What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPropanediol
Solvent
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Dibutyl Adipate
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientC30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin Conditioning
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
Emollient
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Humectant
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
Masking
Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Fructooligosaccharides
Humectant
Saccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantPullulan
Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientSorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
Cyclomethicone
Emollient
Undecane
EmollientTridecane
Perfuming
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc Oxide, CI 77891, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dibutyl Adipate, Caprylyl Methicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Octyldodecanol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Fructooligosaccharides, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Pullulan, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Madecassoside, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Cyclomethicone, Undecane, Tridecane, Tocopherol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
Smoothing
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Aluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Alumina
Abrasive
Propanediol
Solvent
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Parfum
Masking
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingSaccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
T-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Camellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientChamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingWater, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylyl Methicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aluminum Stearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Silica, Pentylene Glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Alumina, Propanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Parfum, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Octyldodecanol, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, T-Butyl Alcohol, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf Extract, Pancratium Maritimum Extract
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
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 GlycolCaprylyl Methicone is a synthetic and lightweight silicone fluid. It gives products a silky, dry-touch finish without the heaviness of pure oils.
Though the EU CosIng Database lists this ingredient as a skin conditioner, it is also used for sensory reasons. It spreads easily, cuts greasiness, and reduces tackiness.
This ingredient is volatile which means it will mostly evaporate (but it evaporates slower than older cyclomethicones, like Cyclotetrasiloxane).
Typical concentration ranges from 1-30% depending on if it's being used to tweak the feel of a product or acting as the main emollient.
Learn more about Caprylyl MethiconeCardiospermum halicacabum extract is more commonly known as Balloon Vine Extract.
Balloon Vine Extract helps soothe skin and is an antioxidant. It also contains many fatty acids, such as palmitic, oleic, and stearic acids. While these fatty acids help soften skin, they may not be fungal-friendly.
Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Balloon Vine has been used in traditional medicine in many Asian cultures.
Learn more about Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine ExtractCentella 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 ExtractEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe. It can help to reduce redness.
Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinSunflower seed oil unsaponifiables comes from the the small part of sunflower seed oil that does not convert into soap during the saponification process.
This ingredient is rich in vitamin E, fatty acids (like linoleic acid), and other lipophilic compounds, making it a great emollient. Emollients help keep the skin hydrated and soft.
Due to its rich fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil UnsaponifiablesHouttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.
The components found in Heart Leaf give it antioxidant, hydrating, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Heart Leaf is rich in flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, and more. It also contains polysaccharides, the most common type of carbs in food.
Flavonoids have been shown to be effective antioxidants. They help neutralize free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are unstable molecules that may damage our skin cells and DNA. The flavonoids in Heart Leaf also help soothe the skin.
Polysaccharides are naturally found in our skin. They play a role in hydrating and repairing the top layer of skin. The polysaccharides in Heart Leaf help moisturize our skin.
Studies show decanoyl acetaldehyde, a component of Heart Leaf oil, is effective at killing bacteria.
The name 'Fish Mint' comes from the herb's natural fishy smell. Is is native to southeast Asia and used throughout the continent for traditional cooking and medicine.
Learn more about Houttuynia Cordata ExtractOctyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPropanediol 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 PropanediolWe don't have a description for Saccharide Hydrolysate yet.
This ingredient comes from chia seeds (the same ones you put in your smoothie!). It has emollient and skin conditioning properties due to its rich concentration of linoleic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
One small clinical study of 10 people found that a 4% chia seed oil formulation significantly improved skin hydration and soothed itchiness in 8 weeks. Another study showed using a chia seed extract enriched with vitamin F told skin cells to produce more of their own hydration factors.
There's also some lab evidence that chia seed extract, when paired with pomegranate extract, may help reduce excess pigment production.
Learn more about Salvia Hispanica Seed ExtractStearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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
