What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylamide
Caffeine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPhytic Acid
Phytonadione Epoxide
AstringentZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingMannitol
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBisabolol
AntioxidantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion StabilisingCitrus Tangerina Peel Extract
AstringentCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningElettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract
PerfumingCitrus Nobilis Fruit Extract
MaskingVanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
MaskingHedychium Spicatum Extract
Skin ConditioningPlumeria Rubra Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Clementina Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningC13-14 Isoparaffin
EmollientLaureth-7
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingWater, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Propanediol, Persea Gratissima Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Polyacrylamide, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phytic Acid, Phytonadione Epoxide, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Mannitol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bisabolol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Citrus Tangerina Peel Extract, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract, Citrus Nobilis Fruit Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hedychium Spicatum Extract, Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract, Citrus Clementina Fruit Extract, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Glycerin, Saccharide Isomerate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 80, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientC15-19 Alkane
SolventOrbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientPolyacrylamide
Behenyl Alcohol
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningC13-14 Isoparaffin
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCeteareth-20
CleansingCitric Acid
BufferingGossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningLaureth-7
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Polyacrylate Starch
AbsorbentWater, Propanediol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, C15-19 Alkane, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Polyacrylamide, Behenyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, 1,2-Hexanediol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceteareth-20, Citric Acid, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil, Laureth-7, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
C13-14 Isoparaffin is a synthetic emollient, solvent, and thickening agent. It helps soften skin and improves spreadability without leaving a greasy residue.
This ingredient has been found to be non-sensitizing and safe for use in cosmetics.
Two things floating around online that cause fear-mongering:
There's one scary-sounding study related to kidney tumors in male rats; this depends on a protein called alpha-2u-globulin that binds the ingredient and clogs up kidney cells. Female rats barely make this protein, and humans don't make it at all so this effect cannot happen to us. Regulatory bodies have states this rat-only pathway shouldn't be used to judge human risk.
The other thing you'll see is 1,4-dioxane being a trace byproduct that can form during manufacturing of petroleum-derived ingredients. This is a real, but heavily managed/monitored issue. This byproduct is removed through purification steps before the ingredients goes into the formula. Regulatory bodies also actively monitor residual levels for safety.
One last thing to note: this ingredient is a pure hydrocarbon with no fatty-acid or ester chains for Malassezia to feed on, so it's considered fungal acne safe.
Learn more about C13-14 IsoparaffinCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that 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. Just 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.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
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 AcidLaureth-7 is created by the ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol using ethylene oxide. Lauryl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with hydrating properties.
This ingredient is an emulsifier and cleansing ingredient. As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps cleanse the skin by gathering dirt, oil, and pollutants to be rinsed away.
Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer. It is used to stabilize products and bind ingredients. When hydrated, Polyacrylamide forms a soft gel.
Polyacrylamide is low-toxicity. If source properly, it is deemed safe to use in cosmetics.
It should be noted the precursor to Polyacrylamide is acrylamide. Acrylamide is a carcinogen. Most reputable sources of Polyacrylamide will screen for residual acrylamide to make sure the count is in a safe range. Acrylamide is not able to be absorbed through the skin.
We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about PolyacrylamidePropanediol 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 PropanediolSaccharide Isomerate comes from sugars found in corn. It is a skin hydrator.
The structure of this ingredient can be altered to be more similar to the carbohydrates found in our skin. This ability to mimic our skin gives it hydrating properties.
Specifically, saccharide Isomerate is a humectant. Humectants draw moisture from the air to our skin.
Research shows Saccharide Isomerate to be an effective moisturizer.
Learn more about Saccharide IsomerateSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateSodium 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 HyaluronateTocopheryl Acetate is a stable, shelf-friendly form of vitamin E.
Formulators love it because plain vitamin E oxidizes quickly once it hits air. This acetate version stays stable and resists going off, helping to extend a product's shelf life.
It's actually inactive on its own and works like a slow-release "storage" form; the enzymes in your skin called esterases gradually convert it into active vitamin E over time.
One in vivo study showed 5% of the acetate in the living layer of the epidermis converted to vitamin E after 5 days of application. This study also found the skin gained protection against UV damage even though the conversion was slow and small.
Once converted, vitamin E acts as a skin's main fat-soluble antioxidant that fights free radicals to protect skin from damage.
Topical vitamin E generally boosts the skin's photoprotection, and it reduced UV-damage in animal models.
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.
Overall, it has a pretty solid safety profile and has been found to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic. Allergic reactions may happen but stay rare due to how widely the ingredient gets used.
The concentration will vary depending on the formula; industry data shows 0.1% in baby lotions, 3% in lipsticks, and 5% in foot powders. You can also find this ingredient at 100% in a pure vitamin E oil.
Most leave-on skincare keeps it at the lower end, often between 0.5-1%.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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