What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientHydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientJojoba Esters
EmollientHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientIsoamyl Laurate
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSaccharomyces/Copper Ferment
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Iron Ferment
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment
Saccharomyces/Silicon Ferment
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Zinc Ferment
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate
Skin ConditioningPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialPolyglycerin-3
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingAlthaea Rosea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlucosylrutin
AntioxidantLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningLevulinic Acid
PerfumingSodium Benzoate
MaskingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeHeptapeptide-6
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Jojoba Esters, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Isoamyl Laurate, Panthenol, Maltodextrin, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Gluconate, Tocopherol, Sodium Hydroxide, Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment, Saccharomyces/Iron Ferment, Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment, Saccharomyces/Silicon Ferment, Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment, Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate, Polyglutamic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Polyglycerin-3, Citric Acid, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Glucosylrutin, Lactobacillus Ferment, Levulinic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Potassium Sorbate, Heptapeptide-6, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningSesamum Indicum Seed Oil
EmollientPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantOctyldodecyl Myristate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientRhus Verniciflua Peel Wax
Sucrose Polystearate
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantBetaine
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCera Alba
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientSesamum Indicum Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientShorea Robusta Seed Butter
EmollientSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingOryza Sativa Hull Powder
AbrasiveHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientDextrin
AbsorbentHydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingOlea Europaea Oil Unsaponifiables
Skin ConditioningBetula Alba Bark Extract
MaskingScrophularia Nodosa Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantO-Cymen-5-Ol
AntimicrobialMadecassoside
AntioxidantAsiaticoside
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Datem
EmollientSunflower Seed Oil Glycerides
EmollientRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialAlcohol
AntimicrobialWater, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Propylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Rhus Verniciflua Peel Wax, Sucrose Polystearate, Dipropylene Glycol, Betaine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cera Alba, Pentylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Sesamum Indicum Oil Unsaponifiables, Shorea Robusta Seed Butter, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Oryza Sativa Hull Powder, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Dextrin, Hydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract, Parfum, Olea Europaea Oil Unsaponifiables, Betula Alba Bark Extract, Scrophularia Nodosa Extract, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Glycine Soja Oil, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Asiatic Acid, Sodium Phytate, Datem, Sunflower Seed Oil Glycerides, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Alcohol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.
Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).
Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterCetearyl alcohol is a waxy mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Despite having "alcohol" in its name, it has nothing to do with drying solvent alcohols; the FDA also allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols like this ingredient.
It plays several roles in a formula:
Typical use levels for this ingredient sit around 1-10% and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has affirmed safety at concentrations up to 25% in leave-on products.
Multiple assessments have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing to most people.
However, there have been some cases of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with chronically compromised skin barriers.
Cetearyl alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 and irritancy rating of 1. Both of these numbers come from the 1989 study that used rabbit ears; a "2" means mildly comedogenic and a "1" means low irritancy.
Here's the catch: rabbit skin is more sensitive than human skin and throws a lot of false positives. A 1996 reappraisal found that ingredients rated 1-2 in the rabbit ear tests are generally safe for humans.
Remember comedogenic ratings are unable to assess the entire formula of a product or how it will react on your skin. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure about certain ingredients.
This ingredient is not fungal acne safe. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with chain lengths that fall within the range that Malassezia can metabolize.
A 2019 study has also observed Malassezia growth in the presence of this ingredient, confirming it to be not-fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCitric 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 AcidEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.
Parfum 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 GlycolSodium Stearoyl Glutamate is an amino-acid based emulsifier. It is made by combining stearic acid with L-glutamic acid and neutralizing it to a sodium salt.
As an emulsifier, it works mainly as an oil-in-water one and helps keep the oil and water in your formulas blended. It also contributes to a smooth, non-greasy skin feel.
This ingredient is biodegradable and commonly available in natural/COSMOS-certified grades.
Learn more about Sodium Stearoyl GlutamateTocopherol 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum