What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate
EmulsifyingSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveTocopherol
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
PerfumingPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningEugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingSesamum Indicum Seed Oil
EmollientSclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEugenol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingEthylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Polyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate, Synthetic Wax, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Eugenol, Limonene
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that it is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid.
In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Just patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideEthylhexyl 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 PalmitateSynthetic Wax is a manufactured hydrocarbon wax. In formulas, it works as an occlusive emollient that helps reduce water loss and improves the spreadability of products.
Research comparing synthetic wax to traditional mineral-derived products found that formulas containing it perform as well for skin hydration.
It is considered non-comedogenic and vegan-friendly.
It has a well-established safety record by the CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxTocopheryl 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