What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantEthoxydiglycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPropanediol
SolventAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Glycereth-26
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientAsiaticoside
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Glycolipids
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningC12-13 Alketh-9
EmulsifyingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientChamaecyparis Obtusa Water
MaskingPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicDisodium EDTA
Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantZea Mays Kernel Extract
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingFructan
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantCalamine
AbsorbentEugenol
PerfumingWater, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ethoxydiglycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Glycereth-26, Glyceryl Stearate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Octyldodecanol, Asiaticoside, Panthenol, Asiatic Acid, Cetearyl Olivate, Glycolipids, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Madecassic Acid, C12-13 Alketh-9, Sorbitan Olivate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zea Mays Kernel Extract, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Gluconolactone, Centella Asiatica Extract, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Fructan, Glucose, Calamine, Eugenol
Water
Skin ConditioningLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantSqualane
EmollientVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBorago Officinalis Seed Oil
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingPropanediol
SolventPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantTriolein
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Chloride
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Dioleate
EmollientLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialDisodium EDTA
Methylglucoside Phosphate
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Aspartate
Skin ConditioningZinc Gluconate
Skin ConditioningCopper Lysinate/Prolinate
Skin ConditioningLinoleic Acid
CleansingPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningPhytosterols
Skin ConditioningLysine
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingAluminum Chloride
AstringentPotassium Chloride
Manganese Chloride
Skin ConditioningCopper Sulfate
Skin ConditioningCopper Gluconate
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientZinc Chloride
AntimicrobialCalcium Gluconate
HumectantWater, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Niacinamide, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Glycerin, Squalane, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Triolein, Magnesium Chloride, Phenethyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Ceramide NP, Glyceryl Dioleate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Disodium EDTA, Methylglucoside Phosphate, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Copper Lysinate/Prolinate, Linoleic Acid, Phospholipids, Phytosterols, Lysine, Gluconolactone, Sodium Chloride, Aluminum Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Manganese Chloride, Copper Sulfate, Copper Gluconate, Caprylyl Glycol, Zinc Chloride, Calcium Gluconate
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 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 TriglycerideCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCetearyl 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
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Sorbitan Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may feed that yeast, so it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneGlycerin (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 NiacinamidePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPentylene 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 GlycolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolSorbitan 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.
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Cetearyl Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateWater. 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