What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Synthetic Wax
AbrasiveButylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Parfum
MaskingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientCI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantPunica Granatum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingWater
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningVanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Peptide
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Diisostearyl Malate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Synthetic Wax, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Parfum, CI 77891, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, CI 16035, Punica Granatum Flower Extract, CI 45410, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Water, Tocopherol, Ascorbic Acid, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycine Soja Peptide, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Potassium Hyaluronate
Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPolybutene
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAlumina
AbrasiveAluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingBenzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Citrus Junos Peel Oil
AstringentPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantWater
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningPantolactone
HumectantCholesterol
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-1
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-9
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-7
AntiseborrhoeicSh-Oligopeptide-2
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-45
Skin ConditioningSh-Oligopeptide-14
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningLinoleic Acid
CleansingThiamine Hcl
MaskingBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningInositol
HumectantRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Diisostearyl Malate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polybutene, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Microcrystalline Wax, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, CI 77891, Caprylyl Glycol, Alumina, Aluminum Stearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Citrus Junos Peel Oil, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tocopherol, Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ascorbic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Panthenol, Octyldodecanol, Ceramide NP, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Pantolactone, Cholesterol, Stearic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Biotin, Pyridoxine, Folic Acid, Sh-Polypeptide-9, Sh-Polypeptide-7, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Polypeptide-45, Sh-Oligopeptide-14, Cyanocobalamin, Linoleic Acid, Thiamine Hcl, Beta-Carotene, Inositol, Riboflavin, Limonene, Linalool
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C and is the biologically active form used directly by skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, but it also has plenty of benefits for your skin. It is best supported by academic literature for:
Topical vitamin C has been shown to help neutralize oxidative stress from UV and pollution, helping to improve photoaging and hyperpigmentation when used consistently.
One clinical study found that using 5% topical vitamin C for six months improved signs of photodamaged skin, both on the surface and in the deeper structural layers of the skin.
While vitamin C doesn’t replace sunscreen, studies show it can boost photoprotection when combined with Vitamin E and ferulic acid. These two ingredients help improve stability and protective effects.
The big downside of this ingredient is formulation difficulty. Vitamin C is prone to oxidation and doesn't penetrate the skin unless formulated correctly. Research found that vitamin C absorbs into the skin best at a low pH (< 3.5) with about 20% being the upper limit for effective absorption.
Skin levels can saturate after repeated application; this means your skin won’t keep absorbing more once it’s full of vitamin C. This is why more isn’t always better with vitamin C and why very high concentrations don’t necessarily give extra benefits.
Ascorbic acid generally works well with many skincare ingredients but can be irritating when combined with other active ingredients. Strong oxidizing acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide can reduce the effectiveness of vitamin C if they are used at the same time; they are often recommended for use at different times of day.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidThis ingredient is a high-molecular weight synthetic polymer. It is used to modify the viscosity of a formula, improve slip, and create a more "cushiony" texture.
Due to its large molecular size, this ingredient is not absorbed into the skin.
Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Diisostearyl Malate is an emollient and most often used in lip products. It comes from isostearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, and malic acid, an AHA.
As an emollient, Diisostearyl Malate helps create a thin film on your skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth.
This is a synthetic polymer used to thicken formulas, improve texture, and enhance spreadability.
Due to its large molecule size, this ingredient does not penetrate the skin and is considered well-tolerated.
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 EthylhexylglycerinHydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobutenePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.
It is used to help stabilize other antioxidants or prevent the color from changing in a product.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Thus, antioxidants may reduce the signs of aging.
This ingredient is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamatePhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate is an emollient ester.
As an emollient, it softens and hydrates your skin by locking moisture in. Its large, branched structure gives it a thick, cushiony feel without being greasy. This is why it shows up most often in lip balms, lipsticks, and other stick or balm formulas, where it adds gloss and helps hold waxes and pigments together.
The phytosterol portion is a nice extra. Phytosterols are plant-based lipids that are structurally similar to ones found naturally in skin, so they can help support the skin barrier.
Because this ingredient contains C16, C18, and C22 fatty chains, it may not be Malassezia/fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast potentially feeds on fatty acids in the C11-C24 range. If you're prone to flare-ups, you might want to patch-test or skip this one.
Learn more about Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer DilinoleateThis ingredient is a form of glycerin with emulsifying and emollient properties.
As an emulsifier, this ingredient helps keep products together while adding a thick texture. The manufacturer states this ingredient has emollient properties. Emollients help keep the skin hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate is created by reacting diglycerin and isostearic acid. Due to the isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-2 TriisostearateTocopherol 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 TocopherolWater. 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