What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Chondrus Crispus Powder
Abrasive
Arginine
Masking
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Punica Granatum Extract
AstringentAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Lecithin
Emollient
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ceratonia Siliqua Gum
EmollientChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Potassium Chloride
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Dextrin
AbsorbentPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin Conditioning
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantDisodium EDTA
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Silica
Abrasive
CI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Tin Oxide
Abrasive
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Potassium Phosphate
BufferingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Glycerin, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Arginine, Glycolic Acid, Retinol, Caffeine, Niacinamide, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Adenosine, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Persea Gratissima Oil, Lecithin, Lactobacillus Ferment, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Xanthan Gum, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Chloride, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Dextrin, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, CI 77491, Disodium EDTA, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silica, CI 77007, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Alcohol, Tin Oxide, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Phosphate, CI 77891, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Citrate
BufferingParfum
Masking
BHT
Antioxidant
Squalane
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Citric Acid
Buffering
Trisodium EDTA
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Perfuming
Sapindus Mukorossi Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningLimonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Uncaria Gambir Extract
AstringentCitronellol
Perfuming
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingGeraniol
Perfuming
Benzyl Benzoate
Antimicrobial
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 75130
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Butylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol, Carbomer, Sodium Citrate, Parfum, BHT, Squalane, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Hydroxide, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Citric Acid, Trisodium EDTA, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Sapindus Mukorossi Peel Extract, Limonene, Linalool, Uncaria Gambir Extract, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydroxyproline, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, CI 75130
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholButylene 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 GlycolGlycerin (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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolTocopheryl 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 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
