What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Triethylhexanoin
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
C14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion Stabilising
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Alanyl Glutamine
HumectantMyristica Fragrans Extract
MaskingPhytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cetearyl Olivate
PEG-100 Stearate
Surfactant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Squalane
Emollient
PEG-150 Distearate
Emulsifying
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingMadecassoside
Antioxidant
Glycereth-20
HumectantMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol
CleansingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Arachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTrisodium EDTA
Eclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
Antioxidant
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Asiatic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingDaucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
Emollient
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Beta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Cinnamomum Camphora Bark Oil
Masking
Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
Masking
Origanum Majorana Leaf Oil
Masking
Cymbopogon Martini Oil
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Oil
Astringent
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Triethylhexanoin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, C14-22 Alcohols, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Alanyl Glutamine, Myristica Fragrans Extract, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Ceramide NP, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Olivate, PEG-100 Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sorbitan Olivate, Squalane, PEG-150 Distearate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Madecassoside, Glycereth-20, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Arachidyl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium EDTA, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Stearic Acid, Beta-Glucan, Cholesterol, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Beta-Carotene, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ceramide EOP, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cinnamomum Camphora Bark Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Origanum Majorana Leaf Oil, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientCetearyl Glucoside
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Sorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Cetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBetaine
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Glucose
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Arginine
Masking
Prunus Salicina Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Punica Granatum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentFragaria Vesca Fruit Extract
AstringentPrunus Persica Fruit Extract
Abrasive
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Methyl Trimethicone, Centella Asiatica Extract, Beta-Glucan, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Betaine, Allantoin, Adenosine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glucose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arginine, Prunus Salicina Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Fragaria Vesca Fruit Extract, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract
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
Beta-Glucan is a soluble polysaccharide (a chain of glucose sugars) sourced from the cells walls of oats, baker's yeast, mushrooms, and seaweed.
It's a rare ingredient that pulls double-duty as a heavy-duty hydrator and skin-soothing repair agent.
On the surface, it acts as a humectant that holds water in place and reduces moisture loss for a plumper, smoother feel, while its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a great pick for calming redness or sensitive skin
The more interesting story is underneath:
Despite its large molecular size, oat beta-glucan has been shown to penetrate the epidermis and reach the dermis by slipping between skin cells. Here, it interacts with fibroblasts and macrophages to nudge collagen synthesis and support wound repair.
A small 2005 split-face clinical study of 27 subjects found topical beta-glucan produced measurable reductions in wrinkle depth, height, and roughness after 8 weeks of use.
It is worth noting the trial was small and the penetration testing used frozen, irradiated skin so the anti-aging data is encouraging rather than definitive.
This ingredient gets along with pretty much everything and is typically used around 0.1-1%.
Fungal acne: This ingredient is not a food source for the Malassezia yeast because it is a glucose polysaccharide with no fatty acid or ester component.
Learn more about Beta-GlucanCetearyl alcohol is a waxy mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Despite having "alcohol" in its name, it has nothing to do with drying solvent alcohols; the FDA also allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols like this ingredient.
It plays several roles in a formula:
Typical use levels for this ingredient sit around 1-10% and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has affirmed safety at concentrations up to 25% in leave-on products.
Multiple assessments have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing to most people.
However, there have been some cases of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with chronically compromised skin barriers.
Cetearyl alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 and irritancy rating of 1. Both of these numbers come from the 1989 study that used rabbit ears; a "2" means mildly comedogenic and a "1" means low irritancy.
Here's the catch: rabbit skin is more sensitive than human skin and throws a lot of false positives. A 1996 reappraisal found that ingredients rated 1-2 in the rabbit ear tests are generally safe for humans.
Remember comedogenic ratings are unable to assess the entire formula of a product or how it will react on your skin. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure about certain ingredients.
This ingredient is not fungal acne safe. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with chain lengths that fall within the range that Malassezia can metabolize.
A 2019 study has also observed Malassezia growth in the presence of this ingredient, confirming it to be not-fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCetearyl Olivate is a plant-derived emulsifier and texture enhancer. It helps keep the oil and water phases from separating so your formulas stay stable.
You'll likely see it combined with Sorbitan Olivate (together sold as the trade name Olivem 1000). This combination generates a liquid crystal structure that closely resemble the lipid organization of the stratum corneum.
These "skin-like" liquid crystals improve skin barrier integrity and promote the delivery of actives into the skin.
This ingredient is well-tolerated and has no significant sensitization data.
Because it is derived from the fatty acids in olive oil, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateGlycerin (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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is made by reacting glycerin with stearic acid (typically sourced from plant oils like palm or coconut). It's an emulsifier, emollient, and mild occlusive.
Emulsifiers help ingredients like oil and water stay mixed so your formula stays nicely blended and uniform in texture.
This ingredient is typically used in concentrations between 1-10%. Studies have found it to be non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic, and non-photoallergenic.
A close cousin of this ingredient is Glyceryl Stearate SE ("self-emulsifying"). This just has a small amount of sodium or potassium stearate added so it can emulsify without a co-emulsifier.
Since this ingredient is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, it may not be fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast can potentially metabolize within the C11-C24 range.
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Cetearyl Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateWater. 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
