What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Emollient
PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate
Emollient
Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate
Emulsifying
Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin Conditioning
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Canola Oil
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters
Skin Conditioning
Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax
Emollient
Polyglycerin-3
Humectant
Squalene
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
Emollient
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Phytosteryl Macadamiate
Skin Conditioning
Beta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Phytosterols
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Jojoba Esters, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Squalane, Canola Oil, Tocopherol, Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Polyglycerin-3, Squalene, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Beta-Carotene, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phytosterols, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is a fatty acid ester.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitatePeg-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 TriisostearateSqualane is one of the main components of skin surface lipids. It is naturally found in our skin and makes up about 13% of sebum.
Topically, it is an emollient and skin conditioning agent.
Research highlights its role in antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects, skin barrier protection, and wound healing support.
In vivo research has shown that transepidermal water loss (TEWL) caused by irritant exposure can be reverse with squalene supplementation (pointing to barrier recovery support).
Its antioxidant activity is backed by ex vivo and cell-based evidence showing it can scavenge free radicals but large-scale human clinical trials isolating this effect remain limited.
One study found squalene regulated proinflammatory behavior in ways relevant to wound healing, and in vitro fibroblast studies also shows it stimulates cell migration which is a key step in skin repair.
There's just one nuance to know about this ingredient:
Squalene is particularly vulnerable to oxidation; it breaks down from UV exposure 10x faster than the other lipids on your skin's surface. The byproducts of that breakdown can clog pores and trigger inflammation, potentially worsening acne.
This is why squalene is often hydrogenated into its stable counterpart: squalane (with an "a"). Most great formulations will have alreadu kept this in mind.
Squalene has shown no significant clinical evidence of sensitization and is a great hydrating ingredient.
Learn more about SqualeneTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about Tocopherol
