What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialPPG-1/PEG-1 Stearamine
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Keratin
Skin ConditioningSteardimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin
Skin ConditioningIsostearoyl Hydrolyzed Keratin
CleansingDihydroxymethylsilylpropoxy Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Casein
Skin ConditioningIsostearoyl Hydrolyzed Silk
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientHydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Polyquaternium-10
Quaternium-18
Quaternium-33
Ceramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientAdansonia Digitata Seed Oil
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientGlyoxylic Acid
BufferingCetearamidoethyl Diethonium Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningIsostearic Acid
CleansingCholesterol
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingPropylene Glycol
HumectantLactic Acid
BufferingMaleic Acid
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Alcohol Denat., PPG-1/PEG-1 Stearamine, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Keratin, Steardimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Dihydroxymethylsilylpropoxy Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Casein, Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Polyquaternium-10, Quaternium-18, Quaternium-33, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide Ng, Ceramide EOP, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Glyoxylic Acid, Cetearamidoethyl Diethonium Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isononyl Isononanoate, Phytosphingosine, Isostearic Acid, Cholesterol, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Propylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, Maleic Acid, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Oil
EmollientSteartrimonium Chloride
PreservativeIsostearoyl Hydrolyzed Silk
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantSilk
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Keratin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientIsostearoyl Hydrolyzed Keratin
CleansingIsostearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen
CleansingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCatalase
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningMeadowfoam Delta-Lactone
Skin ConditioningPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingMalus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialQuaternium-18
Quaternium-33
Propylene Glycol
HumectantIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingCholesterol
EmollientSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMethylparaben
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPolyquaternium-10
Tocopherol
AntioxidantPropylparaben
PreservativeAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialIsostearic Acid
CleansingIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantLecithin
EmollientAminopropyl Dimethicone
Amodimethicone
Butylene Glycol
HumectantParfum
MaskingWater, Isododecane, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Steartrimonium Chloride, Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Silk, Silk, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide Ng, Phytosphingosine, Catalase, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Meadowfoam Delta-Lactone, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Quaternium-18, Quaternium-33, Propylene Glycol, Isopropyl Alcohol, C14-22 Alcohols, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyquaternium-10, Tocopherol, Propylparaben, Alcohol Denat., Isostearic Acid, Isononyl Isononanoate, Glycerin, Lecithin, Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Amodimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying - mostly due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue, constricting pores and leaving your skin dried out.
However, alcohol denat. is not all that bad.
Due to its low molecular weight, alcohol denat. tends to evaporate quickly. One study on pig skin found half of applied alcohol evaporated in 10 seconds and less than 3% stayed on skin.
This also helps other ingredients become better absorbed upon application.
Studies are conflicted about whether this ingredient causes skin dehydration. One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased skin dryness and irritation. Another study found irritation only occurs if your skin is already damaged.
Small amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated by oily skin or people who live in humid environments.
The rule of thumb is if this alcohol is near the end of an ingredients list, it will probably not affect your skin much.
Also...
This ingredient has antimicrobial and solvent properties.
The antimicrobial property helps preserve products and increase their shelf life. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.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 GlycolCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Ceramide AP is formally known as Ceramide 6.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.
They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. 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 NP
Ceramide EOP
Ceramide EOP is formally known as Ceramide 1 and Ceramide 1 A.
EOP stands for a linked Ester fatty acid, a linked Omega hydroxy fatty acid, and the Phytosphingosine base.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin. They bind dead skin cells together to create a barrier. The ceramides in our skin have the ability to hold water to keep our skin hydrated.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A strong skin barrier helps with:
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Learn more about Ceramide EOPCeramide NG is a type of Ceramide. The NG stands for a sphinganine base.
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
Ceramide NP
Ceramide 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
Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHydrolyzed collagen has a misleading name because it is actually a mixture of various proteins/peptides. This ingredient has skin hydrating properties.
Collagen is the most abundant type of structural protein found in your body. In your skin, it is responsible for keeping it firm and youthful.
Hydrolyzed Collagen is created by breaking up proteins into smaller peptide bonds. These peptides act as humectants and emollients.
Humectants are great at holding onto water, keeping skin hydrated. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
There is ongoing debate about whether hydrolyzed collagen works because it increases skin hydration. Skin hydration is also linked to elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.
Collagen or peptide ingredients can be used in the morning or night. They will not increase sun sensitivity, but you should always wear sunscreen during the day.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is a great hair conditioner as well.
This ingredient can be extracted from different sources, including:
Vegan collagen is derived from yeast, bacteria, or plant sources. Vegan collagen would go by a different INCI name, such as hydrolyzed soy protein.
The results are varied.
A study from 2021 found hydrolyzed collagen increased elasticity and improved wrinkles in 1,125 participants between age 20 and 70. Another study found increased skin thickness in participants between the ages of 45 to 59.
However, It is difficult to prove that oral collagen will end up working on your skin. Many of the studies using hydrolyzed collagen also add several vitamins and nutrients into the test mixture as well.
Further studies are needed at this time.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed CollagenWe don't have a description for Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Keratin yet.
Isononyl Isononanoate is a synthetic skin-conditioner and texture enhancer. It is created from nonanoic acid, a fatty acid found in cocoa and lavender oil.
As an emollient, Isononyl Isononanoate helps keep your skin soft and smooth. This is because emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in.
Isononyl Isononanoate helps give products a velvet feel and improves spreadability.
Learn more about Isononyl IsononanoateIsostearic acid is a saturated fatty acid. Its structure makes it a great surfactant.
Surfactants help decrease the surface tension between two liquids. This property also makes it an effective emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent waters and oils from separating in a product.
Isostearic Acid is created from oleic acid.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Isostearic AcidWe don't have a description for Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Keratin yet.
We don't have a description for Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Silk yet.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Phytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin as a building block for ceramides.. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.
Phytosphingosine contributes to your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF). The NMF is responsible for hydration, a strong barrier, and plasticity. Our NMF decreases with age. Increasing NMF leads to more healthy and hydrated skin.
Studies show products formulated with NMF ingredients help strengthen our skin's barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier reduces irritation and increases hydration. Our skin barrier is responsible for having plump and firm skin. It also helps protect our skin against infection, allergies, and inflammation.
Fun fact: Phytosphingosine is abundant in plants and fungi.
More ingredients that help boost collagen in skin:
Learn more about PhytosphingosinePolyquaternium-10 is an ammonium salt of hydroxyethylcellulose. It is a white and granular powder used as a film-former and anti-static agent.
This ingredient is commonly found in hair conditioning products. According to a manufacturer, its positive charge makes it great for absorbing hair proteins. The manufacturer also states this ingredient helps with curl retention.
For haircare friends: this ingredient is not a silicone.
Learn more about Polyquaternium-10Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolWe don't have a description for Quaternium-18 yet.
We don't have a description for Quaternium-33 yet.
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is the lauric acid sodium salt of lactyl lactate.
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is an emulsifier and surfactant.
Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. They do this by preventing ingredients from separating, such as oils and water which do not mix naturally. Surfactants reduce surface tension, making it easier to rinse pollutants off skin.
Due to its relation to lauric acid, it may provide antimicrobial benefits.
Learn more about Sodium Lauroyl LactylateTocopherol (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