What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Emollient
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Citrate
BufferingBoswellia Serrata Resin Extract
SmoothingDimethiconol
Emollient
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
BHT
Antioxidant
Propyl Gallate
Antioxidant
Water, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Alcohol Denat., Dipropylene Glycol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Isopropyl Myristate, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Citrate, Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract, Dimethiconol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Bisabolol, Citric Acid, BHT, Propyl Gallate
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Sorbus Aucuparia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningBetula Alba Juice
AstringentGlycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Oleyl Lactate
EmollientPropanediol
Solvent
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Beta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Xanthophylls
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Propyl Gallate
Antioxidant
Cellulose
Absorbent
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
C14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion Stabilising
Cetyl Palmitate
Emollient
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Palmitate
Emulsifying
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingMaltodextrin
Absorbent
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingSorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolycitronellol
Parfum
Masking
Citral
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sorbus Aucuparia Fruit Extract, Betula Alba Juice, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Oleyl Lactate, Propanediol, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Retinol, Beta-Carotene, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthophylls, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment, Propyl Gallate, Cellulose, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Cetearyl Alcohol, C14-22 Alcohols, Cetyl Palmitate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Maltodextrin, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Sorbitan Oleate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Polyacrylate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polycitronellol, Parfum, Citral, Limonene, Linalool
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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.
Polysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Propanediol 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 PropanediolPropyl Gallate is a synthetic antioxidant. It works by protecting the oils, fats, and fragrance compounds in a formula from going rancid through oxidation, helping the product stay stable and effective for longer.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel recommends keeping Propyl Gallate at or below 0.1% due to potential sensitization at higher levels, and most formulas stay within that limit.
We flag Propyl Gallate as both a general irritant and a lip irritant because direct skin contact can trigger redness or allergic contact dermatitis. The more sensitive skin on and around the lips is prone to reacting.
Learn more about Propyl GallateRetinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolWater. 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
