Versus

StriVectin SD Advanced ™ PLUS Intensive Moisturizer For Wrinkles & Stretch Marks Versus Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream

General Moisturizer
General Moisturizer
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 29 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain peptides and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances, oils and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
SD Advanced ™ PLUS Intensive Moisturizer For Wrinkles & Stretch Marks

Water

Skin Conditioning

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate

Emollient
2 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Trimethylolpropane Tricaprylate/Tricaprate

Emollient

Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate

Emollient

Propanediol

Solvent

Myristyl Nicotinate

Skin Conditioning

Cetearyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 1 Fatty Alcohol IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Glyceryl Stearate

Emollient
1 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Sorbitan Stearate

Emulsifying
0 / 1 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Stearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer

Emollient

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Oryza Sativa Bran Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Copper Tripeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconGood for Skin Texture IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Saccharide Isomerate

Humectant

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

PEG-40 Stearate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Astrocaryum Vulgare Kernel Oil

Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polysilicone-11

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ceteareth-20

Cleansing
2 / 3 May worsen Oily Skin Icon

Bisabolol

Masking
Helps reduce irritation Icon

Caprylhydroxamic Acid

Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Oligopeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Phaseolus Lunatus Seed Extract

Emollient

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Bacillus/Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate

Skin Conditioning
Can worsen Dry Skin Icon

Zingiber Officinale Root Extract

Masking

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial

Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil/Behenic Acid/Aminopropanediol Amides/Esters

Emollient
Oil Icon

Helianthus Annuus Extract

Emollient

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Methylglucoside Phosphate

Skin Conditioning

Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose

Emulsion Stabilising

Adenosine

Skin Conditioning
Good for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Isohexadecane

Emollient

Sorbitan Isostearate

Emulsifying
1-2 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin

Masking

Copper Lysinate/Prolinate

Skin Conditioning

Aminomethyl Propanol

Buffering

Dicaprylyl Ether

Emollient

Dipotassium Phosphate

Buffering

Ethylhexyl Stearate

Emollient
Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sodium Isostearate

Cleansing

Polysorbate 60

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Resveratrol

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Disodium EDTA

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Lactic Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Mica

Cosmetic Colorant
May worsen Eczema Icon

Rutin

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Sodium Citrate

Buffering

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

CI 77891

Cosmetic Colorant

CI 77491

Cosmetic Colorant

Water, Glycerin, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Trimethylolpropane Tricaprylate/Tricaprate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Propanediol, Myristyl Nicotinate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Dimethicone, Sorbitan Stearate, Stearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Copper Tripeptide-1, Saccharide Isomerate, Panthenol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, PEG-40 Stearate, Astrocaryum Vulgare Kernel Oil, Polysilicone-11, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ceteareth-20, Bisabolol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Phaseolus Lunatus Seed Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Bacillus/Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil/Behenic Acid/Aminopropanediol Amides/Esters, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Methylglucoside Phosphate, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Adenosine, Isohexadecane, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Copper Lysinate/Prolinate, Aminomethyl Propanol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Dipotassium Phosphate, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Sodium Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Resveratrol, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Lactic Acid, Mica, Rutin, Tocopherol, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, CI 77891, CI 77491

DeliKate Recovery Cream

Water

Skin Conditioning

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Trimethylolpropane Tricaprylate/Tricaprate

Emollient

Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate

Emollient
2 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Pentaerythrityl Distearate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cetearyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 1 Fatty Alcohol IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking

Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Propanediol

Solvent

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

Hexyldecanol

Emollient

Glyceryl Stearate

Emollient
1 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Ceramide NP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Mel

Emollient

Tetrapeptide-14

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Ceramide EOP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Boswellia Serrata Extract

Skin Conditioning

Phytosphingosine

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Ceramide AP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Glycine Soja Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Oryza Sativa Bran Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Ectoin

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide

Skin Conditioning

Bisabolol

Masking
Helps reduce irritation Icon

Cucumis Sativus Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydroxyectoin

Buffering

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Emollient
0 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Adenosine

Skin Conditioning
Good for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Sorbitan Isostearate

Emulsifying
1-2 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Stearic Acid

Cleansing
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Brassica Campestris Sterols

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial

Zingiber Officinale Root Extract

Masking

Aspalathus Linearis Extract

Skin Conditioning

Aminomethyl Propanol

Buffering

Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid

Skin Conditioning

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning

PEG-40 Stearate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

4-T-Butylcyclohexanol

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Isohexadecane

Emollient

Polysilicone-11

Ceteareth-20

Cleansing
2 / 3 May worsen Oily Skin Icon

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate

Emulsifying

Caprylhydroxamic Acid

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Polysorbate 60

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Carbomer

Emulsion Stabilising
1 / 0

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Sodium Benzoate

Masking
Preservative Icon

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. 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
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin 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 Glycerin
Emollient, Emulsifying

Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate is derived from isostearic acid. It is an emollient and emulsifier.

The highest concentration of this ingredient is found in lipsticks.

This ingredient is minimally water soluble and may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Trimethylolpropane Tricaprylate/Tricaprate yet.

Solvent

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 Propanediol
Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.

Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.

Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.

Learn more about Cetearyl Alcohol
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Emollient, Emulsifying

Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.

It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.

As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.

In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.

This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe

Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.

Learn more about Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Dimethicone 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 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse. 

It is a:

  • Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
  • Emollient, helping to soften skin
  • Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
  • Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives 
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Oryza Sativa Bran Extract comes from the outer layer of a rice kernel. It is a byproduct of milling rice, or the operation to produce a whole grain rice product.

This ingredient has moisturizing properties due to its components of polysaccharides and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains calcium, selenium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.

Oryza Sativa Bran Extract contains numerous antioxidants such as ferulic acid. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material.

Learn more about Oryza Sativa Bran Extract

This is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.

It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.

Emulsifying

Peg-40 Stearate is a waxy solid made up of polyethylene glycol and stearic acid. It is an emulsifier and cleanser. Emulsifiers help oils and water mix.

Stearic acid is a a fatty acid. Therefore, Peg-40 stearate may not be fungal-acne safe.

We don't have a description for Polysilicone-11 yet.

Skin Conditioning

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is a plant lipid from the fruit of the Shea Tree. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.

Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. It does this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.

Shea butter is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may harm the body. It is also full of fatty acids including stearic acid and linoleic acid. These acids help replenish the skin and keep skin moisturized.

While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.

Shea butter may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Cleansing, Emulsifying

Ceteareth-20 is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. It is derived from cetearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol.

As an emulsifier, Ceteareth-20 prevents oil and water from separating. It is also a surfactant. Surfactants help gather oil, pollution, and dirt to be washed away.

Masking, Skin Conditioning, Soothing

Bisabolol is famous for its skin soothing properties. It does this by blocking inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.

This ingredient also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.

Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.

Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.

All these properties makes bisabolol a great skin barrier helper ingredient.

Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.

Note: Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.

Learn more about Bisabolol

Caprylhydroxamic Acid is a chelating agent.

Chelating agents help prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps prevent unwanted reactions and effects from using the product.

Caprylhydroxamic Acid is often used with natural antimicrobial products as an alternative to preservatives.

Learn more about Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Masking, Skin Conditioning, Tonic

Zingiber Officinale is more commonly known as ginger.

Ginger root has antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and antimicrobial properties.

The antioxidant properties help protect your body from free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. As a result, ginger may help slow down signs of aging such as hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.

Studies show ginger inhibits the enzyme that breaks down collagen. It also helps with:

This ingredient has no negative side-effects and is safe to use unless one has a specific allergy to it.

Ginger originates from Southeast Asia but has spread throughout the world. It is now a common spice used in many cultures.

Learn more about Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Antimicrobial, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Rosmarinus 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 can help protect your skin against damage from free-radical molecules. It contains many antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid.

Rosemarinic acid has been found to help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and acne.

Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning

Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.

Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.

Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.

In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.

Learn more about Adenosine
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Isohexadecane 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 Isohexadecane
Emulsifying

Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.

As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.

Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.

Learn more about Sorbitan Isostearate

Aminomethyl Propanol is used to adjust the pH of products. It is also used as a base to create other organic compounds. Having a balanced pH is important for protecting your skin.

Aminomethyl propanol is safe to use in cosmetics up to 1%. It is soluble in water.

Emulsifying

Polysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.

Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.

In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.

Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.

Learn more about Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum
Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Tocopherol (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 Tocopherol
Buffering, Masking

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.

If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

When to use

13 Routines
38% use in am
62% use in pm
92% use every day
22 Routines
27% use in am
73% use in pm
91% use every day