What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventPEG-8 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmulsifyingBetaine
HumectantGlycereth-26
HumectantMethyl Gluceth-10
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeGlycerin
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientSqualane
EmollientLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingBisabolol
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAdansonia Digitata Fruit Extract
EmollientChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingLactic Acid
BufferingCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeAcetic Acid
BufferingRosa Centifolia Flower Extract
AstringentCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning2,3-Butanediol
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientBis(Tripeptide-1) Copper Acetate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSorbic Acid
PreservativeGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningFarnesol
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Propanediol, PEG-8 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Betaine, Glycereth-26, Methyl Gluceth-10, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Carbomer, Caffeine, Propylene Glycol, Yeast Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Squalane, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Bisabolol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Lactic Acid, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Acetic Acid, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Ceramide NP, 2,3-Butanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Bis(Tripeptide-1) Copper Acetate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sorbic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceramide AP, Ceramide As, Ceramide Ns, Cholesterol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Ceramide EOP, Farnesol, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, CI 15985, CI 19140, CI 17200
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
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ci 15985 is a dye made from petroleum. It is synthetically created and approved by the FDA for use in foods and cosmetics.
The color of this dye is orange/yellow.
This ingredient can be found in makeup, sun care, and skincare.
Learn more about CI 15985CI 17200 is a synthetic, water-soluble, reddish-pink dye. It is used purely as a cosmetic colorant.
In the US, the FDA permits this ingredient in cosmetics but it is not approved for use around the eyes while the EU allows this to be used in all cosmetic products.
The FDA requires batch-to-batch certification for this ingredient that is held to a pretty rigorous standard. That means the CI 17200 in your cosmetics has been tested and approved before it ever reaches you.
Contact allergy to cosmetic-grade dyes used at low concentrations are uncommon but has been documented before.
This ingredient also goes by the name D&C RED NO. 33.
CI 17200 has a comedogenic rating of 1 and an irritancy rating of 2 on a scale of 0-5. This is based on peer-reviewed research from the man who invented the comedogenic scale.
A 1 on the comedogenic scale is about as low as it gets without being a flat zero, and makes sense for CI 17200.
It's a water-soluble dye used at very small concentrations (typically 0.001-0.1%), so it dissolves into the water phase of a formula rather than sitting on your skin the way an oil or wax would.
The irritancy rating of 2 reflects that, like most synthetic dyes, there's a small possibility of mild irritation ( particularly for people with existing dye sensitivities).
For the vast majority of people, it's a non-issue at typical use levels.
It's also worth keeping in mind that comedogenic and irritancy ratings are tested on individual ingredients, not finished formulas. The final product's formulation, concentration, and other ingredients all play a role in how something actually behaves on your skin.
Just so you know, the FDA ban on Red Dye No. 3 refers to CI 45430, not this ingredient. CI 45430 and CI 17200 are different chemical compounds with distinct safety and regulatory histories.
It's also worth noting that Red No. 3 (CI 45430) was already banned from cosmetics back in 1990, so the 2025 action just extended the ban to food and oral drugs. CI 17200 was never part of any of this.
Learn more about CI 17200CI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140Disodium 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 EthylhexylglycerinGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolGlycerin (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 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.
Potassium 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 SorbateThis extract comes from Rosa centifolia petals and flowers. It has astringent, masking, skin conditioning, and tonic properties.
The compounds in this ingredient can give skin a toning feel, which is why it's sometimes described as a mild astringent. It's often described as a tonic because rose ingredients have long been used in facial waters and toners for refreshing the skin.
Rosa centifolia has a natural floral scent that can mask or soften unpleasant odors from other ingredients.
Like other botanical extracts, people with very fragrance-sensitive skin may prefer to patch test.
Learn more about Rosa Centifolia Flower ExtractSodium 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 AcidSqualane is the hydrogenated and shelf-stable form of squalene (a lipid that naturally occurs in human sebum).
It is an emollient and skin conditioning agent that is able to integrate seamlessly into the skin's lipid barrier without clogging pores.
This is due to how structurally similar it is to what your skin already produces.
Though it is mostly an emollient that helps soften and hydrate skin, it also has some humectant and occlusive action. Humectants help the skin retain moisture while occlusives seal it in, making squalane a triple-threat moisturizer.
Research shows it has antioxidant capabilities that help protect against stressors like UV exposure, specifically UVA induced oxidative stress. This study also found that it supports collagen biosynthesis in human dermal fibroblasts.
No clinical study has reported significant adverse effects and irritation reactions are very rare from this ingredient (even at 100% concentration).
Overall, it's a fantastic ingredient for hydration and is suitable for all skin types.
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".
Though squalane is often called an oil, itâs technically not one. It is a hydrocarbon, meaning it is only made of carbon and hydrogen. True oils are triglycerides and made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term âoil-freeâ isnât regulated so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
Squalane has a comedogenic rating of 1 from the original 1972 study that tested raw ingredients under occlusion on rabbit ears. This system is not standardized or peer-reviewed, and using the raw ingredients is very different from how diluted cosmetic formulations are used on human skin.
A comedogenic rating of 1 means it is "unlikely to clog pores" according to the original rating system.
The overall formula of a product matters more than the individual ingredients on whether or not it will cause clogged pores.
Learn more about SqualaneWater. 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