What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientHydrolyzed Collagen Extract
Skin ProtectingHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientHydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soybean Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientKeratin
Skin ConditioningHumulus Lupulus Extract
AntimicrobialGamma-Docosalactone
Skin ConditioningKaolin
AbrasiveSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer-2
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSphingolipids
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Bicarbonate
AbrasiveHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingStearic Acid
CleansingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPlatinum
AntimicrobialAminopropyl Dimethicone
Diethyl Sebacate
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingWater, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Hydrolyzed Collagen Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Hydrolyzed Soybean Extract, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Keratin, Humulus Lupulus Extract, Gamma-Docosalactone, Kaolin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer-2, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sphingolipids, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Bicarbonate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Stearic Acid, Cellulose Gum, Platinum, Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Diethyl Sebacate, Pentylene Glycol, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientAmodimethicone
Behentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethiconol
EmollientHydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantPlatinum
AntimicrobialPearl Extract
AntioxidantGluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientBrain Extract
Skin ProtectingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSea Water
HumectantIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventCitric Acid
BufferingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSteartrimonium Chloride
PreservativeDicocodimonium Chloride
EmulsifyingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingCystine
MaskingSodium Bicarbonate
AbrasiveHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPPG-8-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingPPG-8-Ceteth-10
Skin ConditioningPentasodium Pentetate
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Amodimethicone, Behentrimonium Chloride, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethiconol, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Platinum, Pearl Extract, Gluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate, Diisostearyl Malate, Brain Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sea Water, Isopropyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Steartrimonium Chloride, Dicocodimonium Chloride, Cellulose Gum, Cystine, Sodium Bicarbonate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, PPG-8-Ceteth-20, PPG-8-Ceteth-10, Pentasodium Pentetate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
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 a preservative and often used for it's anti-static properties. You'll most likely see this ingredient in hair conditioners.
It does not cause irritation or sensitization in leave-on products at 1-5%.
Cellulose Gum is a water-soluble polymer that comes from cellulose. It is used to change the texture of a product and to help stabilize emulsions.
As an emulsifier, cellulose gum specifically thicken the texture of water-based products.
This ingredient is considered hypoallergenic and non-toxic. Cellulose Gum can be found in cosmetics, food, and other household goods such as paper products.
Learn more about Cellulose GumCetearyl 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 AlcoholDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeEthylhexyl 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 PalmitateHydrolyzed collagen has a misleading name because it is actually a mixture of various proteins/peptides. This ingredient has skin hydrating properties.
Collagen is the most abundant type of structural protein found in your body. In your skin, it is responsible for keeping it firm and youthful.
Hydrolyzed Collagen is created by breaking up proteins into smaller peptide bonds. These peptides act as humectants and emollients.
Humectants are great at holding onto water, keeping skin hydrated. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
There is ongoing debate about whether hydrolyzed collagen works because it increases skin hydration. Skin hydration is also linked to elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.
Collagen or peptide ingredients can be used in the morning or night. They will not increase sun sensitivity, but you should always wear sunscreen during the day.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is a great hair conditioner as well.
This ingredient can be extracted from different sources, including:
Vegan collagen is derived from yeast, bacteria, or plant sources. Vegan collagen would go by a different INCI name, such as hydrolyzed soy protein.
The results are varied.
A study from 2021 found hydrolyzed collagen increased elasticity and improved wrinkles in 1,125 participants between age 20 and 70. Another study found increased skin thickness in participants between the ages of 45 to 59.
However, It is difficult to prove that oral collagen will end up working on your skin. Many of the studies using hydrolyzed collagen also add several vitamins and nutrients into the test mixture as well.
Further studies are needed at this time.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed CollagenWe don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein yet.
Hydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.
This ingredient helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating. It can also help thicken the texture of a product.
This ingredient can also be found in pill medicines to help our bodies digest other ingredients.
Learn more about HydroxyethylcelluloseParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPentylene 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 GlycolPlatinum is an antioxidant.
Sodium Bicarbonate has a more famous name: Baking soda.
In cosmetics, it is used to adjust the acidity. Due to its white crystalline solid form, it can also be an abrasive (exfoliator).
This ingredient is water-soluble.
Learn more about Sodium BicarbonateSodium 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 Water