What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientSclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
HumectantSqualane
EmollientGoat Fat
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningMyrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAniba Rosaeodora Wood Extract
MaskingSaccharomyces/Sucrose Ferment Extract
MaskingAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Hydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantPolyquaternium-10
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGamma-Docosalactone
Skin ConditioningBifidobacterium
Skin ProtectingHydrolyzed Yeast Extract
Skin ConditioningEnterococcus Faecalis
HumectantArachis Hypogaea Oil
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingMethylparaben
PreservativeButylene Glycol
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingCyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Squalane, Goat Fat, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Extract, Saccharomyces/Sucrose Ferment Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Silk, Polyquaternium-10, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Gamma-Docosalactone, Bifidobacterium, Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract, Enterococcus Faecalis, Arachis Hypogaea Oil, Bisabolol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Methylparaben, Butylene Glycol, Water, Parfum
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Oil
EmollientDimethiconol
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientHoney
HumectantRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningHoney Extract
HumectantPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Honey Protein
Skin ConditioningGluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningKeratin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantGamma-Docosalactone
Skin ConditioningRosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningMeadowfoam Delta-Lactone
Skin ConditioningCoco-Glucoside
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBisabolol
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningPPG-4-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingCyclopentasiloxane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Dimethiconol, Dimethicone, Honey, Royal Jelly Extract, Honey Extract, Propolis Extract, Hydrolyzed Honey Protein, Gluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate, Keratin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Gamma-Docosalactone, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Ceramide Ng, Meadowfoam Delta-Lactone, Coco-Glucoside, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bisabolol, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Water, PPG-4-Ceteth-20, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
You may know this ingredient as argan oil. It has emollient and skin conditioning properties that help soften skin and reinforce the lipid barrier.
The fatty acid profile of argan oil is roughly 45-55% oleic acid, 28-36% linoleic acid, 10-15% palmitic acid, and 5-7% stearic acid. It also contains vitamin E, sterols, squalene, and polyphenols like ferulic acid.
Two clinical studies in postmenopausal women found that applying argan oil for 60 days significantly improved skin elasticity and moisturization (reduced transepidermal water loss and increased epidermal water content).
Since it is high in oleic and linoleic acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Both of these fall in the C11-C24 range that Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Argania Spinosa Kernel OilBisabolol is a gentle skin conditioner, antioxidant, and soothing ingredient.
It's primary claim to fame is soothing and research shows topically applied bisabolol can quiet the chemical messengers that cause your skin to become inflamed, helping to sooth any irritation.
A clinical study found that applying 0.5% bisabolol daily for 8 weeks produced an average 9% decrease in skin pigmentation. Researchers found it can also suppress the process that leads to excess melanin production in skin.
In vitro studies found that bisabolol combined with propylene glycol significantly increased skin permeability by increasing lipid fluidity in the stratum corneum.
You'll likely see use concentrations quite low, usually 0.1-0.2%.
Overall, this is a well-tolerated ingredient that works well in formulas designed for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin.
Learn more about BisabololButylene 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 TriglycerideCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone 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 DimethiconeWe don't have a description for Gamma-Docosalactone yet.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneHydrolyzed Keratin is derived from keratin. Keratin is a large protein that is naturally found in our hair and skin.
Studies show keratin is able to seal broken hair cuticles, helping to prevent split ends and breakage.
As a humectant, hydrolyzed keratin helps draw moisture from the air to your hair and skin. This helps keep your skin and hair hydrated.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed KeratinParfum 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 ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Tocopherol 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 TocopherolWater. 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