What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Extract
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingCetearyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantGlyceryl Polyacrylate
Pvm/Ma Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientBHT
AntioxidantSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningIsohexadecane
EmollientPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingPropylene Glycol
HumectantRetinol
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantGlucosamine Hcl
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingSaccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin ConditioningUrea
BufferingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAlgae Extract
EmollientParfum
MaskingWater, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Isopropyl Myristate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Cyclopentasiloxane, BHT, Sodium Polyacrylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Propylene Glycol, Retinol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Glucosamine Hcl, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Urea, Tocopheryl Acetate, Algae Extract, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningSorbitol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantSqualane
EmollientTrehalose
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer
SolventFragaria Chiloensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantArginine
MaskingSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientIsohexadecane
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialHyaluronic Acid
HumectantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantRetinol
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmollientParfum
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Sorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningPEG-20
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCI 75470
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Squalane, Trehalose, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Fragaria Chiloensis Fruit Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Arginine, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Isohexadecane, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Xanthan Gum, Chlorphenesin, Hyaluronic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Retinol, Polysorbate 80, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Parfum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sorbitan Oleate, Phospholipids, PEG-20, Adenosine, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, CI 75470
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinIsohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.
Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.
Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.
Learn more about IsohexadecaneParfum 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.
Polysorbate 80 is a surfactant and emulsifier. It is used to keep ingredients together, and prevent oils and waters from separating.
It is made from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid. This ingredient can be found in cosmetics, foods, and medicine. It is water-soluble.
Polysorbate 80 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 80Propylene Glycol is a synthetic, colorless, odorless liquid that has been a staple in cosmetics for decades. It is a skin conditioning agent, humectant, and solvent.
As a humectant, it draw water to the skin to reduce flaking and restore suppleness. It's also a solvent that helps dissolve other actives and keeps formulas stable across temperature changes.
The CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be nontoxic and clinical studies show no sensitization at cosmetic use concentrations.
True allergic reactions are quite rare: a 15-year retrospective study of 6,751 patients found only 0.31% had a positive reaction (and less than half were considered clinically relevant).
It seemed that when sensitization does occur, it's most commonly linked to topical medication (like corticosteroids) and not cosmetics. Allergic contact dermatitis also appears largely limited to individuals with underlying skin conditions.
Overall, propylene glycol is a well-studied ingredient that most people can tolerate without issue.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolRetinol 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 RetinolTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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