What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientPropanediol
SolventIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientIsopropyl Isostearate
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Hydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantInulin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantLaminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientPolysilicone-11
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Citrate
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Lactate
BufferingSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDipropylene Glycol
HumectantParfum
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Isopropyl Isostearate, Isododecane, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Inulin, Panthenol, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polysilicone-11, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ammonium Lactate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Dipropylene Glycol, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPanthenol 10%
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingHydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingAgrimonia Eupatoria Extract
AstringentTranexamic Acid
AstringentDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientSalvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientPerilla Frutescens Leaf Extract
MaskingHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantSilybum Marianum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningBroussonetia Kazinoki Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentCimicifuga Dahurica Root Extract
AntioxidantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingParfum
MaskingWater, Methyl Trimethicone, Panthenol 10%, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Allantoin, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Agrimonia Eupatoria Extract, Tranexamic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Beta-Glucan, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Silybum Marianum Seed Extract, Broussonetia Kazinoki Root Extract, Propolis Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Cimicifuga Dahurica Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolDimethicone 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 DimethiconeThis is a silicone-based ingredient that helps create a smooth, silky, "bouncy" texture. It also acts as an emulsifier that prevents ingredients from separating in a formula.
Due to its large molecule size and water-insolubility, this ingredient is unlikely to be absorbed into skin. Irritation and sensitization tests have found reactions to silicones are considered very rare.
You'll likely see this ingredient in leave-on products at concentrations of 0.03%-3%.
Learn more about Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 CrosspolymerDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPeg-10 Dimethicone is silicone with conditioner and emulsifier properties. It mostly acts as an emollient in skincare and and humectant in haircare.
According to the manufacturer, acidic formulations decrease the stability of this ingredient. It works best in neutral or near neutral formulations.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolThis ingredient is used in makeup and skincare to thicken formulas, reduce shine, and give skin a silky-smooth feel.
It’s a white silicone powder that sits in fine lines and pores to blur their appearance though its effectiveness depends on the particle size.
You'll typically find this ingredient in amounts between 0.1-20%.
Learn more about Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane CrosspolymerWater. 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