What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Glycereth-26
Humectant
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
PEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether
StabilisingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
EmollientSaccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract
Skin ConditioningMorinda Citrifolia Fruit Juice
Skin ConditioningAlpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPsidium Guajava Leaf Extract
AstringentCitrus Depressa Peel Extract
HumectantSaccharomyces Lysate Extract
Humectant
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking
Propanediol
Solvent
Triethylhexanoin
MaskingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Sodium Phosphate
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Nonapeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingPotassium Laurate
EmulsifyingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Citral
Perfuming
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil
Perfuming
Citrus Limon Peel Oil
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Linalyl Acetate
Masking
Pinene
Masking
Terpineol
Masking
Turpentine
Perfuming
Silica
Abrasive
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Betaine, PEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Juice, Alpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract, Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract, Citrus Depressa Peel Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Propanediol, Triethylhexanoin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Tocopherol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Phosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Nonapeptide-1, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Potassium Laurate, Disodium Phosphate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Citral, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Linalyl Acetate, Pinene, Terpineol, Turpentine, Silica, CI 77491
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Olive Oil Decyl Esters
Glycereth-26
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Polysilicone-11
Batyl Alcohol
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Hexapeptide-11
Skin Conditioning
Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Tripeptide-10 Citrulline
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Humectant
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-19
Skin Conditioning
Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Cleansing
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Natto Gum
Sodium Polyglutamate
HumectantSqualene
Emollient
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Cereus Grandiflorus Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Humectant
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Magnesium Chloride
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Trehalose
Humectant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Silanetriol Trehalose Ether
EmollientMannitol
Humectant
Phytosterols
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventSodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingLaureth-12
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningLecithin
Emollient
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingHydrolyzed Soy Protein
Humectant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDextran
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
Buffering
Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate
Skin ConditioningSodium Phosphate
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTriethanolamine
BufferingAcrylates Copolymer
Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Olive Oil Decyl Esters, Glycereth-26, Squalane, Butylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Polysilicone-11, Batyl Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Hexapeptide-11, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Tripeptide-10 Citrulline, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-19, Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2, Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Natto Gum, Sodium Polyglutamate, Squalene, Mica, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbic Acid, Tocopherol, Cereus Grandiflorus Flower Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Magnesium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Trehalose, Glyceryl Stearate, Silanetriol Trehalose Ether, Mannitol, Phytosterols, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polysorbate 20, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Laureth-12, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Lecithin, Disodium Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Carbomer, Dextran, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Lactate, Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate, Sodium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Triethanolamine, Acrylates Copolymer
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken, emulsify, and improve the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions to give products an elegant feel when applied.
It can also form a thin protective film on skin. One study found that a formula using this polymer helped slow down how quickly other ingredients (like DEET) were absorbed through skin.
A 2024 study of over 1,300 patients confirmed that sensitization to this ingredient is rare. It is also non-mutagenic and has a clean track record.
Learn more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerButylene 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 Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeDisodium Phosphate is a water-soluble powder used as a pH adjuster and mild chelating agent. It basically holds a specific pH and binds stray metal ions so your product stays stable.
This ingredient is usually used at very low levels and concentrations range from 0.000054% - 2.9%. The CIR Expert Panel states this ingredient to be non-irritating at current use levels.
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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycereth-26 is a synthetic ingredient and polyethylene glycol ether of Glycerin. Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin and helps keep your skin moisturized.
It is a humectant and helps add texture to products. It can make your product thicker.
As a humectant, it helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps your skin stay hydrated.
Learn more about Glycereth-26Glycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Sodium Phosphate is is behind-the-scenes formulation helper. Its main job is buffering, or locking in the product's pH.
This helps ensure the formula stays at its intended acidity through manufacturing, shipping, and sitting on your shelf. Many active ingredients like vitamin C or retinoids are pH sensitive so maintaining their happy pH range matters.
It is synthetic and reported use concentrations are very low (up to 0.086% in face powders).
Learn more about Sodium PhosphateTocopherol 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
