What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Beheneth-25
CleansingCera Microcristallina
Emulsion StabilisingTrehalose
Humectant
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Acrylate/Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Dimethylacrylamide Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Castor Oil
Emollient
Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract
Masking
Plankton Extract
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Oleic Acid
Emollient
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Glutathione
Superoxide Dismutase
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Linolenic Acid
Cleansing
Diamond Powder
Abrasive
Lactobionic Acid
Buffering
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate
Skin Conditioning
Acacia Decurrens/Jojoba/Sunflower Seed Cera/Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
EmollientDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Myristyl Myristate
Emollient
Isohexadecane
EmollientSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingDimethicone/Phenyl Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningDimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Methyldihydrojasmonate
MaskingSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Water, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Glycerin, Behenyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Beheneth-25, Cera Microcristallina, Trehalose, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Acrylate/Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Dimethylacrylamide Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract, Plankton Extract, Bisabolol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Linoleic Acid, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Glutathione, Superoxide Dismutase, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Linolenic Acid, Diamond Powder, Lactobionic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Beta-Glucan, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate, Acacia Decurrens/Jojoba/Sunflower Seed Cera/Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Myristyl Myristate, Isohexadecane, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Dimethicone/Phenyl Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 60, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polysorbate 20, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Pistacia Lentiscus Gum
MaskingCrataegus Monogyna Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningJasminum Sambac Flower Extract
Masking
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Helichrysum Stoechas Extract
TonicHaberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Cysteine
Antioxidant
Escin
TonicDiamond Powder
Abrasive
Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Oryza Sativa Bran Oil
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Masking
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Lecithin
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate
Emulsifying
Citric Acid
Buffering
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientSorbitan Palmitate
Emulsifying
Soy Isoflavones
Skin ConditioningBeta-Sitosterol
Emulsion Stabilising
Glycosphingolipids
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Water, Isopropyl Myristate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pistacia Lentiscus Gum, Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract, Jasminum Sambac Flower Extract, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Helichrysum Stoechas Extract, Haberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract, Acetyl Cysteine, Escin, Diamond Powder, Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Kaolin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Pentylene Glycol, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate, Citric Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Soy Isoflavones, Beta-Sitosterol, Glycosphingolipids, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Benzoate, Lactic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCetearyl alcohol is a waxy mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Despite having "alcohol" in its name, it has nothing to do with drying solvent alcohols; the FDA also allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols like this ingredient.
It plays several roles in a formula:
Typical use levels for this ingredient sit around 1-10% and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has affirmed safety at concentrations up to 25% in leave-on products.
Multiple assessments have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing to most people.
However, there have been some cases of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with chronically compromised skin barriers.
Cetearyl alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 and irritancy rating of 1. Both of these numbers come from the 1989 study that used rabbit ears; a "2" means mildly comedogenic and a "1" means low irritancy.
Here's the catch: rabbit skin is more sensitive than human skin and throws a lot of false positives. A 1996 reappraisal found that ingredients rated 1-2 in the rabbit ear tests are generally safe for humans.
Remember comedogenic ratings are unable to assess the entire formula of a product or how it will react on your skin. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure about certain ingredients.
This ingredient is not fungal acne safe. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with chain lengths that fall within the range that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCitric 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 AcidDiamond Powder is an exfoliant.
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 GlycerinPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) is a water-soluble form of Vitamin C. It is the salt of ascorbic acid.
This ingredient is commonly used in skincare because it's more formulation-stable while still offering the same benefits as pure ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is notorious for breaking down when exposed to sunlight and oxygen whereas SAP has been shown to be more stable.
Studies show SAP has anti-acne and antioxidant benefits. One study found 5% of SAP lotion to be an effective ingredient for treating acne vulgaris. This is because research shows that SAP may help control acne by reducing acne-causing bacteria and slowing the oxidation of skin oils caused by UV exposure.
In addition to acne, vitamin C is important for skin structure. Lab studies suggest SAP may support collagen production in skin cells, making it a great ingredient in anti-aging routines.
Vitamin C has many benefits: it helps reduce redness, improve skin texture, fade the appearance of dark spots, and brighten the skin.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateSodium 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 HyaluronateWater. 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 WaterXanthan 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
