What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberIsoamyl Laurate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantOctocrylene
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientEctoin
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-6 Distearate
EmulsifyingHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Collagen Ferment Filtrate
HumectantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantHydrated Silica
AbrasiveCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentTripeptide-29
Skin ConditioningGeranium Robertianum Extract
AstringentCitrus Reticulata Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningCentaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
AstringentAllantoin
Skin ConditioningJojoba Esters
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogen Dimethicone
PEG-100 Stearate
SurfactantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPEG-9 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPhaseolus Radiatus Sprout Extract
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantAspalathus Linearis Extract
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientTetrasodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Myristate, Niacinamide, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Isoamyl Laurate, Glycerin, Octocrylene, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Ectoin, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Hexapeptide-9, Lactobacillus/Collagen Ferment Filtrate, Titanium Dioxide, Hydrated Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Algae Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Tripeptide-29, Geranium Robertianum Extract, Citrus Reticulata Peel Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Allantoin, Jojoba Esters, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrogen Dimethicone, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-9 Dimethicone, Phaseolus Radiatus Sprout Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Tripeptide-1, Lecithin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberOctocrylene
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberIsododecane
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveGlycerin
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePolymethylsilsesquioxane
Niacinamide
SmoothingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAvena Sativa Straw Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Argyi Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantRetinol
Skin ConditioningWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Isododecane, Silica, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Niacinamide, Polysorbate 80, Panthenol, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Avena Sativa Straw Extract, Artemisia Argyi Leaf Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Behenyl Alcohol, Octyldodecanol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide Ng, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCaprylic/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 TriglycerideCetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. It is a primary fatty alcohol with a chain length above 12 carbons. A study from 2019 show Malassezia can feed on fatty alcohols in this range, so it may trigger fungal acne in those prone to it.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideOctocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocrylenePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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