What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSnail Secretion Filtrate
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPropanediol
SolventButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentBisabolol
AntioxidantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Polyglutamate
HumectantSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantTriethanolamine
BufferingPropylene Glycol
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingFragaria Vesca Fruit Extract
AstringentMorus Nigra Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Avium Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentLavandula Stoechas Extract
MaskingCholesterol
EmollientPEG-90m
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingPanax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningMethylparaben
PreservativePropylparaben
PreservativeWater, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Bisabolol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Polyglutamate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, Propylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Fragaria Vesca Fruit Extract, Morus Nigra Fruit Extract, Prunus Avium Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Lavandula Stoechas Extract, Cholesterol, PEG-90m, Parfum, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract, Methylparaben, Propylparaben
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPropanediol
SolventDimethicone
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPolyethylene
AbrasiveTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantOctocrylene
UV AbsorberOctyldodecanol
EmollientZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialSodium Chloride
MaskingPEG/PPG-20/15 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientC20-40 Acid
CleansingC30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
EmollientPEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterEthylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingOctyldodecyl Xyloside
EmulsifyingBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingSilica
AbrasiveSnail Secretion Filtrate
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Disodium EDTA
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientTriethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Butylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDiamond Powder
AbrasiveDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingLavandula Stoechas Extract
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCholesterol
EmollientWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Polyethylene, Titanium Dioxide, Octocrylene, Octyldodecanol, Zinc Oxide, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, PEG/PPG-20/15 Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, C20-40 Acid, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Phenoxyethanol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Octyldodecyl Xyloside, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, CI 77492, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Parfum, Silica, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Glycerin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disodium EDTA, CI 77491, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, CI 77499, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Diamond Powder, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Lavandula Stoechas Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that 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. Just 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.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractCholesterol is a lipid that is naturally found in human skin and is one of the three key components of your skin barrier. In skincare, it is an emollient and barrier-repairing ingredient.
It works by fitting directly into the lipid layers of skin to help restore structure and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
This is a great ingredient for dry, compromised, or aging skin; our skin starts to produce less cholesterol with age.
Research shows cholesterol works best in combination with ceramides and fatty acids, the other two major components in your skin barrier.
Cholesterol is also a well-establish penetration enhancer and can help other actives absorb more effectively.
Cosmetic-grade cholesterol is usually derived from lanolin but plant and synthetic options also exist. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about their source of cholesterol.
Learn more about CholesterolDipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.
Learn more about Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateGlycerin (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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is a more stable version of lecithin.
It's made by taking lecithin (a phospholipid commonly found in soybeans and egg yolks) and hydrogenating it. This just means the unsaturated fatty acids are turned into saturated ones so they don't go bad as easily.
This ingredient is an emollient, emulsifier, and penetration enhancer. As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Hydrogenated Lecithin can form tiny spherical structures made of phospholipid bilayers called liposomes. These liposomes are able to capture compounds inside their structure and deliver them through the skin barrier.
Because phospholipids are a natural component of our cell membranes, this ingredient is inherently compatible with skin.
A 2021 study found lecithin-based surfactants were less harsh and more tolerable comared to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
Learn more about Hydrogenated LecithinWe don't have a description for Lavandula Stoechas Extract 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.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 PropanediolSnail Secretion Filtrate is the excretion from snails. It is an effective moisturizer and promotes collagen production.
A popular nickname for this ingredient is 'Snail Mucin'.
Snail mucin has numerous skin benefits:
On top of this, Snail Secretion Filtrate contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. These include copper peptides, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E. Vitamins A and E are antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals that damage skin cells.
Being cruelty-free means a brand does not experiment on animals.
If you're worried about the well-being of the snails, we recommend looking more into the company of the product. Many brands have developed humane methods to collect snail mucin.
There is much debate on this subject. On one hand, this ingredient comes from an animal. On the other hand, many will argue the ingredient is naturally secreted (like a natural by-product) and therefore vegan. If you have reservations, you can look into Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate or Centella Asiatica Extract as alternatives.
Learn more about Snail Secretion FiltrateWater. 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