What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningRosa Centifolia Flower Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Alumina
Abrasive
Isostearyl Isostearate
Emollient
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-1
Humectant
Rose Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPadina Pavonica Thallus Extract
Skin ConditioningPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alumina, Isostearyl Isostearate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caffeine, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Rose Extract, Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract, Padina Pavonica Thallus Extract, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol, CI 77491
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Squalane
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Mel
EmollientAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Cellulose
Absorbent
Arachidyl Alcohol
Emollient
Royal Jelly
Fructose
Humectant
C10-18 Triglycerides
Emollient
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Stearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride
EmollientAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Arachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Zingiber Zerumbet Extract
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Propylene Carbonate
SolventSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingParfum
Masking
Aesculus Hippocastanum Extract
Antioxidant
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Malva Sylvestris Extract
AstringentSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBiosaccharide Gum-2
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Tin Oxide
Abrasive
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Caramel
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mel, Alcohol, Cellulose, Arachidyl Alcohol, Royal Jelly, Fructose, C10-18 Triglycerides, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Sodium Polyacrylate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Behenyl Alcohol, CI 77891, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Arachidyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Zingiber Zerumbet Extract, Chlorphenesin, Propylene Carbonate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Citrate, Parfum, Aesculus Hippocastanum Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Malva Sylvestris Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-2, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Tin Oxide, Potassium Sorbate, Caramel, Sodium Hydroxide
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 GlycolThis 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 TriglycerideCitric 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 (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 GlycerinPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSodium 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 BenzoateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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
