What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil
Skin Conditioning
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Dimethiconol
Emollient
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Phytol
Emollient
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Retinyl Linoleate
Skin Conditioning
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Bisabolol
Masking
Squalane
Emollient
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDicaprylyl Ether
Emollient
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Retinal
Skin Conditioning
BHT
Antioxidant
Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Acmella Oleracea Extract
Skin ProtectingPolyglyceryl-4 Oleate
Emulsifying
Olea Europaea Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol
Antioxidant
Sorbitan Laurate
Emulsifying
C18-36 Acid Glycol Ester
EmollientC18-36 Acid Triglyceride
EmollientLactic Acid
Buffering
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Canola Oil
Emollient
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Aroma
Beta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Tridecane
Perfuming
Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
Emollient
Undecane
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Dimethiconol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Phytol, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Retinyl Linoleate, Ubiquinone, Bisabolol, Squalane, Dimethyl Isosorbide, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Retinol, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Tocopherol, Retinal, BHT, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract, Acmella Oleracea Extract, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Sorbitan Laurate, C18-36 Acid Glycol Ester, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Lactic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Canola Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Aroma, Beta-Carotene, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tridecane, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Undecane
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Glycerides Polyglyceryl-10 Esters
EmollientBetaine
Humectant
Prunus Persica Fruit Extract
Abrasive
Squalane
Emollient
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Olivate
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingRetinyl Propionate
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningAroma
Quaternium-73
Glycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides Polyglyceryl-10 Esters, Betaine, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Squalane, Madecassoside, Retinol, Hydroxyacetophenone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Pentylene Glycol, Sorbitan Olivate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Allantoin, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Xanthan Gum, Aminomethyl Propanol, Retinyl Propionate, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Aroma, Quaternium-73, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aroma refers to an ingredient, or mixture of ingredients, that impart or mask a flavor.
The name is slightly confusing. This is because INCI associates aroma with flavor instead of smell.
Here is the official definition from the The International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook:
“Aroma is a term for ingredient labeling used to identify that a product contains a material or combination of materials normally added to a cosmetic to produce or to mask a particular flavor.”
INCI shows the only purpose of aroma to be "flavouring".
However, due to regulation differences, some companies may use aroma in place of parfum.
In Canada, this ingredient only has to be listed in concentrations above 1%.
Learn more about AromaThis ingredient is an 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.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideThis ingredient is a retinoid. It usually goes by a more common name: "Granactive".
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes retinol and tretinoin.
Retinoids have been proven to:
So what is the difference between all the retinoids?
Most retinoids need to go through a conversion line to become effective on skin. The ending product is retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is AKA tretinoin.
HPR is an ester of tretinoin. Emerging studies suggest HPR to have an added benefit that other retinoids don't have: Low irritation.
A study from 2021 found HPR to have the greatest stability when exposed to light and temperature out of all the commercial retinoids.
A note about naming:
The name "Granactive" is the trade name and the name most commonly used on packages.
Granactive is the name of the mixture - about 90% solvent and 10% HPR. A product with 5% granactive has 0.5% HPR.
Learn more about Hydroxypinacolone RetinoateRetinol 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 RetinolSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about Squalane
