What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantTuber Magnatum Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Soymilk Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantIsohexadecane
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantHydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
BufferingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Hydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantBisabolol
AntioxidantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGentiana Scabra Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCynanchum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingInulin
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingC13-14 Isoparaffin
EmollientCentella Asiatica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingCrocus Sativus Flower Extract
MaskingPiper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningLactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Tuber Magnatum Extract, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide Ns, Lactobacillus/Soymilk Ferment Filtrate, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide As, Ceramide AP, Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Isohexadecane, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Panthenol, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Allantoin, Propanediol, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Bisabolol, Pentylene Glycol, Gentiana Scabra Root Extract, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Xanthan Gum, Inulin, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Crocus Sativus Flower Extract, Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantVinyldimethicone
Butylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningErythritol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantChamaecyparis Obtusa Oil
MaskingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
PerfumingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantCandida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningChrysanthemum Zawadskii Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Sorbitol
HumectantTromethamine
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSodium Phytate
Ceramide NP
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningAlbatrellus Confluens Extract
HumectantEctoin
Skin ConditioningCellulose
AbsorbentPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid/Polyisopropylacrylamide Copolymer
HumectantGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientDimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantPropanediol
SolventSodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantPolyglyceryl-10 Isostearate
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientWater, Glycerin, Vinyldimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Methicone, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Erythritol, Xylitol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Chrysanthemum Zawadskii Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Sorbitol, Tromethamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Panthenol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Phytate, Ceramide NP, Beta-Glucan, Albatrellus Confluens Extract, Ectoin, Cellulose, Polyglutamic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid/Polyisopropylacrylamide Copolymer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Polyglyceryl-10 Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Stearic Acid, Ceramide Ns, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Ceramide AP, Ceramide As, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Cetearyl Alcohol
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
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken, emulsify, and improve the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions to give products an elegant feel when applied.
It can also form a thin protective film on skin. One study found that a formula using this polymer helped slow down how quickly other ingredients (like DEET) were absorbed through skin.
A 2024 study of over 1,300 patients confirmed that sensitization to this ingredient is rare. It is also non-mutagenic and has a clean track record.
Learn more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerButylene 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 TriglycerideCarbomer is a high-molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid. It is used to form gels and thicken formulas.
Due to its large molecular size, carbomer has minimal skin penetration and is considered an inert ingredient.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Learn more about CarbomerCeramide AP is is a skin-identical lipid that mimics what your skin already makes naturally. Ceramides help maintain epidermal integrity and barrier function.
You'll often see this ingredient paired with other ceramides (like ceramide NP), cholesterol, or fatty acids because this combination best mimics the natural lipid mix your skin already has.
The skin's ability to produce ceramides gets disrupted in skin conditions like eczema. This in turn weakens the skin barrier and applying ceramides topically has been shown to replenish what's been lost to restore barrier function.
Most of the studies with Ceramide AP test it as part of a multi-ceramide complex; studies reinforce ceramide AP's role in rebalancing ceramides in skin and improving skin hydration.
Learn more about Ceramide APCeramide AS is formally known as Ceramides 4 and 5.
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.
Ceramide EOP is formally known as Ceramide 1.
It is naturally found in skin and part of the intercellular "mortar" holding everything together in your outermost layer.
EOP stands for a linked Ester fatty acid, a linked Omega hydroxy fatty acid, and the Phytosphingosine base.
What makes Ceramide EOP special is its ultra-long fatty acid chain; this unique structure allows it to bridge the lipid layers in your skin barrier to prevent water loss (something no other ceramide can do).
Low levels of Ceramide EOP have been found in people with eczema and psoriasis.
Using it together with other ceramides, cholesterol, and linoleic acid have been shown to meaningfully improve hydration and reduce water loss.
In one clinical study, a regimen using Ceramide EOP, NP, and AP led to significant symptom improvements in patients with eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin in just 4 weeks.
You'll usually see concentrations between 0.1-0.5% in formulations. Overall, this is a well-tolerated and safe ingredient for cosmetic use.
Learn more about Ceramide EOPCeramide NP (formerly known as Ceramide 3) is one of the skin's naturally occurring lipids.
Since ceramides are the major lipid components of the skin, they are crucial for maintaining skin barrier and hydration. Ceramide NP most closely mirrors the dominant kind in human skin amongst ceramide subtypes.
This ceramide works by slotting into gaps within the stratum corneum's lipid matrix to limit trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and shield the skin against external irritants.
A study with 312 patients found that using a ceramide-containing routine for 4 weeks reduced the severity of atopic dermatitis by over 61%.
Another clinical study in subjects aged 60 and older found that a ceramide body wash and moisturizer improved skin dryness and itchy skin in 15 days.
Overall, ceramides are considered non-irritating and safety tests have found little to no observable adverse effects from using this ingredient.
Ceramide NP is usually sourced from plants (like soybean or rice bran), or produced synthetically.
Learn more about Ceramide NPCeramide NS is formally known as Ceramide 2. It is one of the major ceramides in the stratum corneum (outermost layer of skin) plays a role in forming a protective barrier.
Due to its structure, skin lipids can be packed tightly and in turn, this strengthens the barrier and reduces water loss.
Studies show conditions like atopic dermatitis can worsen when ceramide NS levels are low.
Learn more about Ceramide NsCetearyl alcohol is a waxy mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Despite having "alcohol" in its name, it has nothing to do with drying solvent alcohols; the FDA also allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols like this ingredient.
It plays several roles in a formula:
Typical use levels for this ingredient sit around 1-10% and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has affirmed safety at concentrations up to 25% in leave-on products.
Multiple assessments have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing to most people.
However, there have been some cases of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with chronically compromised skin barriers.
Cetearyl alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 and irritancy rating of 1. Both of these numbers come from the 1989 study that used rabbit ears; a "2" means mildly comedogenic and a "1" means low irritancy.
Here's the catch: rabbit skin is more sensitive than human skin and throws a lot of false positives. A 1996 reappraisal found that ingredients rated 1-2 in the rabbit ear tests are generally safe for humans.
Remember comedogenic ratings are unable to assess the entire formula of a product or how it will react on your skin. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure about certain ingredients.
This ingredient is not fungal acne safe. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with chain lengths that fall within the range that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolEthylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is a fatty acid ester.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinHyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan (basically a long sugar chain) that your skin already makes on its own. In your skin, HA lives in the extracellular matrix and acts as the body's moisture reservoir.
Topically, HA is a humectant that binds water and helps skin look more plump, smooth, and hydrated.
The only catch is that HA isn't a single thing; it actually comes in a wide range of molecular weights (~50 - 2,000+ kDA) and size matters.
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
This is why the best HA serums blend the two sizes together so you get the best of both worlds.
The majority of cosmetic HA is produced by bacterial fermentation, typically using Streptococcus or Bacillus strains. Typical use levels in skincare sit around 0.1-2%.
A clinical study using a 0.2% low-molecular weight HA gel showed improvement in facial seborrheic dermatitis with excellent tolerance.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidPanthenol 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 PropanediolWater. 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