What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Arginine
Masking
Aspartic Acid
Masking
Glycine
Buffering
Alanine
Masking
Serine
Masking
Valine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin Conditioning
Threonine
Histidine
Humectant
Phenylalanine
Masking
Glucose
Humectant
Maltose
MaskingFructose
Humectant
Trehalose
Humectant
Sodium PCA
Humectant
PCA
Humectant
Sodium Lactate
Buffering
Urea
Buffering
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Oleic Acid
Emollient
Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides
Skin Conditioning
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Lecithin
Emollient
Triolein
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingIsoceteth-20
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Sodium Chloride
MaskingCitric Acid
Buffering
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Triethanolamine
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Glucose, Maltose, Fructose, Trehalose, Sodium PCA, PCA, Sodium Lactate, Urea, Allantoin, Linoleic Acid, Oleic Acid, Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Lecithin, Triolein, Tocopherol, Carbomer, Isoceteth-20, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Pentylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Algae Extract
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract
Antioxidant
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningCrithmum Maritimum Extract
Skin ConditioningMarrubium Vulgare Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Domestica Seed Extract
EmollientCastanea Sativa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningTrifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Masking
Cucurbita Pepo Seed Oil
Emollient
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking
Mangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Micrococcus Lysate
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters Behenate
Emollient
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Diglycerin
Humectant
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Trehalose
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Cholesterol
Emollient
Sodium Rna
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Saccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Brassica Campestris Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDextran
Mannan
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingCalcium Chloride
AstringentAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-100 Stearate
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingLecithin
Emollient
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingStearic Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Copernicia Cerifera Wax
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Parfum
Masking
Citronellol
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tetrasodium EDTA
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Glycerin, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Algae Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Prunus Domestica Seed Extract, Castanea Sativa Seed Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract, Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2, Caffeine, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Cucurbita Pepo Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Acetyl Glucosamine, Micrococcus Lysate, Macadamia Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters Behenate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Diglycerin, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lactobacillus Ferment, Trehalose, Caprylyl Glycol, Cholesterol, Sodium Rna, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Phytosphingosine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Glycine Soja Protein, Xanthan Gum, Dextran, Mannan, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Hexylene Glycol, Calcium Chloride, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, PEG-100 Stearate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Lecithin, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Stearic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Sorbitan Isostearate, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Polysorbate 60, Parfum, Citronellol, Limonene, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Tocopherol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, CI 19140, CI 15985
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 a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinCitric 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 AcidGlycerin (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 GlycerinLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of phospholipids.
Thanks to its amphiphilic structure (water-loving head and oil-loving tail), it is a true multitasker:
It plays well with most ingredients and is typically used at 0.1-1%. However, concentrations up to 50% have been reported in moisturizers.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that causes fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.
Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.
In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.
Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.
Learn more about Polysorbate 60Propanediol 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 PropanediolSodium 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 HyaluronateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideStearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTocopherol 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 TocopherolTrehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseWater. 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
