Versus

Too Faced Plump & Prime Face Plumping Primer Serum Versus Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer

Serum
Face Primer
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on August 15, 2024

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, peptides, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain oils and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Plump & Prime Face Plumping Primer Serum

Water

Skin Conditioning

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane

Emollient

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking

Polysorbate 20

Emulsifying
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Polysilicone-11

Prunus Persica Fruit

Astringent

Lactobacillus Ferment

Skin Conditioning

Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract

Skin Protecting

Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract

Astringent

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Humectant
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil

Masking
1-2 / 0 Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Phoenix Dactylifera Fruit Extract

Emollient

Coffea Arabica Seed Oil

Masking
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Althaea Officinalis Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Caffeine

Skin Conditioning

Lactic Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Mangifera Indica Seed Butter

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract

Emollient

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract

Skin Conditioning

Bambusa Vulgaris Extract

Skin Conditioning

Acetyl Glucosamine

Skin Conditioning

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract

Bleaching
Good for Dark Spots Icon

Gelidiella Acerosa Extract

Skin Protecting

Propylene Glycol Dicaprate

Emollient

Saccharide Isomerate

Humectant

Methyl Gluceth-20

Humectant

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Oenothera Biennis Oil

Emollient
3 / 2 Oil IconHelps reduce irritation IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hypnea Musciformis Extract

Skin Protecting

Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract

Skin Conditioning

Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil

Emollient
Oil IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Laminaria Saccharina Extract

Skin Protecting

Pisum Sativum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Algae Extract

Emollient
May worsen Oily Skin Icon

Brassica Campestris Sterols

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sodium PCA

Humectant
0 / 0

Rosa Canina Fruit Oil

Emollient
Oil IconGood for Scar Healing IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Lactis Proteinum

Skin Conditioning

Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce irritation Icon

Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil

Emollient
1-3 / 0 Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Olea Europaea Fruit Oil

Masking
0-2 / 0 Fragrance IconOil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil

Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Isohexadecane

Emollient

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Glyceryl Polymethacrylate

Persea Gratissima Oil

Skin Conditioning
0-3 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Urea

Buffering
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Glycine Soja Protein

Emulsifying

Zea Mays Kernel Extract

Sodium Polyacrylate Starch

Absorbent

Polysorbate 80

Emulsifying
0 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Triolein

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Yeast Extract

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydrolyzed Rice Extract

Skin Conditioning

Oryza Sativa Bran Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Linoleic Acid

Cleansing
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glucosamine Hcl

Phospholipids

Skin Conditioning

Laminaria Digitata Extract

Skin Protecting

Hordeum Vulgare Extract

Emollient

Polyquaternium-51

Skin Conditioning

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Trehalose

Humectant

Ergothioneine

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil

Emollient
0-2 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Sodium Citrate

Buffering

PEG-8

Humectant

Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil

Emollient
2-3 / 0 Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Calcium Chloride

Astringent

Triacetin

Antimicrobial
0 / 0

Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Chlorphenesin

Antimicrobial
Preservative Icon

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

Brassica Campestris Seed Oil

Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Oleic Acid

Emollient
May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Palmitic Acid

Emollient
2 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Hexyl Cinnamal

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Linalool

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Geraniol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Limonene

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Citronellol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Sodium Hydroxide

Buffering

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Sorbic Acid

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate

Emulsifying
4 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Silica

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Stearic Acid

Cleansing
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Disodium EDTA

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

BHT

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Synthetic Fluorphlogopite

Tin Oxide

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Mica

Cosmetic Colorant
May worsen Eczema Icon

CI 77891

Cosmetic Colorant

CI 75470

Cosmetic Colorant
0 / 0

CI 17200

Cosmetic Colorant
1 / 2

Water, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polysorbate 20, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Prunus Persica Fruit, Lactobacillus Ferment, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Phoenix Dactylifera Fruit Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Oil, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Caffeine, Lactic Acid, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Acetyl Glucosamine, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Saccharide Isomerate, Methyl Gluceth-20, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Pisum Sativum Extract, Algae Extract, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Sodium PCA, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Lactis Proteinum, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Isohexadecane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Persea Gratissima Oil, Squalane, Urea, Glycine Soja Protein, Zea Mays Kernel Extract, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Polysorbate 80, Triolein, Yeast Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Linoleic Acid, Glucosamine Hcl, Phospholipids, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Tocopherol, Trehalose, Ergothioneine, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Citrate, PEG-8, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Calcium Chloride, Triacetin, Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides, Chlorphenesin, Pentylene Glycol, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene, Citronellol, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Sorbic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Silica, Stearic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, BHT, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tin Oxide, Mica, CI 77891, CI 75470, CI 17200

Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer

Water

Skin Conditioning

Methyl Trimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Glycereth-26

Humectant
0 / 0

Propanediol

Solvent

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Propylene Glycol Dicaprate

Emollient

Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract

Emollient

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil

Emollient
0-2 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Haberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Beta Vulgaris Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Artemia Extract

Skin Conditioning

Nymphaea Alba Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hordeum Vulgare Extract

Emollient

Polygala Senega Root Extract

Refreshing

Beta Vulgaris Extract

Skin Protecting

Caffeine

Skin Conditioning

Phenyl Trimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Ascorbyl Glucoside

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Betaine

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Trehalose

Humectant

Ethylhexyl Palmitate

Emollient
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone

Emulsifying
Silicon Icon

Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Methyldihydrojasmonate

Masking

Methicone

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract

Skin Conditioning

Yeast Extract

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Tribehenin

Emollient
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glucose

Humectant

Sucrose

Humectant

Tin Oxide

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer

Dipropylene Glycol

Masking

PEG-75

Humectant

Silica Dimethyl Silylate

Emollient

Sorbitan Isostearate

Emulsifying
1-2 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polysilicone-11

Synthetic Fluorphlogopite

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Polyquaternium-51

Skin Conditioning

Nylon-12

Non-Reef-Safe Icon

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Sodium Chloride

Masking
Can worsen Dry Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Disodium EDTA

Sodium Citrate

Buffering

Chlorphenesin

Antimicrobial
Preservative Icon

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Mica

Cosmetic Colorant
May worsen Eczema Icon

CI 77891

Cosmetic Colorant

CI 77491

Cosmetic Colorant

CI 77163

Cosmetic Colorant

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. 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
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Dimethicone 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 Dimethicone
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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 Glycerin

Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

We don't have a description for Polysilicone-11 yet.

Skin Conditioning

Caffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and is rich in antioxidants.

While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.

Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.

Learn more about Caffeine
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

This extract comes from cucumber. Cucumbers are mostly made up of water (95%), and the other 5% is composed of: vitamin C, caffeic acid, fatty acids, amino acids, and other minerals.

Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory, barrier repair, and hydrating properties.

They contain shikimate dehydrigenase, an enzyme shown to help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.

The amino acids found in cucumbers help nourish our skin's natural acid mantle (it's an important part of our skin barrier). This slightly acidic film acts as a barrier to protect us from bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.

Unless you have an allergy to cucumbers, this is generally a non-irritating ingredient.

Fun fact: Cucumis Sativus is native to South Asia and can now be found on every continent.

Learn more about Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium 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 Hyaluronate

Propylene Glycol Dicaprate is an emollient and emulsifier. It is created from a mixture of fatty acids.

Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

This ingredient is extracted from the germ part of the wheat plant. The germ of a plant refers to the seed embryo, or part that sprouts into a new plant.

Some studies have found wheat germ to help with wound healing.

Skin Conditioning

Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract comes from sunflower seeds.

Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E. Studies show sunflowers contain antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.

These fatty acids hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.

Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol
Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Tocopheryl 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 Acetate
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Squalane 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".

Learn more about Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Yeast extract is a silky, clear liquid derived from yeast (usually Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Torula yeast).

This ingredient has plenty of skin benefits:

Bioferments of yeast and soy have been found to reduce hyperpigmentation at low levels.

Due to its fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Yeast Extract
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Hordeum Vulgare Extract yet.

Skin Conditioning

Polyquaternium-51 is a polymer salt. It helps hydrate the skin by creating a film on top. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.

Humectant, Moisturising

Trehalose 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 Trehalose
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

This oil comes from the seeds of the desert shrub called Jojoba. It is more commonly known as jojoba oil, a non-comedogenic oil.

Jojoba oil does not contain fragrance and has many fatty-acids, making it a great soothing ingredient.

It also contains Vitamin E, a great moisturizing ingredient. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant and protects your skin against oxidative damage.

This ingredient humectant properties, meaning it helps draw moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin hydrated.

While jojoba has antibacterial properties, it is only able to kill some strains of bacteria.

Studies also show it helps in wound healing. In fact, Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns for centuries.

Fun fact: Jojoba oil similar to natural human skin sebum, so it has a great effect on dry skin. It is also promising with helping to regulate sebum production.

Due to its fatty acid content, Jojoba oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Buffering, Masking

Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.

Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.

The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).

Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.

Learn more about Sodium Citrate
Antimicrobial, Preservative

Chlorphenesin 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 Chlorphenesin
Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum
Buffering, Masking

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.

If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

Disodium 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 EDTA
Preservative

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.

This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.

Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.

You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.

Learn more about Potassium Sorbate
Preservative

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.

Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is the synthethic version of mica. It consists of fluorine, aluminum and silicate.

Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is used to add volume to products.

It is considered non-irritating on the skin.

Learn more about Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Abrasive

Tin Oxide is an inorganic oxide used to add opacity and volume to a product. In nature, it is already found in mineral form. The main ore of tin is an opaque and shiny mineral called casseterite.

Tin Oxide helps remove translucency in a product, or make it more opaque. Besides adding opacity, tin oxide is used for bulking to add volume.

Cosmetic Colorant

Mica refers to a group of silicate minerals. Mica crystals are easily split to give products a shimmer. These crystals are able to reflect light to temporarily give your skin a glowy look.

Mica is found to be safe. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.

Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.

Mica can be naturally found throughout the world. However, some sources of mica may be controversial. In 2016, mica mined in the Jharkhand state in India was found to be using child labor. However, companies are able to source ethical mica affiliated with international organizations that monitor the mica supply chain.

Learn more about Mica
Cosmetic Colorant

Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.

It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.

Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.

Learn more about CI 77891

When to use

3 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day