What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantIsohexadecane
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventHaematococcus Pluvialis Extract
AntioxidantYeast Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningArginine Hcl
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion Stabilising3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingPlumeria Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyglutamate
HumectantRosa Centifolia Flower Extract
AstringentSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Aspartate
Skin ConditioningZinc Gluconate
Skin ConditioningIpomoea Batatas Tuber Extract
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningMyrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeBiosaccharide Gum-4
Skin ConditioningCopper Gluconate
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialSorbic Acid
PreservativeAcetyl Tetrapeptide-11
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Isohexadecane, Niacinamide, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Yeast Ferment Extract, Arginine Hcl, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Parfum, Plumeria Alba Flower Extract, Sodium Polyglutamate, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Ipomoea Batatas Tuber Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Copper Gluconate, Sodium Benzoate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sorbic Acid, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Beta-Carotene, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Benzyl Alcohol, Geraniol, Citronellol, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCastor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningMalva Sylvestris Extract
AstringentRose Extract
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTamarindus Indica Seed Gum
Emulsion StabilisingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientTriheptanoin
Skin ConditioningPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberParfum
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSorbitol
HumectantAlgin
MaskingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Polyvinyl Alcohol
Citric Acid
BufferingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantC13-15 Alkane
SolventCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingWater, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Malva Sylvestris Extract, Rose Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Adenosine, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Triheptanoin, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Parfum, Sodium Hydroxide, Chlorphenesin, Sorbitol, Algin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Cellulose Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, CI 14700, CI 42090, C13-15 Alkane, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
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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 ButterCarbomer is a high-molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid. It is used to form gels and thicken formulas.
Due to its large molecular size, carbomer has minimal skin penetration and is considered an inert ingredient.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Learn more about CarbomerGlycerin (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 OilParfum 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 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 GlycolPotassium 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 Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideTocopheryl 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water