What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Coco-Caprylate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Beta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Propanediol
Solvent
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingLecithin
Emollient
Padina Pavonica Thallus Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Oat Protein
Skin ConditioningPotassium Palmitoyl Hydrolyzed Oat Protein
Skin ConditioningCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Decyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Phaseolus Angularis Seed Extract
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCoco-Glucoside
Cleansing
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingInonotus Obliquus Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Water, 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 ConditioningDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Propanediol
Solvent
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
C9-12 Alkane
SolventGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Volcanic Soil
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Squalane
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Amylopectin
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Phytate
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
PEG-75 Stearate
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-100 Stearate
Silica
Abrasive
Ceteth-20
CleansingSteareth-20
Cleansing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
T-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Dimethicone, C9-12 Alkane, Glyceryl Stearate, Volcanic Soil, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Caprylyl Methicone, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Squalane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Amylopectin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Phytate, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Potassium Sorbate, PEG-75 Stearate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, PEG-100 Stearate, Silica, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Benzoate, Polysorbate 60, T-Butyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Phenoxyethanol
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
This ingredient is a lightweight 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. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. 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. Be sure to 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.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideGlyceryl Stearate is made by reacting glycerin with stearic acid (typically sourced from plant oils like palm or coconut). It's an emulsifier, emollient, and mild occlusive.
Emulsifiers help ingredients like oil and water stay mixed so your formula stays nicely blended and uniform in texture.
This ingredient is typically used in concentrations between 1-10%. Studies have found it to be non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic, and non-photoallergenic.
A close cousin of this ingredient is Glyceryl Stearate SE ("self-emulsifying"). This just has a small amount of sodium or potassium stearate added so it can emulsify without a co-emulsifier.
Since this ingredient is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, it may not be fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast can potentially metabolize within the C11-C24 range.
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearatePentylene 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 BenzoateTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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
