What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantNannochloropsis Oculata Extract
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientSqualane
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Cetearyl Alcohol
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialAlgae Extract
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Tocopherol
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingArthrospira Platensis Extract
AntioxidantPolyquaternium-24
Citrus Grandis Seed Oil
EmollientPelargonium Graveolens Oil
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingHydrolyzed Corallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Nannochloropsis Oculata Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Squalane, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hyaluronic Acid, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Algae Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Levulinate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Citric Acid, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Arthrospira Platensis Extract, Polyquaternium-24, Citrus Grandis Seed Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Hydrolyzed Corallina Officinalis Extract, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingAlthaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingPhragmites Karka Extract
Skin ConditioningPoria Cocos Extract
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantAristotelia Chilensis Seed Oil
EmollientRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeWater, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Phragmites Karka Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Glycine Soja Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Aristotelia Chilensis Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract comes from the common Marigold plant. This ingredient is a skin conditioner.
Marigolds contain flavonoids. Flavonoids are a group of substances found naturally in plants. They possess antioxidant and inflammation properties.
This ingredient soothes skin inflammation by inhibiting inhibiting a part of the inflammation process.
Marigolds have been used in traditional medicine throughout Asia and Europe.
Learn more about Calendula Officinalis Flower ExtractCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractCetearyl 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 AlcoholCetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
Manufacturers use the name Olivem 1000. This ingredient has been found to preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria. This ingredient is grouped with Sorbitan Olivate under the name Olivem 1000.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.
Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds found in chamomile help with soothing, such as bisbolol.
Antioxidant components in chamomile make it an effective ingredient to help slow the signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, or molecules that may damage your skin.
Essential oils from chamomile have been found to improve wound healing due to its antimicrobial properties.
Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used Chamomile to treat skin redness and dryness. Chamomile has also been used to help treat stomach issues.
Learn more about Chamomilla Recutita Flower ExtractCitric 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 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 GlycerinSodium 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 BenzoateSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.
Due to its olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateTocopherol (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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum