What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic ColorantPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingPEG-8
HumectantArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantTin Oxide
AbrasiveAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantLaureth-3
EmulsifyingLaureth-25
CleansingCitric Acid
BufferingPolyaminopropyl Biguanide
PreservativeCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Phenyl Trimethicone, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Butylene Glycol, Diisostearyl Malate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Mica, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, PEG-8, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chlorphenesin, Parfum, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Linalool, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tin Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, Laureth-3, Laureth-25, Citric Acid, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77499, CI 77492, CI 19140, CI 16035, CI 15850
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Alcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMenthyl Lactate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasiveHydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract
Skin ProtectingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Menthol
MaskingCamellia Oleifera Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantRosa Damascena Extract
MaskingPEG-8
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningMichelia Alba Leaf Oil
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningLentinus Edodes Extract
Skin ConditioningTin Oxide
AbrasiveAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Mica, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Alcohol Denat., Cetearyl Alcohol, CI 77891, Menthyl Lactate, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Caramel, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, CI 77491, Xanthan Gum, Silica, Hydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract, Allantoin, Caffeine, Disodium EDTA, Menthol, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, CI 77492, Sodium Hydroxide, CI 77499, Rosa Damascena Extract, PEG-8, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Michelia Alba Leaf Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Pentylene Glycol, Lentinus Edodes Extract, Tin Oxide, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C and is the biologically active form used directly by skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, but it also has plenty of benefits for your skin. It is best supported by academic literature for:
Topical vitamin C has been shown to help neutralize oxidative stress from UV and pollution, helping to improve photoaging and hyperpigmentation when used consistently.
One clinical study found that using 5% topical vitamin C for six months improved signs of photodamaged skin, both on the surface and in the deeper structural layers of the skin.
While vitamin C doesn’t replace sunscreen, studies show it can boost photoprotection when combined with Vitamin E and ferulic acid. These two ingredients help improve stability and protective effects.
The big downside of this ingredient is formulation difficulty. Vitamin C is prone to oxidation and doesn't penetrate the skin unless formulated correctly. Research found that vitamin C absorbs into the skin best at a low pH (< 3.5) with about 20% being the upper limit for effective absorption.
Skin levels can saturate after repeated application; this means your skin won’t keep absorbing more once it’s full of vitamin C. This is why more isn’t always better with vitamin C and why very high concentrations don’t necessarily give extra benefits.
Ascorbic acid generally works well with many skincare ingredients but can be irritating when combined with other active ingredients. Strong oxidizing acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide can reduce the effectiveness of vitamin C if they are used at the same time; they are often recommended for use at different times of day.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidAscorbyl Palmitate is a fat-soluble form of vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) made by combining it with palmitic acid.
It is able to blend easily into creams and oil-based formulas because it dissolves in oils rather than water.
As you may know, regular vitamin C is notorious for breaking down when exposed to sunlight and air. Ascorbyl Palmitate is more stable and degrades at a slower rate.
Research on whether it converts efficiently into active vitamin C once it's applied on your skin is still limited. Some in-vitro studies suggest it may support collagen production, but it is not considered one of the stronger vitamin C derivatives, like:
Due to the palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Comedogenic studies have also shown this ingredient to have a rating of 2.
It's also worth keeping in mind that comedogenic and irritancy ratings are tested on individual ingredients, not finished formulas. The final product's formulation, concentration, and other ingredients all play a role in how something actually behaves on your skin.
Learn more about Ascorbyl PalmitateButylene 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 GlycolCi 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.
Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Citric 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 AcidCitronellol 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 CitronellolLinalool 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 LinaloolMica 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 MicaPEG-8 is a synthetic polymer used as a humectant and solvent.
This ingredient is able to help dissolve active ingredients, including water. This gives it humectant properties.
It is soluble in water. The number '8' stands for the molecular weight of the ingredient.
Learn more about PEG-8Phenoxyethanol 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 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 HyaluronateTin Oxide is an inorganic oxide used to add opacity and volume to a product. In nature, it is already found in mineral form. The main ore of tin is an opaque and shiny mineral called casseterite.
Tin Oxide helps remove translucency in a product, or make it more opaque. Besides adding opacity, tin oxide is used for bulking to add volume.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
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