What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
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Benefits
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Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantOleyl Alcohol
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientHydrogenated Castor Oil
EmollientEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Beeswax
Emulsion StabilisingCeteareth-25
CleansingPEG-8 Beeswax
EmulsifyingPvp
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingCetyl Acetate
EmollientC18-36 Acid Triglyceride
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTribehenin
EmollientParfum
MaskingVp/Va Copolymer
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAcetylated Lanolin Alcohol
EmollientAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Butylene Glycol
HumectantAcacia Dealbata Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCysteine
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingAchillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingCymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract
Skin ConditioningHumulus Lupulus Extract
AntimicrobialMelissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningMoonstone Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMethylparaben
PreservativePropylparaben
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingWater, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Propylene Glycol, Oleyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Beeswax, Ceteareth-25, PEG-8 Beeswax, Pvp, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cetyl Acetate, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Phenyl Trimethicone, Tribehenin, Parfum, Vp/Va Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Acacia Dealbata Flower Extract, Cysteine, Glycerin, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract, Humulus Lupulus Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Moonstone Extract, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Sodium Benzoate, Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol
Water
Skin ConditioningStearyl Alcohol
EmollientBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientHydrogenated Castor Oil
EmollientOleyl Alcohol
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Pvp
Emulsion StabilisingCopernicia Cerifera Wax
Ceteareth-25
CleansingIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientPEG-40 Castor Oil
EmulsifyingPEG-8 Beeswax
EmulsifyingVp/Va Copolymer
Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate
EmulsifyingCetyl Acetate
EmollientTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientParfum
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTriethanolamine
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningTridecyl Stearate
EmollientAcetylated Lanolin Alcohol
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientTetrasodium EDTA
PEG-4 Dilaurate
EmulsifyingPEG-4 Laurate
EmulsifyingIodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
PreservativePEG-4
HumectantIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventLaurtrimonium Chloride
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingCoumarin
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Stearyl Alcohol, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Oleyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Beeswax, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Pvp, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Ceteareth-25, Isopropyl Myristate, PEG-40 Castor Oil, PEG-8 Beeswax, Vp/Va Copolymer, Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate, Cetyl Acetate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Triethanolamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Tridecyl Stearate, Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Tetrasodium EDTA, PEG-4 Dilaurate, PEG-4 Laurate, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, PEG-4, Isopropyl Alcohol, Laurtrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Salicylate, Coumarin, Hexyl Cinnamal, 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.
Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol can be bad for oily skin and be bad for acne prone skin.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken, emulsify, and improve the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions to give products an elegant feel when applied.
It can also form a thin protective film on skin. One study found that a formula using this polymer helped slow down how quickly other ingredients (like DEET) were absorbed through skin.
A 2024 study of over 1,300 patients confirmed that sensitization to this ingredient is rare. It is also non-mutagenic and has a clean track record.
Learn more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerBeeswax is natural wax produced by honey bees to build their honeycomb.
Because it forms a protective layer on your skin, it can help lock in moisture and reduce water loss. It is also widely used as a thickener and emulsifier in lip balms and lotions. Research suggests beeswax containing moisturizers can support skin barrier integrity.
In comedogenic testing, Beeswax scored a 0-2, which is on the low end. Whether or not a product clogs your pores really comes down to the formula as a whole (not any single ingredient on its own).
Cera Alba is the white, bleached form of this ingredient.
Just so you know, beeswax is not vegan since it is animal-derived. It cannot be removed with water, but can be taken off with an oil cleanser.
People with a known Propolis allergy also report to have reactions from beeswax.
Learn more about BeeswaxThis ingredient is lipid-based synthetic skin-conditioning agent derived from adipic acid and a mixture of fatty acids. It is often called a lanolin substitute.
As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate the skin. Emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in.
Due to its fatty acid base, it may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2Ceteareth-25 comes from Cetearyl Alcohol. (And Cetearyl Alcohol is created from cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol.
This ingredient is a fatty alcohol used as an emulsifier and surfactant. As an emulsifier, it helps oil mix with water.
Like cetearyl alcohol, Ceteareth-25 can help thicken and create a gel-like consistency.
Learn more about Ceteareth-25Cetyl Acetate is an emollient and is created by reacting cetyl alcohol with acetic acid.
It is a waxy and water-repellent, giving formulas a smooth slip. Once applied on the skin, your skin enzymes naturally break it down into cetyl alcohol and acetic acid, both of which are well-studied and considered safe.
This ingredient has a comedogenic rating of 4 and irritancy rating of 2 based on early studies.
Just know these numbers have some caveats; comedogenic rating studies used ingredients at high concentations in pure form and not how they behave in a finished product (where they're used in lower percentages and balanced by other ingredients).
Comedogenic ratings also don't account for individual skin or how a product is actually used.
Learn more about Cetyl AcetateGlycerin (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 GlycerinHydrogenated Castor Oil is created by adding hydrogen to castor oil. This helps stabilize the castor oil and raises the melting point. At room temperature, hydrogenated castor oil is solid.
Castor Oil helps moisturize the skin. It is rich in a fatty acid called ricinoleic acid. This fatty acid helps prevent moisture loss on the skin. This helps keep your skin soft and hydrated. Ricinoleic acid also has anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties.
As a wax-like substance, Hydrogenated Castor Oil acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin stay soft and smooth by creating a barrier. This barrier helps trap moisture.
Hydrogenated Castor Oil may not be fungal-acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about Hydrogenated Castor OilLimonene 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 LinaloolOleyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol made from oleic acid.
Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent alcohols.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPEG-8 Beeswax isn't fungal acne safe.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconePropylene Glycol is a synthetic, colorless, odorless liquid that has been a staple in cosmetics for decades. It is a skin conditioning agent, humectant, and solvent.
As a humectant, it draw water to the skin to reduce flaking and restore suppleness. It's also a solvent that helps dissolve other actives and keeps formulas stable across temperature changes.
The CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be nontoxic and clinical studies show no sensitization at cosmetic use concentrations.
True allergic reactions are quite rare: a 15-year retrospective study of 6,751 patients found only 0.31% had a positive reaction (and less than half were considered clinically relevant).
It seemed that when sensitization does occur, it's most commonly linked to topical medication (like corticosteroids) and not cosmetics. Allergic contact dermatitis also appears largely limited to individuals with underlying skin conditions.
Overall, propylene glycol is a well-studied ingredient that most people can tolerate without issue.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolPvp is a water-soluble synthetic polymer and common hairstyling ingredient. It is a film-forming ingredient and used to "hold" specific shapes of hair.
In cosmetics, PVP helps products like sunscreens and color cosmetics last longer and wear more evenly.
It is less effective in high-humidity. It tends to draw moisture, but this moisture dismantles the structure and "hold".
PVP is generally well tolerated on skin and toxicity studies are negative for dermal irritation.
Learn more about PvpStearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Fatty alcohols are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent (ethanol) alcohols.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Stearyl AlcoholVP/VA Copolymer is a synthetic polymer made by joining two smaller molecules (vinylpyrrolidone and vinyl acetate) into a larger chain.
It is mainly used as a film-former and fixing agent. When a product dries, it creates a thin and flexible layer on the skin, hair, or nails. This film helps hold hairstyles into place, adds a smooth feel to skin, and traps moisture to reduce dryness.
Irritation is rare at normal concentrations and it doesn't penetrate deeply into skin.
Learn more about Vp/Va CopolymerWater. 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 WaterEuphorbia Cerifera wax comes from a shrub in Northern Mexico. It is used to stabilize formulations and has emollient properties.
Emollients form a thin layer on top of skin to prevent water from evaporating, keeping skin and lips hydrated.
According to a manufacturer, this wax can range from a yellow/brown color to translucent.
Learn more about Euphorbia Cerifera Wax