What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Stearate
EmollientZea Mays Germ Oil
EmollientSorbeth-30 Tetraoleate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientEthylhexyl Pelargonate
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientHydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingPinus Sylvestris Leaf Oil
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPCA Glyceryl Oleate
EmollientPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantCharcoal Powder
AbrasiveCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningDextrin
AbsorbentGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil
MaskingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentHydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
AntioxidantDibutyl Adipate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
HumectantPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningCalophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil
AntimicrobialMethylpropanediol
SolventDecyl Glucoside
CleansingPinus Densiflora Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentCladosiphon Okamuranus Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Leaf Extract
AstringentCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingFicus Carica Fruit Extract
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycoproteins
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingEthylhexyl Stearate, Zea Mays Germ Oil, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Ethylhexyl Pelargonate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Diisostearyl Malate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Water, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, PCA Glyceryl Oleate, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Charcoal Powder, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Dextrin, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, Dibutyl Adipate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil, Methylpropanediol, Decyl Glucoside, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycoproteins, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol
Ethylhexyl Stearate
EmollientZea Mays Germ Oil
EmollientSorbeth-30 Tetraoleate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientHydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientPCA Glyceryl Oleate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantAbies Sibirica Oil
MaskingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
PerfumingPogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
MaskingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentHydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
AntioxidantCitrus Nobilis Peel Oil
MaskingPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingVetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil
MaskingEugenia Caryophyllus Bud Extract
Perfuming1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCI 77220
Cosmetic ColorantBetula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingCaprylic Acid
CleansingGlyceryl Glucoside
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum
Emulsion StabilisingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingEthylhexyl Stearate, Zea Mays Germ Oil, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Diisostearyl Malate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Water, Diisopropyl Sebacate, PCA Glyceryl Oleate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Abies Sibirica Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus Bud Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, CI 77220, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Arginine, Caprylic Acid, Glyceryl Glucoside, Dipropylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glycerin, Behenyl Alcohol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Carbomer, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Limonene, Linalool
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
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that 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. Just 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.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCitrus 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 OilDiisostearyl Malate is an emollient and most often used in lip products. It comes from isostearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, and malic acid, an AHA.
As an emollient, Diisostearyl Malate helps create a thin film on your skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth.
Ethylhexyl Stearate mainly acts as an emollient that helps hydate skin. It can also be used to reduce the greasiness of oils in a formula.
Because this ingredient contains a C18 fatty acid chain, it may not be Malassezia/fungal acne safe. This is because the Malassezia yeast potentially feeds on C11-C24 fatty acids.
This ingredient is an ester of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and stearic acid.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl StearateEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinHydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.
Hydrogenated Polydecene is a synthetic emollient. It forms a non-occlusive film on the skin's surface to provide a silky feel without being greasy.
In vivo studies in volunteers with atopic and dry skin showed no irritation or intolerance. The volunteers also saw a positive effect in dryness, scaling, and roughness after 28 days of use.
Concentrations up to 100% in guinea pig tests found it to be non-sensitizing and completely safe for use in cosmetics.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolydeceneHydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneThis ingredient is the hydrolyzed form of Gardenia florida, a shrub native to East Asia. It has antioxidant properties because the plant is rich in polyphenolic compounds like catechin, rutin, quercetin, and gallic acid.
Lab studies confirm that gardenia extracts demonstrate free-radical scavenging activity and a peer-reviewed study showing gardenia fruit extract can calm UV-triggered skin inflammation.
Limonene 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 LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolMaltodextrin is a polysaccharide. It is derived from starch such as rice, corn, wheat, or potato starch.
In food, Maltodextrin is used to improve the texture and thicken a product. Due to its structure, it can help create a gel texture. As an emulsion stabilizer, it helps keep the ingredients in a product together.
As a polysaccharide, Maltodextrin has moisturizing properties. Polysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate. The top layer of skin uses polysaccharides to retain water, keeping the skin hydrated.
Maltodextrin is water soluble and has a sweet taste.
Learn more about MaltodextrinPCA Glyceryl Oleate isn't fungal acne safe.
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 OilPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.
It is used to help stabilize other antioxidants or prevent the color from changing in a product.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Thus, antioxidants may reduce the signs of aging.
This ingredient is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateThis silica is mainly used to thicken oils and suspend particles in oils. It is not water soluble.
According to the manufacturer, it:
The manufacturer also claims this ingredient to be useful in makeup.
In lipstick formulations, this ingredient improves color payoff, reduces pigment settling, and reduces oil bleeding. This ingredient also improves the grip of powder products such as dry shampoos.
Learn more about Silica Dimethyl SilylateSorbeth-30 Tetraoleate is a surfactant and emulsifier.
This ingredient is a tetraester from oleic acid and polyethylene glycol ether of sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, it helps ingredients such as oil and water mix together. This allows the dirt and oils in your skin to be washed away.
One study found pumpkin oil containing Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate helped hydrate the skin and did not cause any irritation.
Learn more about Sorbeth-30 TetraoleateSorbitan Sesquioleate is derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. It is an emulsifier and prevents ingredients from separating.
Specifically, this ingredient is a water-in-oil emulsifier, meaning it helps water dissolve into oil.
Some studies suggest this ingredient may cause irritation in some people. If you are unsure, it is best to patch test.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe due to the oleic acid. In vitro studies have shown that Oleic Acid is one of the fatty acids that induce rapid Malassezia growth in lab settings.
Learn more about Sorbitan SesquioleateWater. 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 WaterZea Mays Germ Oil comes from corn.
It is an occlusive skin conditioning agent.