What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
BufferingGlycerin
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
PEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether
StabilisingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingC15-19 Alkane
SolventPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate-13
Triethanolamine
BufferingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialDisodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingPEG-75 Stearate
Polyisobutene
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCeteth-20
CleansingSteareth-20
CleansingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingBetaine
HumectantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingGrape Seed Oil Glycereth-8 Esters
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingSnail Secretion Filtrate
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantPotassium Laurate
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantBellis Perennis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningJasminum Officinale Flower Extract
MaskingSpiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycosphingolipids
EmollientGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantPropylene Glycol
HumectantPunica Granatum Extract
AstringentCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether, Polysorbate 20, C15-19 Alkane, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyacrylate-13, Triethanolamine, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, PEG-75 Stearate, Polyisobutene, Titanium Dioxide, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Sorbitan Isostearate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Polysorbate 60, Betaine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Niacinamide, Grape Seed Oil Glycereth-8 Esters, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Laurate, Tocopherol, Bellis Perennis Flower Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract, Glycosphingolipids, Glycolipids, Polysorbate 80, CI 15985, Propylene Glycol, Punica Granatum Extract, CI 17200
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingIsohexadecane
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePetrolatum
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium PCA
HumectantParfum
MaskingGlutathione
Disodium EDTA
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
BufferingButylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientHydrolyzed Elastin
EmollientSodium Chondroitin Sulfate
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningAnogeissus Leiocarpa Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Reticulata Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantFerulic Acid
AntimicrobialAcetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin ConditioningArbutin
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Sulfite
PreservativeHydrolyzed Prunus Domestica
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientBletilla Striata Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPoria Cocos Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAmpelopsis Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAtractylodes Macrocephala Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantAcetyl Tyrosine
Skin ConditioningSaxifraga Sarmentosa Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingAminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentWater, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Isohexadecane, Phenoxyethanol, Petrolatum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium PCA, Parfum, Glutathione, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Anogeissus Leiocarpa Bark Extract, Citrus Reticulata Peel Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Ferulic Acid, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Arbutin, Citric Acid, Sodium Sulfite, Hydrolyzed Prunus Domestica, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Bletilla Striata Root Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Ampelopsis Japonica Root Extract, Atractylodes Macrocephala Root Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Acetyl Tyrosine, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
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 GlycolDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideParfum 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.
Titanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as “mineral” by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isn’t as strong as zinc oxide’s, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideWater. 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 Water