What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDipropylene Glycol
HumectantMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantPolymethyl Methacrylate
Butylene Glycol
HumectantLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberNiacinamide
SmoothingNylon-12
Tromethamine
BufferingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingPropanediol
SolventGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningDisiloxane
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Benzoate
MaskingHydrogen Dimethicone
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTrimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingGlycerin
HumectantRosa Rugosa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingLecithin
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientAureobasidium Pullulans Ferment
Skin ConditioningGossypium Herbaceum Extract
Skin ConditioningPancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingNymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTuber Melanosporum Extract
HumectantParfum
MaskingWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dipropylene Glycol, Methyl Trimethicone, Zinc Oxide, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Niacinamide, Nylon-12, Tromethamine, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Propanediol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, CI 77492, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Panthenol, Disiloxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Lauroyl Lysine, Tocopheryl Acetate, CI 77491, Trimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Potassium Sorbate, Beeswax, Glycerin, Rosa Rugosa Flower Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Adenosine, CI 77499, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Propylene Carbonate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Aureobasidium Pullulans Ferment, Gossypium Herbaceum Extract, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tuber Melanosporum Extract, Parfum
Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPropanediol
SolventWater
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialHomosalate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Butylene Glycol
HumectantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPolyisobutene
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether
StabilisingAlumina
AbrasiveStearic Acid
CleansingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingTocopherol
AntioxidantPotassium Laurate
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantThiamine Hcl
MaskingPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantParfum
MaskingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantBetula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Dibutyl Adipate, Titanium Dioxide, Propanediol, Water, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Alcohol Denat., Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Niacinamide, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Panthenol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Behenyl Alcohol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Butylene Glycol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Polyisobutene, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, PEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether, Alumina, Stearic Acid, Adenosine, Sorbitan Oleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, T-Butyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Potassium Laurate, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Retinyl Palmitate, Biotin, Cyanocobalamin, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Thiamine Hcl, Potassium Hyaluronate, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Parfum, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineAluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideButylene 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 GlycolCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491CI 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinHyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan (basically a long sugar chain) that your skin already makes on its own. In your skin, HA lives in the extracellular matrix and acts as the body's moisture reservoir.
Topically, HA is a humectant that binds water and helps skin look more plump, smooth, and hydrated.
The only catch is that HA isn't a single thing; it actually comes in a wide range of molecular weights (~50 - 2,000+ kDA) and size matters.
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
This is why the best HA serums blend the two sizes together so you get the best of both worlds.
The majority of cosmetic HA is produced by bacterial fermentation, typically using Streptococcus or Bacillus strains. Typical use levels in skincare sit around 0.1-2%.
A clinical study using a 0.2% low-molecular weight HA gel showed improvement in facial seborrheic dermatitis with excellent tolerance.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolParfum 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 ParfumPolyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.
It is is a texture thickener, emulsifier, and film-former. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 HyaluronateTocopheryl 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 AcetateTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicon-based surface modifier that makes sunscreens feel silky and makeup stay put.
Its main job is to coat mineral particles like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and color pigments in a thin, oily layer so they spread smoothly, don't clump, and stick to skin better.
This ingredient is typically used at low levels (up to 2.5% in eyeshadow and 1% in lipstick).
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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