What's inside

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Show highlights for:

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%

UV Absorber
UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter Icon

Homosalate 5%

Skin Conditioning
UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%

UV Absorber
0 / 0 UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Octocrylene 10%

UV Absorber
UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay cause irritation IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Water

Skin Conditioning

Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Silicon Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Synthetic Fragrance IconFragrance IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Dipropylene Glycol

Humectant
Synthetic Fragrance IconFragrance Icon

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil

Emollient
Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Barrier Repair IconMay worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Yeast Extract

Skin Conditioning

Cyclopentasiloxane

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Cyclohexasiloxane

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Isododecane

Emollient
Synthetic Fragrance IconFragrance Icon

Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer

Silicon Icon

Saccharide Isomerate

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Methyl Gluceth-20

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sodium Chloride

Masking

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Bisabolol

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

PEG-15/Lauryl Dimethicone Crosspolymer

Stabilising
Silicon Icon

Sodium PCA

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Propylene Glycol

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Ceteareth-25

Cleansing

Sodium Benzoate

Masking
Preservative Icon

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Sodium Citrate

Buffering

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract

Astringent

Cetyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 2 Fatty Alcohol IconCoconut Derived IconMay worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment

May worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydrolyzed Silk

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Behenic Acid

Cleansing
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ceramide NP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Ceramide Ns

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Saccharomyces/Iron Ferment

Skin Conditioning
May worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment

Skin Conditioning
May worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Saccharomyces/Silicon Ferment

Skin Conditioning
May worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment

Skin Conditioning
May worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Ceramide AP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Ceramide EOP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Ceramide Eos

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Olea Europaea Leaf Extract

Perfuming
Fragrance Icon

Caprooyl Phytosphingosine

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Caprooyl Sphingosine

Skin Conditioning

Disodium EDTA

Ascorbyl Palmitate

Antioxidant
2 / 0 Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps brighten skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconMay worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Mica

Cosmetic Colorant

Water

Skin Conditioning

Centella Asiatica Leaf Water

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Isononyl Isononanoate

Emollient

Cyclopentasiloxane

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Phenyl Trimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer

Good for Oily Skin Icon

Cera Alba

Emollient
0-2 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis IconMay worsen Keratosis Pilaris IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Diethylhexyl Carbonate

Emollient

Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate

Emulsifying
May worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Niacinamide

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

Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Silicon Icon

Cyclohexasiloxane

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Diglycerin

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Iron Oxides

Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate

Emulsifying
May worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Isododecane

Emollient

Ethylene/Methacrylate Copolymer

Cetearyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 1 Fatty Alcohol IconCoconut Derived IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis IconMay worsen Keratosis Pilaris IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate

Emulsifying
May worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Aluminum Hydroxide

Emollient

Stearic Acid

Cleansing
2-3 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Disteardimonium Hectorite

Stabilising

Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer

Sclerotium Gum

Emulsion Stabilising

Sodium Benzoate

Masking
Preservative Icon

Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Hydrogen Dimethicone

Silicon Icon

Chromium Oxide Greens

Triethyl Citrate

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Fragaria Vesca Leaf Extract

Astringent

Disodium EDTA

BHT

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Alcohol

Antimicrobial
Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Psoriasis IconMay worsen Keratosis Pilaris IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Asiaticoside

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Adenosine

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

Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Silicon Icon

Lavandula Angustifolia Oil

Masking
Oil IconEssential Oil IconFragrance IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Perioral Dermatitis IconMay worsen Psoriasis IconEU Allergen Icon

Boron Nitride

Absorbent
Good for Oily Skin Icon

Asiatic Acid

Skin Conditioning
Helps with Anti-Aging IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Madecassic Acid

Skin Conditioning
Helps with Anti-Aging IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Citrus Grandis Peel Oil

Masking
Oil IconEssential Oil IconFragrance IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Perioral Dermatitis IconMay worsen Psoriasis IconMay worsen Keratosis Pilaris Icon

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil

Masking
Oil IconEssential Oil IconMay worsen Perioral Dermatitis IconMay worsen Psoriasis Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil

Masking
Oil IconEssential Oil IconFragrance IconHelps reduce irritation IconMay worsen Perioral Dermatitis IconMay worsen Psoriasis Icon

Houttuynia Cordata Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness Icon

Propanediol

Solvent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Centella Asiatica Extract

Cleansing
Helps with Anti-Aging IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Gentiana Lutea Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Artemisia Absinthium Extract

Skin Conditioning

Achillea Millefolium Extract

Cleansing

Arnica Montana Flower Extract

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Polysorbate 20

Emulsifying
0 / 0 May worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Aniba Rosodora Wood Oil

Astringent
Oil Icon

Sodium Glycerophosphate

Selaginella Lepidophylla Extract

Emollient

Potassium Magnesium Aspartate

Buffering

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Calcium Gluconate

Humectant

Madecassoside

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Magnesium Gluconate

Skin Conditioning

Centella Asiatica Meristem Cell Culture

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Titanium Dioxide

Cosmetic Colorant
0 / 0 UV Protection IconMineral UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Zinc Oxide

Cosmetic Colorant
1 / 0 UV Protection IconMineral UV Filter IconGood for Oily Skin IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Reviews

3.33
Overall rating
5
4
3
2
1
What people say
Irritating 50%
2.87
Overall rating
5
4
3
2
1
What people say
Heavy 38% Broke Me Out 31% Drying 31%

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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 Glycol
Buffering, Masking

Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.

Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.

However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.

Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.

In skincare formulas, citric acid can:

While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.

Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Cyclohexasiloxane is a type of silicone more commonly known as D6. It is an emollient and solvent.

Cyclohexasiloxane is used to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. When applied to the skin, Cyclohexasiloxane evaporates and leaves behind a silky feel.

As an emollient, it can help the skin feel soft and hydrated. It is also used to reduce frizz in hair products.

Learn more about Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) is a lightweight silicone that mostly acts as an emollient and solvent in cosmetics. Its the reason your products feel silky, fast-spreading, and non-greasy.

Since D5 is volatile, it does its thing and then evaporates off the skin quickly.

The safety profile of this ingredient is reassuring; the US CIR Expert Panel concluded D5 is safe as used in cosmetics and Health Canada concluded that D5 is not harmful to human health or the environment as currently used in cosmetics

There's a study that people mention about D5 in a rat study showing tumors. This study is related to long-term inhalation of high D5 levels.

Regulatory bodies have judged this study to be not applicable in topical skincare since skin absorption of D5 is very low and we're not really inhaling huge amounts of D5.

The only restriction for this ingredient is environmental. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) restricted D5 in wash-off cosmetics at or above 0.1% due to their persistence in water.

Learn more about Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.

What it does:

Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:

Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.

Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.

This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.

Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.

Learn more about Dimethicone

Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.

This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:

On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.

One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).

Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.

You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin (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 Glycerin
Emollient, Solvent

Isododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.

As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.

Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.

Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.

The chemical name for this ingredient is 2,2,4,6,6-PENTAMETHYLHEPTANE.

Learn more about Isododecane

Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.

When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.

Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.

If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Preservative

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 Sorbate
Masking, Preservative

Sodium 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 Benzoate
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. Remember to stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

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