What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Glycerin
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingIsodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningRosa Canina Seed Oil
EmollientPropanediol
SolventSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
EmollientOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
MaskingAvena Sativa Bran Extract
AbrasiveGlycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Linoleate
Skin ConditioningRetinol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientMaltodextrin
AbsorbentPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Levulinic Acid
PerfumingSodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingSodium Benzoate
MaskingGlycerin, Water, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Pentylene Glycol, Rosa Canina Seed Oil, Propanediol, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Ceramide NP, Bisabolol, Avena Sativa Bran Extract, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Phospholipids, Retinyl Linoleate, Retinol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Glycine Soja Oil, Gluconolactone, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Lecithin, Maltodextrin, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Levulinic Acid, Sodium Levulinate, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventSqualane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Polyester-5
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAvena Sativa Kernel Flour
AbrasiveSodium PCA
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningArnica Montana Flower Extract
MaskingLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingAspartic Acid
MaskingPCA
HumectantGlycine
BufferingAlanine
MaskingSerine
MaskingValine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
MaskingHistidine
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Glyceryl Stearate
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantWater, Propanediol, Squalane, Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polyester-5, Sodium Hyaluronate, Avena Sativa Kernel Flour, Sodium PCA, Panthenol, Ceramide NP, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Histidine, Sodium Lactate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propylene Glycol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
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 AcidCentella 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 ExtractCeramide NP is a type of ceramide and formally known as ceramide 3.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
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 GlycerinPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Ā
Itās 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 PropanediolSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but itās technically not; itās a hydrocarbon, meaning itās only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term āoil-freeā isnāt regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. Itās worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneWater. 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