What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientSilica
AbrasivePentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAlumina
AbrasivePropanediol
SolventAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Parfum
MaskingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingSaccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Octyldodecanol
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSalvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingCardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientChamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingWater, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylyl Methicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aluminum Stearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Silica, Pentylene Glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Alumina, Propanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Parfum, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Octyldodecanol, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, T-Butyl Alcohol, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf Extract, Pancratium Maritimum Extract
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2.5%
UV AbsorberHomosalate 7%
Skin ConditioningWater 4.3%
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin ConditioningArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePropanediol
SolventPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingOctyldodecanol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Parfum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLimonene
PerfumingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialLinalool
PerfumingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientCardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantHamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Unshiu Peel Extract
MaskingOpuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOrchid Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2.5%, Homosalate 7%, Water 4.3%, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Propanediol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Octyldodecanol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Limonene, Centella Asiatica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, T-Butyl Alcohol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Linalool, Ethylhexylglycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Orchid Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
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 GlycolButyloctyl Salicylate is a chemical UV filter structurally similar to octisalate. It is a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. This ingredient helps evenly spread out ingredients.
According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for pairing with micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateCardiospermum halicacabum extract is more commonly known as Balloon Vine Extract.
Balloon Vine Extract helps soothe skin and is an antioxidant. It also contains many fatty acids, such as palmitic, oleic, and stearic acids. While these fatty acids help soften skin, they may not be fungal-friendly.
Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Balloon Vine has been used in traditional medicine in many Asian cultures.
Learn more about Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine ExtractCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
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 ExtractEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe. It can help to reduce redness.
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 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 GlycerinSunflower seed oil unsaponifiables comes from the the small part of sunflower seed oil that does not convert into soap during the saponification process.
This ingredient is rich in vitamin E, fatty acids (like linoleic acid), and other lipophilic compounds, making it a great emollient. Emollients help keep the skin hydrated and soft.
Due to its rich fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil UnsaponifiablesOctyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
Parfum 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 “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” 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 ParfumPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a texture enhancer and pH adjuster.
It is be used to thicken water-based products and create a gel-texture with a velvet feel.
One manufacturer claims this ingredient to have a pH range of 2-8 and to be biodegradable.
This ingredient is also known as Sepimax Zen.
Learn more about Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneThis extract comes from Purslane, a succulent. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hydrating properties.
Purslane is very nutritious. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, NMFs, many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The vitamins found in purslane include: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E.
Fun fact: Purslane is a succulent with an extensive habitat. It is used in traditional Korean medicine to treat irritated skin.
Nowadays, purslane is becoming a superfood due to its highly nutritious content.
Learn more about Portulaca Oleracea ExtractPropanediol 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 PropanediolT-Butyl Alcohol it is most commonly used as a solvent.
At room temperature, T-Butyl Alcohol melts and has a similar smell to camphor.
This ingredient is derived from isobutane. It is the simplest form of a tertiary alcohol. Due to its chemical structure, it is more resistant to oxidation.
Some sources online claim T-Butyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. However, it is not considered one due to its chemical structure.
Learn more about T-Butyl AlcoholTocopherol 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