What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCeteareth-20
CleansingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantEnantia Chlorantha Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningOleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
BufferingGlycolic Acid
BufferingMalic Acid
BufferingSalicylic Acid
MaskingAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialDimethicone
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
MaskingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeDisodium EDTA
Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Niacinamide, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Isopropyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ceteareth-20, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Oleanolic Acid, Gluconolactone, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Malic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Potassium Hydroxide, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentGlycerin
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientSalicylic Acid
MaskingLinum Usitatissimum Seed Oil
PerfumingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Trisiloxane
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAzelaic Acid
BufferingBisabolol
MaskingCalcium Gluconate
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingCitrus Sinensis Peel Oil Expressed
PerfumingCommiphora Myrrha Resin Extract
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePhoenix Dactylifera Fruit Extract
EmollientPistacia Lentiscus Gum
MaskingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater, Butylene Glycol, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Trisiloxane, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Azelaic Acid, Bisabolol, Calcium Gluconate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Citrus Sinensis Peel Oil Expressed, Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract, Gluconolactone, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol, Phoenix Dactylifera Fruit Extract, Pistacia Lentiscus Gum, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Bisabolol is famous for its skin soothing properties. It does this by blocking inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.
This ingredient also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.
Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.
Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.
All these properties makes bisabolol a great skin barrier helper ingredient.
Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.
Note: Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.
Learn more about BisabololButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolThis 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 TriglycerideCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholGluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneGlycerin 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 StearatePeg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.
PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSodium 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 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 HyaluronateWater. 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