What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDiisopropyl Adipate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantSqualane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin ConditioningIsoamyl Laurate
EmollientLactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientTriethylhexanoin
MaskingStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingBakuchiol
AntimicrobialStevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract
MaskingLycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
AstringentDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
BufferingGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingMagnesium Sulfate
Squalene
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingPropanediol
SolventLecithin
EmollientPolymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Medicago Sativa Extract
TonicHydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingLysolecithin
EmulsifyingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientCalcium Gluconate
HumectantSodium Benzoate
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingBeta-Sitosterol
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhytic Acid
Water, Diisopropyl Adipate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Isoamyl Laurate, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Triethylhexanoin, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Bakuchiol, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Beta-Carotene, Lactic Acid, Gluconolactone, Lactobacillus, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Magnesium Sulfate, Squalene, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Propanediol, Lecithin, Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice, Sodium Phytate, Medicago Sativa Extract, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Lysolecithin, Maltodextrin, Glycine Soja Oil, Calcium Gluconate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Beta-Sitosterol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Phytic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningEctoin
Skin ConditioningIsopentyldiol
HumectantTriethylhexanoin
MaskingDiisopropyl Adipate
EmollientIsoamyl Laurate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientUndecane
EmollientPolyglyceryl-4 Oleate
EmulsifyingSqualane
EmollientTridecane
PerfumingPolyglyceryl-6 Oleate
EmulsifyingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantGlycogen
HumectantCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientSodium Phytate
Citric Acid
BufferingStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingWater, Ectoin, Isopentyldiol, Triethylhexanoin, Diisopropyl Adipate, Isoamyl Laurate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Undecane, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Squalane, Tridecane, Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Glycogen, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This 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 TriglycerideCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidDicaprylyl Carbonate comes from carbonic acid and caprylyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It is an emollient and gives skin a velvet feel. The sources of Dicaprylyl Carbonate may be synthetic or from animals.
As an emollient, Dicaprylyl Carbonate creates a film on the skin. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Diisopropyl Adipate comes from isopropyl alcohol and Adipic Acid.
It is a solvent and emollient. As a solvent, it is used to help other ingredients dissolve into the solution. It is also often used to soften hard ingredients.
Emollients help hydrate the skin by creating a thin barrier. This thin barrier prevents moisture from escaping.
Learn more about Diisopropyl AdipateIsoamyl Laurate is created from isoamyl alcohol and lauric acid. It is an emollient and traps moisture underneath.
This ingredient helps give products a silky feel and is considered a silicone alternative.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Isoamyl LauratePolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate is an emulsifer and emollient. It comes from Isostearic Acid and Polyglycerin-3.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize products by preventing oils and water from separating.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 DiisostearateThis ingredient is an emulsifier. It is created from Polyglycerin-3 and Ricinoleic Acid.
As an emulsifier, it prevents waters and oils from separating. According to a manufacturer this ingredient is fully biodegradable.
This ingredient may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis due to its Ricinoleic Acid base. Ricinoleic Acid is a fatty acid derived from castor oil.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 PolyricinoleateThis 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 OilSodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water. This helps stabilize the ingredients and the product.
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".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but itās technically not; itās a hydrocarbon, meaning itās only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term āoil-freeā isnāt 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. Itās worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneStearalkonium Hectorite is a clay-derived ingredient used to thicken a product and help create a gel-like texture.
Tocopherol (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 skinās 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 TocopherolTriethylhexanoin is created from glycerin and 2-ethylhexanoic acid. It is a solvent and emollient.
As a solvent, Triethylhexanoin helps dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
It is also an emollient and helps condition the skin.
Learn more about TriethylhexanoinWater. 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