What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Squalane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
PPG-24-Glycereth-24
EmulsifyingPropanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Sea Water
HumectantSodium PCA
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Phytosterols
Skin Conditioning
Withania Somnifera Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Polyisobutene
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether
EmulsifyingCucumis Sativus Seed Oil
Emollient
Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Dimethicone, PPG-24-Glycereth-24, Propanediol, Glycerin, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Retinol, Glycine Soja Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Sea Water, Sodium PCA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Stearic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Panthenol, Phytosterols, Withania Somnifera Root Extract, Disodium EDTA, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Polyisobutene, Phenoxyethanol, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyproline, Proline, Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Cucumis Sativus Seed Oil, Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 20, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Tapioca Starch
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Retinyl Propionate
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Polyacrylamide
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
DMDM Hydantoin
Preservative
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Laureth-4
Emulsifying
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingLaureth-7
EmulsifyingDimethiconol
Emollient
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Disodium EDTA
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Preservative
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Aminopeptidase
Skin ConditioningWater, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Tapioca Starch, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Retinol, Retinyl Propionate, Niacinamide, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, DMDM Hydantoin, Polysorbate 20, Laureth-4, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Laureth-7, Dimethiconol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Aminomethyl Propanol, Titanium Dioxide, Disodium EDTA, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aminopeptidase
Reviews
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 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 TriglycerideDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinPolysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolWater. 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
