What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingDimethicone
EmollientEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberPropanediol
SolventPolymethylsilsesquioxane
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Castor Oil
EmulsifyingAmmonium Acrylates Copolymer
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCetyl Palmitate
EmollientSteareth-100
Gel FormingLaureth-23
CleansingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingTriethylene Glycol
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Xanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Ammonium Polyacrylate
StabilisingParfum
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBHT
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSilanetriol
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Glycerin, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Propanediol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG-40 Castor Oil, Ammonium Acrylates Copolymer, Panthenol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Cetyl Palmitate, Steareth-100, Laureth-23, Behenyl Alcohol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Allantoin, Arachidyl Glucoside, Triethylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Ammonium Polyacrylate, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, BHT, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Adenosine, Silanetriol, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491
Water
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientPropanediol
SolventDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientDisiloxane
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveVinyldimethicone
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Glucoside
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Acrylates Copolymer
Osmanthus Fragrans Flower Extract
MaskingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningTremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingHelianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCalcium Gluconate
HumectantPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Glycerin
HumectantIsododecane
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingLecithin
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingOctyldodecanol
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Benzoate
MaskingPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Chloride
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Zinc Oxide, Cyclohexasiloxane, Propanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Disiloxane, Silica, Vinyldimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Glyceryl Glucoside, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Osmanthus Fragrans Flower Extract, Allantoin, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Tocopherol, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Panthenol, Calcium Gluconate, Pyridoxine Hcl, Yeast Extract, Cyanocobalamin, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Magnesium Sulfate, Glycerin, Isododecane, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Lecithin, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isostearic Acid, Isopropyl Myristate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Octyldodecanol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Magnesium Chloride, CI 77491, CI 77492
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
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491CI 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPanthenol 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 PanthenolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolWe don't have a description for Propylheptyl Caprylate yet.
Tocopherol 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