What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantCoco-Caprylate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantOctyldodecanol
EmollientLactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Beta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingPropanediol
SolventGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
MaskingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientPadina Pavonica Thallus Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Oat Protein
Skin ConditioningPotassium Palmitoyl Hydrolyzed Oat Protein
Skin ConditioningCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientDecyl Glucoside
CleansingLaminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhaseolus Angularis Seed Extract
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingInonotus Obliquus Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningWater, Betaine, Coco-Caprylate, Glycerin, Octyldodecanol, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Propanediol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bisabolol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Phosphatidylcholine, Lecithin, Padina Pavonica Thallus Extract, Ceramide NP, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Potassium Palmitoyl Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Decyl Glucoside, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Phaseolus Angularis Seed Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Coco-Glucoside, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Inonotus Obliquus Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCoco-Caprylate
EmollientSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingPropanediol
SolventSaccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientSqualane
EmollientDecyl Oleate
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyglutamate
HumectantHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAnnona Cherimola Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAlbatrellus Confluens Extract
HumectantPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningUndaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningSphingolipids
EmollientRosa Centifolia Flower Extract
AstringentRosa Damascena Flower Oil
MaskingRosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPantolactone
HumectantAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantLecithin
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingPhenylpropanol
MaskingHydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPhenethyl Alcohol
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePotassium Benzoate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativeCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate, Sorbitan Stearate, Propanediol, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Squalane, Decyl Oleate, Panthenol, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Sodium Polyglutamate, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Annona Cherimola Fruit Extract, Albatrellus Confluens Extract, Phospholipids, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Sphingolipids, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Pantolactone, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Citric Acid, Phenylpropanol, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, Pentylene Glycol, Carbomer, Phenethyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Potassium Benzoate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, CI 42090
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is created by combining pure Vitamin C and palmitic acid. It is an antioxidant and helps reduce hyperpigmentation.
This ingredient is a more stable version of Vitamin C, meaning it does not disintegrate as quickly when exposed to sunlight. However, studies show it does not penetrate skin as well as pure Vitamin C.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is oil soluble.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl PalmitateCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract comes from a green microalga. It is hydrating and contains antioxidants.
Studies also show Chlorella Vulgaris may help in rebuilding collagen and elastin. This ingredient is made up of lipids, carbohydrates, and chlorophyll.
Fun fact: This ingredient is commonly used as food additive in Japan.
Learn more about Chlorella Vulgaris ExtractCoco-Caprylate is created from fatty coconut alcohol and caprylic acid.
It is a lightweight emollient. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Once applied, Coco-Caprylate is absorbed quickly and leaves a silky feel. It may help solubilize other ingredients, or help other ingredients be dispersed evenly.
Coco-Caprylate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Coco-CaprylateGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.
This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.
As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.
This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Some other names for this ingredient include soy lecithin and deoiled soy lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium 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 BenzoateTocopherol (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 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum