What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Oryza Sativa Bran Oil
EmollientOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingParfum
MaskingCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Pentaisostearate
EmollientArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientChamaecyparis Obtusa Wood Oil
MaskingSqualane
EmollientChamaecyparis Obtusa Water
MaskingSaccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCladosiphon Okamuranus Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Persica Leaf Extract
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantTremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide
Emulsion StabilisingWater
Skin ConditioningCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingFarnesol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeOryza Sativa Bran Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Parfum, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentaisostearate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Wood Oil, Squalane, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Prunus Persica Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Water, Citronellol, Geraniol, Farnesol, Limonene, Linalool, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventDimethicone
EmollientEthyl Oleate
EmollientSqualane
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingChamaecyparis Obtusa Water
MaskingCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientPrunus Persica Leaf Extract
EmollientChamaecyparis Obtusa Wood Oil
MaskingSaccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningCladosiphon Okamuranus Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantSodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide
Emulsion StabilisingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningStearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlycosyl Trehalose
Emulsion StabilisingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientPhytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Glycerin, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Ethyl Oleate, Squalane, Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Stearate, Parfum, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Prunus Persica Leaf Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Wood Oil, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Carbomer, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Ceramide NP, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycosyl Trehalose, Behenyl Alcohol, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Hydroxide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCamellia Japonica Seed Oil comes from the Japanese Camellia plant. This plant is native to East Asia and known as "Tsubaki" in Japanese.
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil is rich in oleic acid. This makes it a great emollient. Emollients help soften and soothe the skin by forming a barrier. This barrier traps moisture within, keeping your skin hydated.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (tea extract) is one of the most well-researched plant extracts in skincare with an impressive resume.
Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from the Camellia Sinensis plant.
Studies show green tea extract and its catechins (like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)) help your skin cells product energy more efficiently and reducing the number of free-radicals that can damage your skin from the inside.
In lab-grown skin models, this translated to younger, healthier, and stronger skin.
There's also good sun protection data; researchers saw less DNA damage and redness on human skin when green tea was applied before UVB exposure. And the more they applied, the better the protection.
Needless to say, this ingredient shouldn't replace your sunscreen. But it is a great supportive ingredient that you can already find in many sunscreens and antioxidant serums.
A 2009 study found a 2% green tea lotion was effective for mild-to-moderate acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity.
The quality of the extract matters a lot here:
Good extracts contain 50-90% catechins while lower quality ones are mostly there for marketing. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the quality or source of their ingredients.
Human Repeated Insult Patch Testing showed no irritation or sensitization at use concentrations (0.86% in leave-on products and up to 30% as leaf water).
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractCeramide NP (formerly known as Ceramide 3) is one of the skin's naturally occurring lipids.
Since ceramides are the major lipid components of the skin, they are crucial for maintaining skin barrier and hydration. Ceramide NP most closely mirrors the dominant kind in human skin amongst ceramide subtypes.
This ceramide works by slotting into gaps within the stratum corneum's lipid matrix to limit trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and shield the skin against external irritants.
A study with 312 patients found that using a ceramide-containing routine for 4 weeks reduced the severity of atopic dermatitis by over 61%.
Another clinical study in subjects aged 60 and older found that a ceramide body wash and moisturizer improved skin dryness and itchy skin in 15 days.
Overall, ceramides are considered non-irritating and safety tests have found little to no observable adverse effects from using this ingredient.
Ceramide NP is usually sourced from plants (like soybean or rice bran), or produced synthetically.
Learn more about Ceramide NPThis ingredient is also known as Hinoki water. It is made by steam distilling the Japanese cypress tree.
Functionally, this ingredient is often used as a water replacement and concentrations can go as high up as 65%; this just means its more-so used to shape the base of a formula than as a star active.
The water carries small amounts of the tree's volatile compounds that give it a soft and woody scent.
Most of the published skin research is related to the essential oil or leaf extract rather than this water form; these cell and mice studies should antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects.
This ingredient only contains a small amount of these beneficial compounds but can still provide some soothing.
The Hinokitiol compound in this water is also antifungal against Malassezia; this can make it a great option for those with fungal acne.
However, those with fragrance sensitivity should patch test.
Fun fact: The Japanese 'Hinoki' Cypress tree is traditionally used to build shrines and temples.
Learn more about Chamaecyparis Obtusa WaterChamaecyparis Obtusa Wood Oil is an oil.
Citronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolWe don't have a description for Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract yet.
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 EthylhexylglycerinGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of âFRAGRANCEâ or âPARFUMâ according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
Itâs 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 PropanediolPrunus Persica Leaf Extract comes from the leaves of the peach tree.
Peach leaves contain antioxidants such as ferulic acid.
As an emollient, peach leaves help soften and moisturize your skin. Emollients create a barrier on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Learn more about Prunus Persica Leaf ExtractThis ingredient is created by fermenting the yeast, Saccharomyces, and rice. Saccharomyces is rich in beta-glucan and has great hydrating properties.
Rice ferment also has great skin benefits - read more about them here.
Squalane is the hydrogenated and shelf-stable form of squalene (a lipid that naturally occurs in human sebum).
It is an emollient and skin conditioning agent that is able to integrate seamlessly into the skin's lipid barrier without clogging pores.
This is due to how structurally similar it is to what your skin already produces.
Though it is mostly an emollient that helps soften and hydrate skin, it also has some humectant and occlusive action. Humectants help the skin retain moisture while occlusives seal it in, making squalane a triple-threat moisturizer.
Research shows it has antioxidant capabilities that help protect against stressors like UV exposure, specifically UVA induced oxidative stress. This study also found that it supports collagen biosynthesis in human dermal fibroblasts.
No clinical study has reported significant adverse effects and irritation reactions are very rare from this ingredient (even at 100% concentration).
Overall, it's a fantastic ingredient for hydration and is suitable for all skin types.
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".
Though squalane is often called an oil, itâs technically not one. It is a hydrocarbon, meaning it is only made of carbon and hydrogen. True oils are triglycerides and made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term âoil-freeâ isnât regulated so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
Squalane has a comedogenic rating of 1 from the original 1972 study that tested raw ingredients under occlusion on rabbit ears. This system is not standardized or peer-reviewed, and using the raw ingredients is very different from how diluted cosmetic formulations are used on human skin.
A comedogenic rating of 1 means it is "unlikely to clog pores" according to the original rating system.
The overall formula of a product matters more than the individual ingredients on whether or not it will cause clogged pores.
Learn more about SqualaneTocopherol 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 TocopherolTremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide are the sugars from the snow mushroom.
Snow mushroom is rich in polysaccharides, giving it moisturizing benefits. As a humectant, snow mushroom helps draw moisture from the air to the skin. Polysaccharides are able to mimic our skin's natural carbohydrates to help the skin retain water.
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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water