What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether
EmulsifyingSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCholesterol
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Polyglutamic Acid, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPropanediol Dicaprylate
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningC12-16 Alcohols
EmollientPlukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantLactobacillus/Wasabia Japonica Root Ferment Extract
AntioxidantSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientPerfluorodecalin
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPalmitic Acid
EmollientOpuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil
EmollientVaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningAlbizia Julibrissin Bark Extract
MaskingAdansonia Digitata Pulp Extract
EmollientPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantBiosaccharide Gum-2
Skin ConditioningMilk Protein
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEquisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPunica Granatum Pericarp Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientCynara Scolymus Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantDarutoside
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningLactose
HumectantVitis Vinifera Leaf Water
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantPolyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePoloxamer 188
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLactic Acid
BufferingSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingWater, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Propanediol Dicaprylate, Pentylene Glycol, C12-16 Alcohols, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Lactobacillus/Wasabia Japonica Root Ferment Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Perfluorodecalin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Palmitic Acid, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Oil, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Adansonia Digitata Pulp Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-2, Milk Protein, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Darutoside, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Lactose, Vitis Vinifera Leaf Water, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Propylene Glycol, Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Phenoxyethanol, Poloxamer 188, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Potassium Sorbate, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Ceramide AP is a type of Ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.
They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide NP
Ceramide EOP
Ceramide EOP is a type of Ceramide.
EOP stands for a linked Ester fatty acid, a linked Omega hydroxy fatty acid, and the Phytosphingosine base.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin. They bind dead skin cells together to create a barrier. The ceramides in our skin have the ability to hold water to keep our skin hydrated.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A strong skin barrier helps with:
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Learn more about Ceramide EOPCeramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolCitric 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 AcidEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Phytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin as a building block for ceramides.. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.
Phytosphingosine contributes to your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF). The NMF is responsible for hydration, a strong barrier, and plasticity. Our NMF decreases with age. Increasing NMF leads to more healthy and hydrated skin.
Studies show products formulated with NMF ingredients help strengthen our skin's barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier reduces irritation and increases hydration. Our skin barrier is responsible for having plump and firm skin. It also helps protect our skin against infection, allergies, and inflammation.
Fun fact: Phytosphingosine is abundant in plants and fungi.
More ingredients that help boost collagen in skin:
Learn more about PhytosphingosinePotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium Lauroyl Lactylate is the lauric acid sodium salt of lactyl lactate.
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is an emulsifier and surfactant.
Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. They do this by preventing ingredients from separating, such as oils and water which do not mix naturally. Surfactants reduce surface tension, making it easier to rinse pollutants off skin.
Due to its relation to lauric acid, it may provide antimicrobial benefits.
Learn more about Sodium Lauroyl LactylateWater. 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 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