What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningJojoba Esters
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCetyl Esters
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientPropanediol
SolventEthylhexyl Stearate
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearates
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSqualane
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
EmollientHibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLindera Strychnifolia Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSantalum Album Extract
CleansingPhellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Distichon Extract
Skin ProtectingAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingBacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialAstragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
EmollientUbiquinone
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantUrsolic Acid
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningErythritol
HumectantSteareth-10
EmulsifyingSteareth-20
CleansingCholesterol
EmollientDimethiconol
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Jojoba Esters, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Cetyl Esters, Dimethicone, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearates, PEG-100 Stearate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Lindera Strychnifolia Root Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Santalum Album Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Hordeum Distichon Extract, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Bacillus Ferment, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Ubiquinone, Tocopherol, Ursolic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Lecithin, Phytosphingosine, Erythritol, Steareth-10, Steareth-20, Cholesterol, Dimethiconol, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientHydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningPunica Granatum Sterols
Skin ConditioningEuterpe Oleracea Sterols
Skin ConditioningLinoleic Acid
CleansingLinolenic Acid
CleansingSerine
MaskingAlanine
MaskingGlycine
BufferingLysine Hcl
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Arginine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantGlutamic Acid
HumectantSodium PCA
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingPCA
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
MaskingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningJojoba Esters
EmollientSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingOleic Acid
EmollientMaltodextrin
AbsorbentCetyl Alcohol
EmollientBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningInulin
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
AntioxidantPropanediol
SolventCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningWater, Squalane, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Ether, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Glyceryl Stearate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ceramide NP, Ceramide Ng, Ceramide AP, Punica Granatum Sterols, Euterpe Oleracea Sterols, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Serine, Alanine, Glycine, Lysine Hcl, Threonine, Arginine, Proline, Betaine, Glutamic Acid, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Asiatic Acid, Bisabolol, Allantoin, Panthenol, Jojoba Esters, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Oleic Acid, Maltodextrin, Cetyl Alcohol, Beta-Glucan, Inulin, Sodium Phytate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 60, Dimethicone, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Pentylene Glycol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ceramide AP is formally known as Ceramide 6.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.
They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide NP
Ceramide EOP
Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide and formally known as ceramide 3.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Citric 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 AcidDimethicone 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateJojoba Esters is a wax created from Jojoba oil. It is an emollient and film-forming ingredient. In bead form, it is an exfoliator.
This ingredient has high oxidative stability, meaning it doesn't break down when exposed to oxygen.
Its similarity to our skin's natural oils makes it a great emollient. Emollients help soften and soothe our skin by creating a barrier on top. This barrier helps trap moisture in, keeping skin hydrated.
It is created using either the hydrogenation or transesterification processes on jojoba oil.
Learn more about Jojoba EstersPentylene 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 GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
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 Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneTocopheryl 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 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