What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Niacinamide
SmoothingLinoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingSodium PCA
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Stearic Acid
CleansingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTriethanolamine
BufferingBHT
AntioxidantIodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
PreservativeSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitral
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Niacinamide, Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Parfum, Sodium PCA, Disodium EDTA, Stearic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethanolamine, BHT, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, CI 42090
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMyristyl Myristate
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingPEG-100 Stearate
Camelina Sativa Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingPogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
MaskingCitrus Nobilis Peel Oil
MaskingPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingBoswellia Carterii Oil
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientGanoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingFuscoporia Obliqua Sclerotium Extract
Skin ConditioningCordyceps Sinensis Extract
AntioxidantErgothioneine
AntioxidantLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningHippophae Rhamnoides Extract
MaskingZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientSilybum Marianum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantLinoleic Acid
CleansingTocotrienols
Skin ConditioningElaeis Guineensis Oil
EmollientGelidiella Acerosa Extract
Skin ProtectingHypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingSqualene
EmollientPhytosterols
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientSqualane
EmollientCaffeine
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingCeteareth-20
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantBHT
AntioxidantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEssential Oil Blend
Pelargonium Graveolens Oil
MaskingEssential Oils
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Myristyl Myristate, Stearic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, Camelina Sativa Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Boswellia Carterii Oil, Linalool, Citronellol, Citral, Limonene, Geraniol, Behenyl Alcohol, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Fuscoporia Obliqua Sclerotium Extract, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Ergothioneine, Lactobacillus Ferment, Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Linoleic Acid, Tocotrienols, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Squalene, Phytosterols, Dimethicone, Squalane, Caffeine, Polysorbate 20, Ceteareth-20, Glyceryl Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Potassium Hydroxide, Maltodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, BHT, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Essential Oil Blend, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Essential Oils
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTButylene 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 GlycolThis 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 TriglycerideCitral is the molecule responsible for the fresh lemon scent in lemon, lime, and lemongrass. It is a fragrance ingredient that can be created from plant essential oils or synthetically.
Though Citral has documented antimicrobial activity against acne bacteria (which is where the marketing claims about it being good for acne-prone skin originate), real formulas use it at fragrance-level concentrations under 1% so there's likely no skin benefit.
You should know this ingredient is a known EU fragrance allergen.
Animal studies classifies this ingredient as a weak-to-moderate skin sensitizer and clinical patch testing on eczema patients confirmed it to be both a contact allergen and irritant.
The term 'citral' is a collective term for two geometric isomers: geranial/Citral A and neral/Citral B.
The term '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.
Learn more about CitralCitronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolDimethicone 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 DimethiconeGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Sodium 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 HyaluronateStearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTocopheryl 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