What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDiglycerin
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientSilk Powder
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantSericin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf
PerfumingNiacinamide
SmoothingRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningLonicera Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientGeranium Robertianum Extract
AstringentCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientKappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventSodium Citrate
BufferingHydrogen Dimethicone
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
EmollientDimethicone/Phenyl Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Sodium Chloride
MaskingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningNatto Gum
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAlcohol
AntimicrobialCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Water, Butylene Glycol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Diglycerin, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Silk Powder, Hydrolyzed Silk, Sericin, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Camellia Sinensis Leaf, Niacinamide, Royal Jelly Extract, Lonicera Japonica Leaf Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Geranium Robertianum Extract, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Persea Gratissima Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Sodium Citrate, Hydrogen Dimethicone, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate, Dimethicone/Phenyl Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Natto Gum, Mica, Aluminum Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol, CI 77891, Iron Oxides
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventPEG-400
Emulsion StabilisingSqualane
EmollientSericin
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialOriganum Majorana Leaf Extract
AntiseborrhoeicPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientLonicera Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningStearyl Glycyrrhetinate
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningThymus Serpyllum Extract
Skin ConditioningGold
Cosmetic ColorantAlgae Extract
EmollientHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientInositol
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantGlycosyl Trehalose
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantNatto Gum
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Sorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientDipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingMica
Cosmetic ColorantTin Oxide
AbrasiveTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientAlcohol
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Glycerin, Propanediol, PEG-400, Squalane, Sericin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Origanum Majorana Leaf Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Lonicera Japonica Leaf Extract, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Caffeine, Royal Jelly Extract, Thymus Serpyllum Extract, Gold, Algae Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Persea Gratissima Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Inositol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Glycosyl Trehalose, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Natto Gum, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitan Stearate, Dimethicone, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate, Carbomer, Mica, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Behenyl Alcohol, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholButylene 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 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 DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinLonicera Japonica Leaf Extract comes from the honeysuckle.
Honeysuckles have skin protecting, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains many antioxidants, such as luteolin, caffeic acid, loniflavone, and chlorogenic acids.
Mica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaNatto Gum is created by fermenting a soy protein using Bacillus natto (a bacteria). It is used as a texture enhancer.
Natto gum contains nattokinase, an enzyme. It is currently being studied for its ability to improve blood circulation.
Studies also show fermented soy-based ingredients help boost antioxidant activity.
Learn more about Natto GumPentylene 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 GlycolPersea Gratissima Oil is also known as avocado oil.
Avocado Oil has antioxidant properties. It is mostly made up of the glycerides of fatty acids. About 67% of these fatty acids is made up of oleic acid. Palmitic acid and linoleic acid are also present.
These fatty acids help hydrate and soften the skin. It may increase collagen content in the skin. Collagen helps keep your skin plump and firm. This ingredient helps reduce inflammation and has not shown to clog pores.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe due to its high fatty acid content.
Avocados also have B vitamins, vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E, and potassium.
Learn more about Persea Gratissima OilPhenoxyethanol 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
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 PropanediolThis ingredient is the oil from the apricot.
Apricot Kernel Oil is an emollient and helps soften skin. This is due to its fatty acid components. Some of these fatty acids include linoleic and oleic acid.
This ingredient also has antioxidant properties from Vitamins A, C, and E. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. Besides being antioxidants, these vitamins provide plenty of skin benefits as well.
Learn more about Prunus Armeniaca Kernel OilRosehip Oil is a non-fragrant plant oil. Rosehips are a fruit from a rose bush and are edible. This oil has skin conditioning and hydrating properties.
Rosehip contains Vitamin C, Vitamin E, fatty acids and linolenic acids. These nourish your skin barrier. Having hydrated skin may help reduce the appearance of fine-lines and wrinkles.
Another great component of Rosehip Oil is Vitamin A, or retinol. Vitamin A encourages your skin to create more collagen.
Rosehip oil may help with reducing pigmentation. The lycopene and beta-carotene have skin-lightening properties. However, more studies are needed to confirm this.
Learn more about Rosa Canina Fruit OilRoyal Jelly Extract comes from a secretion made by worker honeybees. This secretion is white and described as creamy.
This compound has antibacterial, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies show Royal Jelly to contain amino acids, fatty acids, and a variety of vitamins, including Vitamin Bs. Many of these components are antioxidants, which help with anti-aging. The fatty acids in Royal Jelly make it a hydrating ingredient.
Several animal studies show Royal Jelly to boost collagen production and reduce inflammation.
The Vitamin Bs found in Royal Jelly include:
Royal Jelly is derived from honeybees. This means it is not vegan.
Learn more about Royal Jelly ExtractWe don't have a description for Sericin yet.
Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideWater. 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