What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantDiisobutyl Adipate
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDiethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV Absorber1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingStearic Acid
CleansingButylene Glycol
HumectantVp/Eicosene Copolymer
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingDimethiconol
EmollientTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningAlumina
AbrasivePanthenol
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Silica
AbrasiveSodium Acrylate/Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentSodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyether-1
Tocopherol
AntioxidantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Methylpropanediol
SolventOxygen
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Titanium Dioxide, Diisobutyl Adipate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Niacinamide, Methyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Oryza Sativa Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Stearic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Dimethiconol, Trisiloxane, Alumina, Panthenol, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Silica, Sodium Acrylate/Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Adenosine, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, T-Butyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyether-1, Tocopherol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Methylpropanediol, Oxygen, Parfum, CI 77491
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventPhenethyl Benzoate
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDibutyl Adipate
EmollientDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDipropylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientSnail Secretion Filtrate
Skin ConditioningCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingBuddleja Officinalis Flower Extract
UV FilterNelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningNymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Serrulata Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Hybrid Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningKappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPinus Pinaster Bark Extract
AntioxidantEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingPolysilicone-15
UV FilterSilica
Abrasive1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingStearic Acid
CleansingPalmitic Acid
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingIsododecane
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantGlyceryl Oleate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingMyristyl Glucoside
CleansingPolyglyceryl-6 Laurate
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantLinolenic Acid
CleansingPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Cleansing7-Dehydrocholesterol
Emulsion StabilisingCalcium Chloride
AstringentPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientC12-16 Alcohols
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeParfum
MaskingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Propanediol, Phenethyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, CI 77891, Dibutyl Adipate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dipropylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Isononyl Isononanoate, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Prunus Serrulata Flower Extract, Rosa Hybrid Flower Extract, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polysilicone-15, Silica, 1,2-Hexanediol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Aluminum Hydroxide, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Isododecane, Octyldodecanol, Tromethamine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Adenosine, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Oleate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lauryl Glucoside, Myristyl Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate, Tocopherol, Linolenic Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glutathione, Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, 7-Dehydrocholesterol, Calcium Chloride, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Cetearyl Alcohol, C12-16 Alcohols, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, CI 77492, CI 77491
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.
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 preservatives
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineButylene 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 GlycolButyloctyl Salicylate is a chemical UV filter structurally similar to octisalate. It is a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. This ingredient helps evenly spread out ingredients.
According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for pairing with micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateThis 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 TriglycerideCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491Dibutyl Adipate is an emollient and solvent. It is created from butyl alcohol and adipic acid.
As a solvent, Dibutyl Adipate helps mix and disperse ingredients evenly.
Dibutyl Adipate is soluble in water and organic solvents. It does not absorb UV rays.
Learn more about Dibutyl AdipateDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
DHHB is well-liked for:
DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.
This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateEthylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.
It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.
It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneEthylhexylglycerin 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 NiacinamideParfum 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 ParfumPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPolyhydroxystearic Acid is a vegetable-derived soft wax made from castor oil. It's an emulsion stabilizer, thickener, and film former.
You'll likely see it in sunscreens because it helps disperse pigments and UV-reflecting minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide evenly.
Depending on the concentration, it can drastically change the texture of a product from pasty solid (like lipstick) to sprayable liquid.
The CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety has concluded this ingredient to be safe in cosmetics. The highest reported use concentration is 14.2% in lipsticks.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 PropanediolSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium Polyacrylate is the sodium salt of polyacrylic acid. It is used as an absorber, emollient, and stabilizer.
This ingredient is a super-absorbent polymer - meaning it can absorb 100 to 1000 times its mass in water. As an emollient, Sodium Polyacrylate helps soften and soothe skin. Emollients work by creating a barrier to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
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 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