What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclomethicone
EmollientZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPropanediol
SolventPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSalvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientC30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingFructooligosaccharides
HumectantSaccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPullulan
Octyldodecanol
EmollientPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningRosa Damascena Flower Oil
MaskingEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningCardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingGlutamic Acid
HumectantSerine
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningAlanine
MaskingArginine
MaskingThreonine
Proline
Skin ConditioningWater, Cyclomethicone, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dibutyl Adipate, Caprylyl Methicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Stearic Acid, Fructooligosaccharides, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pullulan, Octyldodecanol, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Panthenol, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol, Phosphatidylcholine, Ceramide NP, Glycine, Glutamic Acid, Serine, Lysine, Alanine, Arginine, Threonine, Proline
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberAlcohol
AntimicrobialC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterHomosalate
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV AbsorberCI 77891
Cosmetic Colorant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientC20-22 Alkyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingC20-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveAluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingPolyisobutene
Propanediol
SolventPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingAlumina
AbrasiveGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientSaccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingOlea Europaea Oil Unsaponifiables
Skin ConditioningPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTriticum Vulgare Germ Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingGlycine Soja Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningSalvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPollen Extract
EmollientSalvia Officinalis Oil
MaskingT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingPogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
MaskingCardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantLinoleic Acid
CleansingGlycine Soja Sterols
EmollientPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-4
Skin ConditioningPinus Pinaster Bark Extract
AntioxidantWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Homosalate, Octocrylene, CI 77891, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, C20-22 Alcohols, Caprylyl Methicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Silica, Aluminum Stearate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Tromethamine, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polyisobutene, Propanediol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Alumina, Glyceryl Caprylate, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Octyldodecanol, Xanthan Gum, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Olea Europaea Oil Unsaponifiables, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Adenosine, Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil Unsaponifiables, Sorbitan Oleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Glycine Soja Oil Unsaponifiables, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pollen Extract, Salvia Officinalis Oil, T-Butyl Alcohol, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol, Linoleic Acid, Glycine Soja Sterols, Phospholipids, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Butylene 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 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 TriglycerideCaprylyl Methicone is a synthetic and lightweight silicone fluid. It gives products a silky, dry-touch finish without the heaviness of pure oils.
Though the EU CosIng Database lists this ingredient as a skin conditioner, it is also used for sensory reasons. It spreads easily, cuts greasiness, and reduces tackiness.
This ingredient is volatile which means it will mostly evaporate (but it evaporates slower than older cyclomethicones, like Cyclotetrasiloxane).
Typical concentration ranges from 1-30% depending on if it's being used to tweak the feel of a product or acting as the main emollient.
Learn more about Caprylyl MethiconeCardiospermum halicacabum extract is more commonly known as Balloon Vine Extract.
Balloon Vine Extract helps soothe skin and is an antioxidant. It also contains many fatty acids, such as palmitic, oleic, and stearic acids. While these fatty acids help soften skin, they may not be fungal-friendly.
Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Balloon Vine has been used in traditional medicine in many Asian cultures.
Learn more about Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine ExtractCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractCeramide NP (formerly known as Ceramide 3) is one of the skin's naturally occurring lipids.
Since ceramides are the major lipid components of the skin, they are crucial for maintaining skin barrier and hydration. Ceramide NP most closely mirrors the dominant kind in human skin amongst ceramide subtypes.
This ceramide works by slotting into gaps within the stratum corneum's lipid matrix to limit trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and shield the skin against external irritants.
A study with 312 patients found that using a ceramide-containing routine for 4 weeks reduced the severity of atopic dermatitis by over 61%.
Another clinical study in subjects aged 60 and older found that a ceramide body wash and moisturizer improved skin dryness and itchy skin in 15 days.
Overall, ceramides are considered non-irritating and safety tests have found little to no observable adverse effects from using this ingredient.
Ceramide NP is usually sourced from plants (like soybean or rice bran), or produced synthetically.
Learn more about Ceramide NPCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is the oil from the bergamot orange and is primarily used as a fragrance. It has a "fresh" and "bright orange" scent.
The main aroma compounds found in this ingredient are limonene (~27-52%), linalool (~2-22%), and linalyl acetate (~27-40%). These are known EU fragrance allergens.
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.
When used topically, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is a photosensitizer due to the furanocoumarin content. Furanocoumarins absorb UV-A and cause phytophotodermatitis; this can look like redness, blistering, and lasting brown pigmentation on sun-exposed skin.
Due to this, this ingredient is capped at 0.4% in leave-on products applied to sun exposed skin.
Many modern formulas used a "furanocoumarin-free" version that sidesteps the phototoxicity issue, but still contains the fragrance allergens.
Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit OilEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe. It can help to reduce redness.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinSunflower seed oil unsaponifiables comes from the the small part of sunflower seed oil that does not convert into soap during the saponification process.
This ingredient is rich in vitamin E, fatty acids (like linoleic acid), and other lipophilic compounds, making it a great emollient. Emollients help keep the skin hydrated and soft.
Due to its rich fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil UnsaponifiablesHouttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.
The components found in Heart Leaf give it antioxidant, hydrating, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Heart Leaf is rich in flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, and more. It also contains polysaccharides, the most common type of carbs in food.
Flavonoids have been shown to be effective antioxidants. They help neutralize free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are unstable molecules that may damage our skin cells and DNA. The flavonoids in Heart Leaf also help soothe the skin.
Polysaccharides are naturally found in our skin. They play a role in hydrating and repairing the top layer of skin. The polysaccharides in Heart Leaf help moisturize our skin.
Studies show decanoyl acetaldehyde, a component of Heart Leaf oil, is effective at killing bacteria.
The name 'Fish Mint' comes from the herb's natural fishy smell. Is is native to southeast Asia and used throughout the continent for traditional cooking and medicine.
Learn more about Houttuynia Cordata ExtractOctyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil is the pressed oil of the Rose Geranium plant. It is volatile, meaning it evaporates off the skin.
Fragrant components of Rose Geranium include citronellol and geraniol. These may cause allergies and skin-sensitivity. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
The scent of Rose Geranium closely resembles traditional roses.
Learn more about Pelargonium Graveolens Flower OilPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolWe don't have a description for Saccharide Hydrolysate yet.
This ingredient comes from chia seeds (the same ones you put in your smoothie!). It has emollient and skin conditioning properties due to its rich concentration of linoleic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
One small clinical study of 10 people found that a 4% chia seed oil formulation significantly improved skin hydration and soothed itchiness in 8 weeks. Another study showed using a chia seed extract enriched with vitamin F told skin cells to produce more of their own hydration factors.
There's also some lab evidence that chia seed extract, when paired with pomegranate extract, may help reduce excess pigment production.
Learn more about Salvia Hispanica Seed ExtractTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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