What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingEuphorbia Cerifera Cera
AstringentPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningMango Butter Dimer Dilinoleyl Esters/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer
EmollientPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningAroma
Silica
AbrasiveCera Microcristallina
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingHydrogenated Rapeseed Oil
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingTheobroma Cacao Seed Butter
EmollientRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantStevia Rebaudiana Extract
Tocopherol
AntioxidantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCitral
PerfumingCitrus Aurantium Peel Oil
Linalool
PerfumingVanillin
MaskingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantOlea Europaea Fruit Oil, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate, Mango Butter Dimer Dilinoleyl Esters/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Persea Gratissima Oil, Aroma, Silica, Cera Microcristallina, Parfum, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Stevia Rebaudiana Extract, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Benzyl Benzoate, Citral, Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil, Linalool, Vanillin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77891, CI 19140, CI 15850
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningPhytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningMango Butter Dimer Dilinoleyl Esters/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer
EmollientMoringa Oil/Hydrogenated Moringa Oil Esters
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Pentaisostearate
EmollientCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingHydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingC10-18 Triglycerides
EmollientLauryl Laurate
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingTribehenin
EmollientHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientJojoba Esters
EmollientParfum
MaskingMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingTheobroma Cacao Seed Butter
EmollientCannabis Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientCannabis Sativa Seed Extract
EmollientRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialStevia Rebaudiana Extract
Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax
EmollientPolyglycerin-3
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientQuercetin
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantCitral
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantOlea Europaea Fruit Oil, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Silica, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Mango Butter Dimer Dilinoleyl Esters/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer, Moringa Oil/Hydrogenated Moringa Oil Esters, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentaisostearate, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C10-18 Triglycerides, Lauryl Laurate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Tribehenin, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Jojoba Esters, Parfum, Mentha Piperita Oil, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Cannabis Sativa Seed Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Stevia Rebaudiana Extract, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Polyglycerin-3, Tocopheryl Acetate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Quercetin, Tocopherol, Citral, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, Mica, CI 77492, CI 19140, CI 42090
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is lipid-based synthetic skin-conditioning agent derived from adipic acid and a mixture of fatty acids. It is often called a lanolin substitute.
As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate the skin. Emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in.
Due to its fatty acid base, it may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2This ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.
Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).
Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterThis 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 TriglycerideCI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140Citral is the molecule responsible for the fresh lemon scent in lemon, lime, and lemongrass. It is a fragrance ingredient that can be created from plant essential oils or synthetically.
Though Citral has documented antimicrobial activity against acne bacteria (which is where the marketing claims about it being good for acne-prone skin originate), real formulas use it at fragrance-level concentrations under 1% so there's likely no skin benefit.
You should know this ingredient is a known EU fragrance allergen.
Animal studies classifies this ingredient as a weak-to-moderate skin sensitizer and clinical patch testing on eczema patients confirmed it to be both a contact allergen and irritant.
The term 'citral' is a collective term for two geometric isomers: geranial/Citral A and neral/Citral B.
The term '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.
Learn more about CitralThis ingredient is also known as coconut oil. It is a plant-derived ingredient with skin conditioning properties.
The fatty acid profile of coconut oil is mostly lauric acid (~54%), followed by capric, caprylic, palmitic, and myristic acids. This profile allows it to penetrate easily into skin, moisturize, and improve dry skin.
A double-blind study confirmed that extra virgin coconut oil is as effective as mineral oil for treating very dry skin. Another study found it outperformed mineral oil for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children.
Another study from 2018 found that virgin coconut oil can soothe inflammation and boost key skin barrier proteins. Just know this evidence is still only from lab settings and not human trials.
It has also been shown to reduce Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that commonly overgrows in people with eczema.
Clinical testing shows very minimal skin irritation and no evidence of sensitization or phototoxicity.
Coconut oil gets flagged as a "fragrance" because it has a natural mild scent (not because it's a synthetic perfume). The European Cosmetic ingredient database also lists "perfuming" as a function of this ingredient.
Just so you know, the term "fragrance" is completely unregulated. Some brands still use botanical extracts or essential oils in their "fragrance-free" formulas, but regulatory databases technically classify these under "fragrance".
Coconut oil has a tiny and useless bit of natural SPF. Early lab studies clocked it around SPF 7-8 but a more recent study found the real number closer to SPF 1.2. It also offers no meaningful UVA protection (SPF only overs UVB rays).
The comedogenic rating of 4/5 means it has a high potential to clog pores; but it's worth noting that comedogenicity is highly individual and ratings cannot predict how an overall formula will behave on skin.
Since lauric acid is the dominant fatty acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast feeds on fatty acids with carbon chain lengths between 11-24, and lauric acid falls within these lengths (C12).
Learn more about Cocos Nucifera OilHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax is created from the common sunflower.
Sunflower seed wax is made up of long chain non-glyceride esters, a small amount of fatty alcohols, and fatty acids.
This ingredient is often used to enhance the texture of products. The fatty acid properties also help hydrate the skin.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed WaxHydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.
Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolMango Butter Dimer Dilinoleyl Esters/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer isn't fungal acne safe.
This ingredient is also known as olive oil. It has been used in skincare for centuries and science largely backs up its reputation as a nourishing emollient.
The main components of olive oil are oleic acid (55-83%), linoleic acid (3.5-20%), and palmitic acid (7-20%). Oleic acid promotes skin regeneration and helps regulate inflammatory responses.
Squalene is also naturally present in olive oil and exhibits moisturizing and antioxidant properties.
The polyphenols in olive oil also show anti-aging promise; one clinical study found a measurable improvement in skin appearance after 30 days of topical serum use.
Just be aware that applying olive oil directly to skin can weaken the barrier and cause redness. One study with volunteers found even people without sensitive skin experienced a significant reduction in stratum corneum integrity and induced mild erythema.
It's best to use this ingredient as part of a carefully crafted formula (instead of putting it on skin directly from the bottle).
Because it has a 2-3 on the comedogenic scale, it is a moderate risk for acne-prone skin. However, the overall formulation of a product matters more than a few ingredients with comedogenic ratings.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because of the oleic and palmitic acid content. These fall within the C11-24 fatty acid range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize to grow.
Overall, olive oil is a well-studied and nourishing skincare ingredient.
Learn more about Olea Europaea Fruit OilParfum 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 ParfumSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaWe don't have a description for Stevia Rebaudiana Extract yet.
Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter comes from the Theobroma cacoa, or Cacao tree. Cacao trees are native to tropical landscapes.
Like other plant butters, Cacao seed butter is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. By creating a barrier to trap moisture in, emollients help keep your skin hydrated.
Cacao seed butter contains antioxidants known as polyphenols. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules by stabilizing them. Unstable free-radicals may cause damage to your skin cells. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging.
Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter can be bad for acne prone skin.
Learn more about Theobroma Cacao Seed ButterTocopherol (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 TocopherolTocopheryl 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 Acetate