What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantTriheptanoin
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Dimethicone
EmollientSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantBisabolol
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantC12-13 Alkyl Glyceryl Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate
Brassica Campestris Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningGlycereth-20
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Polysorbate 20
EmulsifyingAmodimethicone
Chlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSilica
AbrasiveTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingParfum
MaskingRose Extract
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPEG-32
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDiazolidinyl Urea
PreservativeTocopherol
AntioxidantTrideceth-9
EmulsifyingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Trisiloxane, Glycerin, Triheptanoin, Butylene Glycol, Trehalose, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Dimethicone, Saccharide Isomerate, Bisabolol, Phenoxyethanol, Beta-Glucan, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, C12-13 Alkyl Glyceryl Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Carbomer, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycereth-20, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20, Amodimethicone, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Hydroxide, Silica, Tocopheryl Acetate, Potassium Hydroxide, Parfum, Rose Extract, Propanediol, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol, PEG-32, Ethylhexylglycerin, Diazolidinyl Urea, Tocopherol, Trideceth-9, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, CI 19140, CI 17200
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Trehalose
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningActinidia Polygama Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantDimethicone
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningChondrus Crispus Powder
AbrasiveSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Agar
MaskingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingGellan Gum
Trideceth-9
EmulsifyingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingSqualane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 14720
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Butylene Glycol, Trisiloxane, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Trehalose, Cyclopentasiloxane, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Allantoin, Adenosine, Actinidia Polygama Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ascorbic Acid, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polysorbate 20, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Agar, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Gellan Gum, Trideceth-9, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Parfum, Squalane, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 19140, CI 14720
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
Think of it as a supportive ingredient that helps your gel-creams feel silky, "cloud cream-like", and spread evenly without being greasy.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel evaluated it (along with 22 other acryloyldimethyltaurate polymers) and concluded it's:
Due to its large molecular size, it sits on the surface of skin rather than penetrating it.
Learn more about Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp CopolymerButylene 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 GlycolCI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeThis ingredient is a silicone elastomer that works as a texture enhancer, adds a silky slip, and also helps absorb excess oil.
Because it's a large macromolecule that's insoluble in water and chemically inert, it's not expected to penetrate or be absorbed into skin.
Human patch tests with a facial lotion containing 1% of this ingredient found no sensitization.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinParfum 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 ParfumPeg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is derived from castor oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG). It is used as a emollient and emulsifier.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps make the other ingredients more soluble; it is often used to solubilize fragrances. This increases spreadability and elongates shelf life in a product.
Emollients help soothe and soften the skin. They do this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
This ingredient may or may not be vegan, depending on the source.
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil may not be fungal-acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any questions or concerns.
Learn more about PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate is created from the diester of stearic acid and the condensation product of methylglucose and Polyglycerin-3.
As an emulsifier, it is used to bind ingredients together. Many ingredients, such as oils and water, separate naturally. Emulsifiers prevent them from separating to ensure even consistency in texture.
One of the manufacturer for this ingredient states it is vegetable-based. It is also claimed to be stable at both high and low temperatures.
This ingredient may not be safe for fungal acne. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose DistearatePolysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Trehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseTrideceth-9 is a synthetic surfactant and emulsifying agent. It helps stabilize formulations, mix oil and water, and assists in cleansing.
Trisiloxane is a type of silicone.
Water. 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