What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPropanediol
SolventCeteareth-20
CleansingDimethicone
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingCeteareth-25
CleansingBehenic Acid
CleansingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Eos
Skin ConditioningCaprooyl Phytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCaprooyl Sphingosine
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingGlyceryl Oleate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientLecithin
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Ceteareth-20, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hydroxide, Ceteareth-25, Behenic Acid, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide Eos, Caprooyl Phytosphingosine, Caprooyl Sphingosine, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Glyceryl Oleate, Glyceryl Stearate, Lecithin, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantOrange Roughy Oil
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimethicone
EmollientArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPhytosteryl Oleate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientTriethanolamine
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingPropanediol
SolventBHT
AntioxidantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingStyrene/Vp Copolymer
Mannitol
HumectantCeteareth-20
CleansingFucose
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
MaskingStearyl Glycyrrhetinate
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHexyldecanol
EmollientSodium PCA
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingErythritol
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Urea
BufferingTrehalose
HumectantAmmonium Glycyrrhizate
MaskingChondrus Crispus
Masking4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
MaskingGlycerophosphoinositol Choline
Skin ProtectingGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingOpuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPvm/Ma Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBeta-Sitosterol
Emulsion Stabilising3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientBenzoic Acid
MaskingPisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbic Acid
PreservativeStearic Acid
CleansingCetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingZinc Gluconate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPullulan
Glyceryl Polyacrylate
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingAlgin
MaskingHydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientAesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingViola Yedoensis Extract
Skin ConditioningTaraxacum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingBrassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantMalva Sylvestris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Phosphate
BufferingAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Orange Roughy Oil, Behenyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Arachidyl Alcohol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Panthenol, Cetyl Alcohol, Phytosteryl Oleate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Triethanolamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Arachidyl Glucoside, Propanediol, BHT, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Styrene/Vp Copolymer, Mannitol, Ceteareth-20, Fucose, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Bisabolol, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Pentylene Glycol, Hexyldecanol, Sodium PCA, Ceramide NP, Polysorbate 20, Erythritol, Disodium EDTA, Urea, Trehalose, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Chondrus Crispus, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Glycerophosphoinositol Choline, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Beta-Sitosterol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Serine, Caprylyl Glycol, Benzoic Acid, Pisum Sativum Extract, Sorbic Acid, Stearic Acid, Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide, Sodium Benzoate, Zinc Gluconate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pullulan, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Disodium Phosphate, Algin, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract, Carbomer, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Viola Yedoensis Extract, Taraxacum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Tocopherol, Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Potassium Phosphate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Ceramide AP
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is created by combining pure Vitamin C and palmitic acid. It is an antioxidant and helps reduce hyperpigmentation.
This ingredient is a more stable version of Vitamin C, meaning it does not disintegrate as quickly when exposed to sunlight. However, studies show it does not penetrate skin as well as pure Vitamin C.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is oil soluble.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl PalmitateThis ingredient is an 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.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
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
Ceteareth-20 is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. It is derived from cetearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol.
As an emulsifier, Ceteareth-20 prevents oil and water from separating. It is also a surfactant. Surfactants help gather oil, pollution, and dirt to be washed away.
Cetyl 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 AlcoholCholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.Â
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 HyaluronateTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water