What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingSqualane
EmollientPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientBorago Officinalis Seed Oil
EmollientCannabis Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientCaryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil
EmollientOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientPrunus Avium Seed Oil
EmollientPunica Granatum Seed Oil
EmollientRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientTriticum Vulgare Germ Oil
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingAsparagus Racemosus Root Extract
AntimicrobialHippophae Rhamnoides Oil
EmollientEugenia Caryophyllus Bud Oil
MaskingRosa Damascena Flower Oil
MaskingJasminum Grandiflorum Flower Extract
MaskingCitral
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingEugenol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Squalane, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Prunus Avium Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Asparagus Racemosus Root Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus Bud Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Jasminum Grandiflorum Flower Extract, Citral, Citronellol, Eugenol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool
Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningSclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
HumectantCannabis Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientSalvia Hispanica Seed Oil
EmollientCitrullus Lanatus Seed Oil
EmollientBorago Officinalis Seed Oil
EmollientRosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil
EmollientRubus Idaeus Seed Oil
EmollientOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientSqualane
EmollientCarica Papaya Seed Oil
HumectantActinidia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientPassiflora Incarnata Seed Oil
Skin ProtectingPassiflora Edulis Seed Oil
EmollientOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingSilybum Marianum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningCinnamomum Camphora Leaf Extract
MaskingBoswellia Carterii Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Amara Leaf/Twig Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantVetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil
MaskingRosa Damascena Flower Oil
MaskingJasminum Officinale Oil
MaskingAbies Sibirica Oil
MaskingHaematococcus Pluvialis Extract
AntioxidantNannochloropsis Oculata Extract
HumectantPinus Densiflora Extract
AntioxidantPorphyra Umbilicalis Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingFarnesol
PerfumingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingEugenol
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialLimonene
PerfumingCamellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil, Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil, Rubus Idaeus Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Squalane, Carica Papaya Seed Oil, Actinidia Chinensis Seed Oil, Passiflora Incarnata Seed Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Silybum Marianum Seed Oil, Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Extract, Boswellia Carterii Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara Leaf/Twig Extract, Tocopherol, Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Jasminum Officinale Oil, Abies Sibirica Oil, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Nannochloropsis Oculata Extract, Pinus Densiflora Extract, Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Farnesol, Benzyl Alcohol, Citral, Eugenol, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
You may know this ingredient as argan oil. It has emollient and skin conditioning properties that help soften skin and reinforce the lipid barrier.
The fatty acid profile of argan oil is roughly 45-55% oleic acid, 28-36% linoleic acid, 10-15% palmitic acid, and 5-7% stearic acid. It also contains vitamin E, sterols, squalene, and polyphenols like ferulic acid.
Two clinical studies in postmenopausal women found that applying argan oil for 60 days significantly improved skin elasticity and moisturization (reduced transepidermal water loss and increased epidermal water content).
Since it is high in oleic and linoleic acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Both of these fall in the C11-C24 range that Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Argania Spinosa Kernel OilBorago Officinalis Seed Oil is from the seeds of the starflower plant. This plant grows primarily in Europe.
This oil does not have a scent. It contains fatty acids such as linolenic acid. These fatty acids help keep skin hydrated.
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
Learn more about Borago Officinalis Seed OilCannabis Sativa Seed Oil is the fixed oil expressed from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. This is also known as hemp oil.
Hemp oil is an emollient and nourishes the skin. It contains many fatty acids such as linoleic acid, amino acids, phospholipids, and vitamin E.
The difference between hemp and cannabis is their psychoactive component. Hemp has low amounts of THC.
Learn more about Cannabis Sativa Seed OilCitral is the molecule responsible for the fresh lemon scent in lemon, lime, and lemongrass. It is a fragrance ingredient that can be created from plant essential oils or synthetically.
Though Citral has documented antimicrobial activity against acne bacteria (which is where the marketing claims about it being good for acne-prone skin originate), real formulas use it at fragrance-level concentrations under 1% so there's likely no skin benefit.
You should know this ingredient is a known EU fragrance allergen.
Animal studies classifies this ingredient as a weak-to-moderate skin sensitizer and clinical patch testing on eczema patients confirmed it to be both a contact allergen and irritant.
The term 'citral' is a collective term for two geometric isomers: geranial/Citral A and neral/Citral B.
The term '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.
Learn more about CitralCitronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolEugenol is naturally found in cloves, basil, and bay leaves. It is an aromatic oil used to add fragrance to a product. The scent of eugenol is described as "clove-like". Eugenol is a known EU allergen, meaning it causes contact allergies.
Studies show eugenol possesses antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Besides cosmetics, eugenol is also added as a flavor in teas and cakes.
Learn more about EugenolGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolOenothera Biennis Oil is the fixed oil derived from the seeds of the Evening Primrose.
Evening primrose oil is rich in fatty acids. These fatty acids include linoleic (60-85%), oleic (5-12%), palmitic (4-10%), and stearic (2-4%).
The fatty acid composition makes it a great ingredient for soothing and moisturizing skin. However, it may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal acne safe.
Further research is needed on the role of evening primrose in treating eczema.
Evening primrose is native to North America.
Learn more about Oenothera Biennis OilThis ingredient is also known as olive oil. It has been used in skincare for centuries and science largely backs up its reputation as a nourishing emollient.
The main components of olive oil are oleic acid (55-83%), linoleic acid (3.5-20%), and palmitic acid (7-20%). Oleic acid promotes skin regeneration and helps regulate inflammatory responses.
Squalene is also naturally present in olive oil and exhibits moisturizing and antioxidant properties.
The polyphenols in olive oil also show anti-aging promise; one clinical study found a measurable improvement in skin appearance after 30 days of topical serum use.
Just be aware that applying olive oil directly to skin can weaken the barrier and cause redness. One study with volunteers found even people without sensitive skin experienced a significant reduction in stratum corneum integrity and induced mild erythema.
It's best to use this ingredient as part of a carefully crafted formula (instead of putting it on skin directly from the bottle).
Because it has a 2-3 on the comedogenic scale, it is a moderate risk for acne-prone skin. However, the overall formulation of a product matters more than a few ingredients with comedogenic ratings.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because of the oleic and palmitic acid content. These fall within the C11-24 fatty acid range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize to grow.
Overall, olive oil is a well-studied and nourishing skincare ingredient.
Learn more about Olea Europaea Fruit OilRosa Damascena Flower Oil is an essential oil made from the Damask Rose. It is often used as a fragrance in cosmetics.
Rose Oil has antibacterial and antioxidant properties due to its terpene, glycoside, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and Vitamin C content.
Other major parts of Rose Oil include citronellol and geraniol. Both of these are known EU allergens and cause contact-allergies.
The downsides of this ingredient outweight the positives.
Learn more about Rosa Damascena Flower OilSqualane is the hydrogenated and shelf-stable form of squalene (a lipid that naturally occurs in human sebum).
It is an emollient and skin conditioning agent that is able to integrate seamlessly into the skin's lipid barrier without clogging pores.
This is due to how structurally similar it is to what your skin already produces.
Though it is mostly an emollient that helps soften and hydrate skin, it also has some humectant and occlusive action. Humectants help the skin retain moisture while occlusives seal it in, making squalane a triple-threat moisturizer.
Research shows it has antioxidant capabilities that help protect against stressors like UV exposure, specifically UVA induced oxidative stress. This study also found that it supports collagen biosynthesis in human dermal fibroblasts.
No clinical study has reported significant adverse effects and irritation reactions are very rare from this ingredient (even at 100% concentration).
Overall, it's a fantastic ingredient for hydration and is suitable for all skin types.
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".
Though squalane is often called an oil, itâs technically not one. It is a hydrocarbon, meaning it is only made of carbon and hydrogen. True oils are triglycerides and made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term âoil-freeâ isnât regulated so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
Squalane has a comedogenic rating of 1 from the original 1972 study that tested raw ingredients under occlusion on rabbit ears. This system is not standardized or peer-reviewed, and using the raw ingredients is very different from how diluted cosmetic formulations are used on human skin.
A comedogenic rating of 1 means it is "unlikely to clog pores" according to the original rating system.
The overall formula of a product matters more than the individual ingredients on whether or not it will cause clogged pores.
Learn more about SqualaneTocopherol 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