What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialGlycerin
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetyl Palmitate
EmollientLaureth-23
CleansingMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterSteareth-100
Gel FormingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingMica
Cosmetic ColorantDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingLecithin
EmollientStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Centella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSucrose
HumectantMadecassoside
AntioxidantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Capillaris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCarnosine
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantTranexamic Acid
AstringentSodium Citrate
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingUbiquinone
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCholesterol
EmollientAminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantGeranium Robertianum Extract
AstringentPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentThymus Serpyllum Extract
Skin ConditioningAlpinia Katsumadai Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Titanium Dioxide, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Silica, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Chlorphenesin, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Palmitate, Laureth-23, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Steareth-100, Allantoin, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Mica, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Lecithin, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Centella Asiatica Extract, Cellulose Gum, Sucrose, Madecassoside, Pentylene Glycol, Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract, Carnosine, Niacinamide, Alpha-Arbutin, Sodium Metabisulfite, Tranexamic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ubiquinone, Citric Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Geranium Robertianum Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Thymus Serpyllum Extract, Alpinia Katsumadai Seed Extract, Glutathione, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDimethicone
EmollientZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPolyphenylsilsesquioxane
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningFusidium Coccineum Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningCandida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingArtemisia Capillaris Extract
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingMorinda Citrifolia Extract
AstringentHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantAsiaticoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPolybutene
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningTribehenin
EmollientCaprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
EmollientGlyceryl Tribehenate/Isostearate/Eicosandioate
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingGlucose
HumectantEthylcellulose
Fructooligosaccharides
HumectantFructose
HumectantVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Hydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventPolyvinyl Alcohol
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Zinc Oxide, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Caprylyl Methicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Polyphenylsilsesquioxane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Fusidium Coccineum Ferment Filtrate, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Centella Asiatica Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside, Tocopherol, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polybutene, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tribehenin, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Glyceryl Tribehenate/Isostearate/Eicosandioate, Magnesium Sulfate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Stearic Acid, Glucose, Ethylcellulose, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate, Propanediol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Mica, CI 77491, CI 77288, CI 77492, CI 77499, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
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.
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 preservatives
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 GlycolCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is one of the most researched botanical extracts in skincare with decades of studies backing its effects on inflammation, collagen, and the skin barrier.
That research keeps pointing back to the same four triterpenoid saponins: Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Asiatic Acid, and Madecassic Acid.
These compounds allow centella to dial back inflammation, encourage the skin to build and hold onto collagen, support the barrier and hydration, and bring solid antioxidant activity to protect against signs of aging.
Centella also carries a nice supporting cast of Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and amino acids. Put it all together and you get an ingredient that soothes, hydrates, and protects, all at once.
Most of centella's magic comes from the four big compounds (Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Asiatic Acid, and Madecassic Acid). These are the actives doing the heavy lifting in almost every centella study.
Here is the short version of what they do in the skin:
So it is not just soothing for the sake of soothing. Centella calms the skin AND helps it rebuild.
Just FYI, not all centella on an ingredient list is the same. What you are getting actually depends on the extract:
Fun fact on the ratios: the leaves tend to be richest in Madecassoside and Asiaticoside, and lower in the two acids. The exact amounts shift with where the plant is grown and how it is processed. This means purity really does vary brand to brand.
Centella is one of the most easygoing actives out there.
It layers well with basically everything: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamin C, and also pairs nicely with stronger actives like retinoids and exfoliating acids where it can help take the edge off irritation.
On the safety side, centella and its triterpenes are classified as weak sensitizers, meaning allergic reactions are possible but uncommon.
Patch tests at 1% and 5% came back negative in test panels, and creams at typical use levels did not cause allergic reactions across large groups of people.
But as with any new active, a patch test is still a smart move for very reactive skin.
Centella is widely used because it is effective at low percentages. For context, human safety testing found no meaningful irritation from creams containing centella extract at everyday use levels (the tested amounts were well under 1%).
The irritancy threshold in animal testing was also above 30% (so real-world formulas sit far below anything concerning).
In collagen lab studies, higher concentrations drove more collagen synthesis, so serums built around centella tend to feature it more prominently.
Bottom line: you will find centella working nicely anywhere from a fraction of a percent up to hero-ingredient levels depending on whether it is a supporting soother or the main event.
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 ExtractCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491CI 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate comes from carbonic acid and caprylyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It is an emollient and gives skin a velvet feel. The sources of Dicaprylyl Carbonate may be synthetic or from animals.
As an emollient, Dicaprylyl Carbonate creates a film on the skin. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolGlycerin (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 GlycerinMadecassoside is one of four active compounds found in Centella asiatica and is one of the main reasons Centella is so effective at calming irritated skin and supporting the moisture barrier.
There's a solid body of peer-reviewed research backing Madecassoside for several skin benefits. Studies have found:
Madecassoside pairs well with other hydrating or antioxidant ingredients like Ascorbic Acid or Hyaluronic Acid.
Learn more about MadecassosideMica 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 MicaPentylene Glycol (1,2-pentanediol) is a multitasking little diol with three main roles in a formula:
Research on alkanediols (the family pentylene glycol belongs to) show they work by disrupting microbial cell membranes. This disruption helps the primary preservative system in a product work more effectively at lower doses.
On the safety side, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded this ingredient to be safe as used in current cosmetic practices + concentrations.
Typical use levels in a formula run about 1-5%.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPropanediol 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 PropanediolWater. 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