What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantIsopropyl Isostearate
EmollientTheobroma Cacao Seed Butter
EmollientHydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimethicone
EmollientCamelina Sativa Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningStearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingStearic Acid
CleansingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientParfum
MaskingHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientStevia Rebaudiana Extract
Polyacrylamide
C13-14 Isoparaffin
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeLaureth-7
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSorbic Acid
PreservativeBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialBis(Tripeptide-1) Copper Acetate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Glycerin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Isopropyl Isostearate, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Camelina Sativa Seed Oil, Stearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Niacinamide, Stearic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Parfum, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Stevia Rebaudiana Extract, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Titanium Dioxide, Allantoin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Laureth-7, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Sorbate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Benzyl Benzoate, Bis(Tripeptide-1) Copper Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin
Glycerin
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSqualane
EmollientShorea Stenoptera Seed Butter
EmollientCopernicia Cerifera Cera
EmollientCopernicia Cerifera Wax
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingSucrose Stearate
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeOlea Europaea Callus Culture Lysate
Skin ConditioningSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingC15-19 Alkane
SolventDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
AntioxidantPolyglyceryl-6 Laurate
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPlumeria Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantRetinol
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPolyglycerin-6
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingRosa Centifolia Flower Extract
AstringentCyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeBHT
AntioxidantBHA
AntioxidantSorbic Acid
PreservativeCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingGlycerin, Water, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Shorea Stenoptera Seed Butter, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Sucrose Stearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Phenoxyethanol, Olea Europaea Callus Culture Lysate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, C15-19 Alkane, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Titanium Dioxide, Tocopherol, Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Plumeria Alba Flower Extract, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Polyglycerin-6, Citric Acid, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, BHT, BHA, Sorbic Acid, CI 15985, CI 17200, CI 19140, Benzyl Alcohol, Geraniol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
Think of it as a supportive ingredient that helps your gel-creams feel silky, "cloud cream-like", and spread evenly without being greasy.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel evaluated it (along with 22 other acryloyldimethyltaurate polymers) and concluded it's:
Due to its large molecular size, it sits on the surface of skin rather than penetrating it.
Learn more about Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp CopolymerBenzyl Alcohol is an aromatic alcohol with several roles: it's a preservative, solvent, and mild fragrance component with a floral scent.
This ingredient has been deemed safe for use in cosmetic formulations at concentrations up to 5%, and up to 10% in hair dyes. You'll typically see 0.5-2% in most rinse-off or leave-on products.
As a preservative, it works by disrupting the membrane of microbial proteins. This helps keep bacteria and fungi from growing in your products.
The sensitization picture is actually quite assuring as well:of nearly 71,000 patients patch tested with benzyl alcohol, only 0.21% showed a positive reaction with most of them being weakly positive.
This led researchers to conclude that benzyl alcohol cannot be regarded as a significant contact allergen.
It is worth noting this ingredient is classified as one of the EU's regulated fragrance allergens and restricted to 1% in finished products.
Labels must also declare it in concentrations above 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products.
At concentrations around 5%, localized redness and itching can appear as a direct irritant response and not as a true allergic reaction.
Learn more about Benzyl AlcoholCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that 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. Just 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 ingredientās final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinParfum 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 āFRAGRANCEā or āPARFUMā 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 ParfumPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSorbic Acid is a preservative. It is the most commonly used food preservative in the world.
Sorbic Acid is a natural antibiotic and highly effective at preventing the growth of fungus. It is less effective against bacteria.
Potassium Sorbate, another commonly-used preservative, is the potassium salt of Sorbic Acid.
Sorbic Acid may worsen eczema. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
Learn more about Sorbic AcidTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as āmineralā by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isnāt as strong as zinc oxideās, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideWater. 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