What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Squalane
Emollient
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Isopentyldiol
Humectant
Myristyl Nicotinate
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate
Emulsifying
Glycerin
Humectant
Undecane
EmollientVegetable Oil
Skin Conditioning
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBacillus/Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Polyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Ceramide Ag
Humectant
Tridecane
Perfuming
Ceramide Ng
Skin Conditioning
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Spirodela Polyrhiza Extract
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Triheptanoin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantPullulan
Lecithin
Emollient
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingBisabolol
Antioxidant
C9-12 Alkane
SolventDilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Parfum
Masking
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Helianthus Annuus Extract
Emollient
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Cholesterol
Emollient
Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSilica
Abrasive
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingLimonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Water, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Behenyl Alcohol, Isopentyldiol, Myristyl Nicotinate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Saccharide Isomerate, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Glycerin, Undecane, Vegetable Oil, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Bacillus/Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate, Ceramide AP, Polyglutamic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Ceramide Ag, Tridecane, Ceramide Ng, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Spirodela Polyrhiza Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide EOP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Triheptanoin, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Pullulan, Lecithin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Bisabolol, C9-12 Alkane, Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Allantoin, Chlorphenesin, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Parfum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Dipropylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Cholesterol, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polysorbate 20, Panthenol, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Silica, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Limonene, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Citronellol
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPropanediol
Solvent
Shea Butter Ethyl Esters
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Bentonite
Absorbent
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Dimethicone
Emollient
Isoamyl Laurate
Emollient
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Emollient
Hydrogenated Soybean Oil
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Copper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Dimethyl Mea
BufferingTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Tyrosine
MaskingHydrolyzed Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPolysilicone-11
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Petrolatum
Emollient
Hydrogenated Olive Oil
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Coco-Glucoside
Cleansing
Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil
Abrasive
Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Glycine Soja Lipids
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Phytosterols
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Propanediol, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Bentonite, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone, Isoamyl Laurate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Copper Tripeptide-1, Phosphatidylcholine, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Dimethyl Mea, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tyrosine, Hydrolyzed Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Polysorbate 20, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Polysilicone-11, Phenoxyethanol, Petrolatum, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Coco-Glucoside, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Citric Acid, Glycolic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Glycine Soja Lipids, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Phytosterols, Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Behenyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol (these are different from the drying, solvent alcohols).
Fatty Alcohols have hydrating properties and are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils; behenyl alcohol is derived from the fats of vegetable oils.
Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.
In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.
Learn more about Behenyl AlcoholThis 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 TriglycerideCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycerin (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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is made by reacting glycerin with stearic acid (typically sourced from plant oils like palm or coconut). It's an emulsifier, emollient, and mild occlusive.
Emulsifiers help ingredients like oil and water stay mixed so your formula stays nicely blended and uniform in texture.
This ingredient is typically used in concentrations between 1-10%. Studies have found it to be non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic, and non-photoallergenic.
A close cousin of this ingredient is Glyceryl Stearate SE ("self-emulsifying"). This just has a small amount of sodium or potassium stearate added so it can emulsify without a co-emulsifier.
Since this ingredient is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, it may not be fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast can potentially metabolize within the C11-C24 range.
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearatePolysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.
While Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil can be volatile due to its fragrant properties, the fragrance components are usually removed in the leaf extract.
Rosemary Leaf Extract contains many antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid. Rosemarinic acid, a compound found in rosemary leaf, has been found to help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf ExtractSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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
