What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Hybrid Oil
EmollientOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningSesamum Indicum Seed Oil
EmollientSucrose Stearate
EmollientSucrose Laurate
EmollientPhragmites Karka Extract
Skin ConditioningPoria Cocos Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientSucrose Palmitate
EmollientMaltodextrin
AbsorbentTocopherol
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingParfum
MaskingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Ether, Glycerin, Water, Helianthus Annuus Hybrid Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Sucrose Stearate, Sucrose Laurate, Phragmites Karka Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sucrose Palmitate, Maltodextrin, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Citral, Parfum
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientIsohexadecane
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningMeteorite Powder
Skin ConditioningOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCharcoal Powder
AbrasiveTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPolyglyceryl-6 Distearate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Pentaoleate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingPropanediol
SolventParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingBHT
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Isohexadecane, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Water, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Meteorite Powder, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Charcoal Powder, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentaoleate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Citric Acid, Propanediol, Parfum, Limonene, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Sorbate, Mica, CI 77891, CI 77499
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 a lightweight 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. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. 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. Be sure to 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 ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycerin (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 OilLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneParfum 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 “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” 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 Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateWater. 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