What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantIsodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientArachidyl Alcohol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantRosa Damascena Flower Extract
MaskingTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningTropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningDaphne Odora Callus Extract
Skin ProtectingRetinol
Skin ConditioningJania Rubens Extract
Skin ConditioningTrifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Caprylate
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingMica
Cosmetic ColorantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasiveHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPhenethyl Alcohol
MaskingSodium Carrageenan
Emulsion StabilisingDextran
Parfum
MaskingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Dimethicone, Arachidyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Daphne Odora Callus Extract, Retinol, Jania Rubens Extract, Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Caprylate, Sodium Hydroxide, Mica, Polysorbate 20, Silica, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Pentylene Glycol, Phenethyl Alcohol, Sodium Carrageenan, Dextran, Parfum, CI 77891, CI 19140, CI 17200
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Isononanoate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientPPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
HumectantSafflower Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingOpuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningArabidopsis Thaliana Extract
AntioxidantLeontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture
Skin ConditioningMarrubium Vulgare Meristem Cell Culture
Skin ProtectingGalactoarabinan
Schizophyllan
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantSqualane
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPullulan
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasivePolyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningMicrococcus Lysate
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingDisodium EDTA
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPolymethyl Methacrylate
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentTin Oxide
AbrasiveSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Mica, Glycerin, Safflower Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture, Marrubium Vulgare Meristem Cell Culture, Galactoarabinan, Schizophyllan, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Squalane, Caprylyl Glycol, Pullulan, Hexylene Glycol, Silica, Polyglutamic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Beta-Glucan, Micrococcus Lysate, Polysorbate 60, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Glucoside, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Maltodextrin, Tin Oxide, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Limonene, CI 77891, CI 77491
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholCi 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
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 DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinMica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaParfum 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 ParfumPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideTocopheryl 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water