What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Paraffinum Liquidum
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientPEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientC13-15 Alkane
SolventPEG-10 Isostearate
EmulsifyingWater
Skin ConditioningPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientChamaecyparis Obtusa Water
MaskingPeat Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingParaffinum Liquidum, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Isopropyl Myristate, C13-15 Alkane, PEG-10 Isostearate, Water, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water, Peat Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Parfum
Paraffinum Liquidum
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPolyethylene
AbrasivePEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
EmollientPEG-10 Isostearate
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientPrunus Persica Fruit Water
MaskingPrunus Persica Fruit Extract
AbrasiveWater
Skin ConditioningBHT
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingCI 16255
Cosmetic ColorantParaffinum Liquidum, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Polyethylene, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, PEG-10 Isostearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Prunus Persica Fruit Water, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Water, BHT, Parfum, CI 16255
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient ester. It comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient that adds a velvety feel to skin without being greasy or oily. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Paraffinum Liquidum is a highly-refined cosmetic-grade mineral oil. It is also known as liquid paraffin.
Despite its controversial reputation, the science is pretty clear: it's one of the most well-studied and effective moisturizing ingredients out there.
As an occlusive, it forms a protective layer on the skin that locks in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This makes it especially great for compromised skin barriers.
The "it clogs your pores" myth has been around for decades; a study found that industrial-grade mineral oil may be comedogenic but cosmetic-grade mineral oil is not (these two are very, very different).
A 2017 review concluded that cosmetic use of mineral oils and waxes does not present a risk to consumers due to absorption.
Mineral oil got a bad rap from the old rabbit ear studies. When tested on actual human skin, cosmetic-grade mineral oil showed no comedogenic activity. The rating of 0 is a correction of outdated science.
Mineral oil is an inert substance with no fatty acids so there's nothing to feed Malassezia. This ingredient is fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Paraffinum LiquidumParfum 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 ParfumPEG-10 Isostearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate comes from Isostearic Acid and glycerin.
It is an emollient, emulsifier, and gentle cleanser. As an emollient, it helps trap moisture to keep skin soft and hydrated. Emulsifiers help prevent ingredients from separating.
This ingredient is common in oil-based products. This is because it helps oil-ingredients be easily washed away without leaving a residue.
Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about PEG-20 Glyceryl TriisostearateJojoba oil is one of the most well-studied plant-derived ingredients in cosmetics. It is an emollient with a special structure.
Because it is made up of 97-98% wax esters, it closely mirrors the linear monoesters found in human sebum. This makes it skin compatible, non-greasy, and lightweight.
Unlike other plant oils, jojoba wax doesn't easily penetrate skin. It mostly works in the uppermost layers as an emollient. This just means it forms a light barrier on the skin to help retain moisture.
Formulations with jojoba esters up to 90% reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and increased barrier recovery by 81% (outperforming bisabolol at 47%).
Besides barrier support, the science also suggests jojoba to have anti-inflammatory effects and potential applications for skin infections, aging, and wound healing.
Fun fact: Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns for centuries.
Due to its fatty acid content, Jojoba oil may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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