What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantSqualane
EmollientCyclomethicone
EmollientParaffinum Liquidum
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Betaine
HumectantMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentC13-14 Isoparaffin
EmollientLaureth-7
EmulsifyingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingLinoleic Acid
CleansingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientTriethanolamine
BufferingMyrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEuterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Panax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningBambusa Vulgaris Callus Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Callus Culture Extract
AntioxidantLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Extract
PerfumingBuddleja Davidii Extract
Skin ConditioningSnail Secretion Filtrate
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Squalane, Cyclomethicone, Paraffinum Liquidum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Betaine, Methyl Gluceth-20, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Beeswax, Carbomer, Sorbitan Stearate, Sodium Polyacrylate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Linoleic Acid, Ceramide NP, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Triethanolamine, Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Panthenol, Allantoin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Panax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Callus Culture Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Callus Culture Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Buddleja Davidii Extract, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, CI 19140, CI 15985, Parfum, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientSqualane
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantPropanediol
SolventSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sesame Protein Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate-13
Hydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPolysilicone-11
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPEG-100 Stearate
Polyisobutene
Acrylates Copolymer
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDisodium EDTA
Polysorbate 60
EmulsifyingVp/Polycarbamyl Polyglycol Ester
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Squalane, Ceramide NP, Beta-Glucan, Ascorbic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sesame Protein Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol, Caffeine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyacrylate-13, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polysilicone-11, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, PEG-100 Stearate, Polyisobutene, Acrylates Copolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 60, Vp/Polycarbamyl Polyglycol Ester, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCeramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearatePeg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.
PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
Phenoxyethanol 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 60Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.
Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water