What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Propolis Extract
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Olive Oil Lauryl Esters
Emulsion StabilisingHoney Extract
HumectantRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingPalmitic Acid
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingC12-16 Alcohols
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPhytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCitrus Tangerina Peel Oil
MaskingSodium Phytate
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingBoswellia Carterii Oil
MaskingOctyldodecanol
EmollientLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate
EmulsifyingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Oleate
EmollientEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
PerfumingCananga Odorata Flower Oil
MaskingCinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Oil
MaskingGlucose
HumectantGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningGlycosphingolipids
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantPropolis Extract, Water, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Lauryl Esters, Honey Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glycerin, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Palmitic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Panthenol, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetearyl Olivate, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Hydrogenated Lecithin, C12-16 Alcohols, Sorbitan Olivate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ceramide NP, Lactobacillus Ferment, Saccharomyces Ferment, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Citrus Tangerina Peel Oil, Sodium Phytate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Boswellia Carterii Oil, Octyldodecanol, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glyceryl Oleate, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Oil, Glucose, Glycolipids, Glycosphingolipids, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract 20%
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHoney Extract
HumectantRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantTromethamine
BufferingTrehalose
HumectantPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Sodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantCitrus Tangerina Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantBoswellia Carterii Oil
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingCitrus Medica Peel Oil
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentBrassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMomordica Charantia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
PerfumingCananga Odorata Flower Oil
MaskingCinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Oil
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate
EmulsifyingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Oleate
EmollientGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningGlycosphingolipids
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningWater, Propolis Extract 20%, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Carbomer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Honey Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Betaine, Tromethamine, Trehalose, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Lactobacillus Ferment, Saccharomyces Ferment, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Polyacrylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caramel, Citrus Tangerina Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Boswellia Carterii Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Citrus Medica Peel Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract, Momordica Charantia Fruit Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Octyldodecanol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glyceryl Oleate, Glycolipids, Glycosphingolipids, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Boswellia Carterii Oil is also known as Frankincense oil. It has a warm, spicy, smokey, and woody aroma.
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 also known as shea butter. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.
Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. It does this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
Shea butter is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may harm the body. It is also full of fatty acids including stearic acid and linoleic acid. These acids help replenish the skin and keep skin moisturized.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
Shea butter may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterCananga Odorata Flower Oil comes from the ylang-ylang flower, Cananga odorata.
Ylang-ylang oil has slight antibacterial, antioxidant and antifungal properties. However, it also contains a number of sensitizing ingredients such as geraniol, limonene, linalool and benzyl benzoate. These compounds are known EU allergens.
The composition of this ingredient depends on the source. Luxury perfumes tend to use higher grade ylang-ylang for their fragrance. Lower grade ylang-ylang is less fragrant.
Learn more about Cananga Odorata Flower OilCeramide NP is a type of ceramide and formally known as ceramide 3.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
This cinnamon tree is also called true or ceylon Cinnamon. It is native to Sri Lanka.
This ingredient is used to add a classic cinnamon scent to products.
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is the oil from the bergamot orange. It is native to Italy.
This ingredient is used to add fragrance to products. It contains limonene, linalool, and linalyl acetate.
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.
When used topically, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is a photosensitizer due to its furanocoumarins. Photosensitizers make the skin and eyes much more sensitive to sunlight. Photosensitizers are linked to skin cancer.
However, more cosmetics using Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil are removing the furanocoumarins.
Bergamot oil was also found to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit OilCitrus Tangerina Peel Oil comes from the peels of the tangerine, or mandarin.
Citrus peels are often made up of mainly limonene. Limonene is a fragrance with a citrus scent.
According to Oxford's dictionary, the word "tangerine" originally meant something originating from Tangier, Morocco.
Learn more about Citrus Tangerina Peel OilEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
This oil is derived from the leaves of Eucalyptus Globulus, a type of Eucalyptus tree native to Australia.
Though this oil shows antibacterial and antioxidant activity, it is also a known skin-irritant due to its fragrance components.
Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate isn't fungal acne safe.
Glyceryl Oleate is the ester of glycerin and oleic acid. This ingredient is mainly an emollient and emulsifier.
Emollients soften and hydrate the skin by creating a thin film on top to trap in moisture. As an emulsifier, glyceryl oleate helps stabilize formulations by preventing ingredients such as oil and water from separating. According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps helps thicken water-in-oil formulations, shower gels, and hair shampoos.
In some products, this ingredient may be used as a fragrance / perfuming ingredient. The scent of this ingredient is described to be "waxy".
Glyceryl oleate is created from oils rich in oleic acid, such as peanut oil and olive oil.
This ingredient may not be malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Glyceryl OleateGlycolipids are natural, sustainable biosurfactants. They are both surfactants (cleansing agents) and emollients.
Made from lipids and sugars, in-vitro studies show glycolipids are a gentle alternative to conventional surfactants. They also possess foaming properties to give cleaning products a nice texture.
One manufacturer study found their glycolipid also demonstrated sebum reduction and helped reduced oiliness after four weeks. This means it can also be great for scalp care.
Learn more about GlycolipidsGlycosphingolipids are naturally found in the cell membranes of organisms. In animals, they are the major glycolipids found.
Glyolipids help ensure the stability of cell membranes. They also help with cellular recognition, such as allowing cells to form tissues in skin.
This ingredient comes from honey made by bees. It is hydrating, antibacterial, anti-aging, and skin soothing.
Honey also contains amino acids, peptides, Vitamins A, C, and E.
The humectant property of honey draws moisture from the air to your skin. This makes it great at helping to hydrate the skin.
Honey may help reduce the signs of aging due to its antioxidant properties. Fun fact: darker honey has more antioxidants than light honey. The antibacterial property of honey may make it effective at helping to treat acne by killing acne-causing bacteria.
Many people wonder if honey extract is vegan. It is technically a byproduct from bees. This is because honey is created from the digestive enzymes in a bee's stomach.
Remember to be kind to bees :) They are important for many ecosystems and are endangered.
Learn more about Honey ExtractHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
This is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.
It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.
Lactobacillus Ferment is created by fermenting the Lactobacillus bacteria. It helps keep our skin's natural barrier and microbiome healthy.
Studies show lactobacillus ferment to be effective at repairing the skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier helps keep your skin healthy and hydrated. It also protects against bad bacteria.
As a probiotic/prebiotic/postbiotic, Lactobacillus ferment can help regular our natural biome. In fact, one study found a lack of diversity in our natural skin biome can trigger acne.
Learn more about Lactobacillus FermentLavandula Angustifolia Oil is more commonly known as lavender essential oil. It is considered a fragrancing ingredient.
Lavender imparts a famous scent. While the smell is lovely, this ingredient and may sensitize skin in topical products. This is because about 85% of the oil is made up of linalool and linalyl acetate.
When exposed to air, these two compounds become strong allergens. This ingredient exhibits cytotoxicity at low concentrations; amounts of 0.25% have been shown to damage skin cells.
A study from Japan found this ingredient caused lavender sensitivity after widespread exposure.
Lavender essential oil has some antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the cons of this ingredient may outweight the pros.
More research is needed to confirm lavender essential oil's effects when used in aromatherapy.
Lavandula Angustifolia is known as the English Lavender and famous for creating purple fields in Provence, France.
Learn more about Lavandula Angustifolia OilOctyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol. It is primarily used to enhance the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, Octyldodecanol helps prevent the oils and waters from separating. It also prevents ingredients from creating foam when shaken.
Octyldodecanol is created by reducing fatty acid to an alcohol.
Due to its high molecular weight, it does not get absorbed into the skin.
Learn more about OctyldodecanolPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil is the pressed oil of the Rose Geranium plant. It is volatile, meaning it evaporates off the skin.
Fragrant components of Rose Geranium include citronellol and geraniol. These may cause allergies and skin-sensitivity. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
The scent of Rose Geranium closely resembles traditional roses.
Learn more about Pelargonium Graveolens Flower OilPropolis Extract is also known as bee glue.
This ingredient has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antioxidant properties.
Studies show propolis helps fight against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This may help with reducing acne and accelerate wound healing.
The flavonoids found in propolis extract are potent antioxidants. Antioxidants may help with reducing the signs of aging.
A study from 2020 found propolis to help reverse skin damage from UV.
Fun facts: This ingredient is created by mixing beeswax, bee saliva, and parts of trees. Bees use propolis as a sealant to close any gaps in their hives.
Since it is an animal-derived product, this ingredient is not considered vegan. For vegan alternatives, check out Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate or Centella Asiatica Extract.
Learn more about Propolis ExtractRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil is oil expressed from the leaves of the rosemary plant.
Rosemary Leaf Oil is a fragrance and helps give your product a scent. If you are sensitive to irritating fragrances, this one contains camphor. Camphor has been found to irritate skin.
This oil also contains antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. As an antioxidant, it may protect you skin against damage. This can help slow down the signs of aging.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf OilRoyal Jelly Extract comes from a secretion made by worker honeybees. This secretion is white and described as creamy.
This compound has antibacterial, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies show Royal Jelly to contain amino acids, fatty acids, and a variety of vitamins, including Vitamin Bs. Many of these components are antioxidants, which help with anti-aging. The fatty acids in Royal Jelly make it a hydrating ingredient.
Several animal studies show Royal Jelly to boost collagen production and reduce inflammation.
The Vitamin Bs found in Royal Jelly include:
Royal Jelly is derived from honeybees. This means it is not vegan.
Learn more about Royal Jelly ExtractSaccharomyces Ferment is created from fermenting and filtering saccharomyces, a group of fungus that includes yeasts. It is a humectant and helps hydrate the skin.
This ingredient contains amino acids, beta-glucan, and vitamins. Beta-glucan is a potent antioxidant and may help with the signs of aging.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Saccharomyces FermentTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
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. 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