What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningC12-16 Alcohols
EmollientCaprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
EmollientSqualane
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningPalmitic Acid
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantStearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPolyisobutene
Fructooligosaccharides
HumectantFructose
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Distearate
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantParfum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCollagen
MoisturisingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialSucrose
HumectantDextrin
AbsorbentTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientAscorbic Acid Polypeptide
AntioxidantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water
MaskingLauryl Alcohol
EmollientAspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventTocopherol
AntioxidantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Niacinamide, Methyl Trimethicone, C12-16 Alcohols, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Squalane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Persea Gratissima Oil, Palmitic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Glucose, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyisobutene, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Glyceryl Stearate, Panthenol, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Collagen, Adenosine, Sodium Phytate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sorbitan Oleate, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sucrose, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Myristyl Alcohol, Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water, Lauryl Alcohol, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Methylpropanediol, Tocopherol, Carbomer, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Polysorbate 20, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPolysilicone-11
Dimethicone
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantTranexamic Acid
AstringentSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCaffeine
Skin ConditioningOlive Glycerides
EmulsifyingCeteareth-12
EmulsifyingCeteareth-20
CleansingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningTriethanolamine
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCetyl Palmitate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingLaureth-12
EmulsifyingRetinol
Skin ConditioningMicrococcus Lysate
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningRetinal
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
BufferingBHT
AntioxidantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantBHA
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-49
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polysilicone-11, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Niacinamide, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tranexamic Acid, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Caffeine, Olive Glycerides, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Carbomer, Alpha-Arbutin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Triethanolamine, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetyl Palmitate, Butylene Glycol, Ceramide NP, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 20, Laureth-12, Retinol, Micrococcus Lysate, Retinyl Palmitate, Phospholipids, Retinal, Sodium Lactate, BHT, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, BHA, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Caprylyl Glycol, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Acetyl Hexapeptide-49, Oligopeptide-1
Reviews
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 GlycolThis ingredient is an 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.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
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 AlcoholEthylhexylglycerin (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 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 NiacinamidePalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (formerly Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3) is a lab-made peptide with anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing benefits. It's made up of four amino acids (glycine, glutamine, proline, and arginine) and palmitic acid (which helps it penetrate skin more effectively).
This ingredient helps reduce inflammation by limiting the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a chemical that triggers inflammatory responses, particularly after UV exposure.
Less inflammation = slower collagen breakdown and a longer-lasting, youthful appearance.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 also stimulates collagen production and supports a healthier skin barrier.
Over time, this can improve skin firmness, hydration, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. It’s commonly paired with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 in the well-known Matrixyl 3000 complex for enhanced anti-aging effects.
This ingredient has been shown to be effective and safe in cosmetic use and you'll typically find it in small amounts (less than 0.01%).
Due to its palmitic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is also known as pal-GHK. It is made up of 3 amino acids and palmitic acid, a fatty acid that helps it absorb into skin more easily.
This peptide is as a signal peptide, meaning it tells the skin to produce more collagen. Collagen is the key protein that helps form the skin's structure and keep it plump, firm, and hydrated.
By boosting collagen production, this ingredient supports a stronger skin barrier and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
You'll most likely see this ingredient paired with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 in the well-known Matrixyl 3000 complex. While results from in-house testing should be viewed cautiously, this peptide duo is among the most studied and widely used in modern skincare.
Due to its palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water