil

When to use

1 Routine
0% use in am
100% use in pm
100% use every day