What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientIsotridecyl Isononanoate
EmollientDicaprylyl Ether
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningDiglycerin
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingVinyldimethicone
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientFructooligosaccharides
HumectantFructose
HumectantSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingPalmitic Acid
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantStearic Acid
CleansingHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-5 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Trideceth-10
CleansingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingLecithin
EmollientSucrose
HumectantMadecassoside
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantAsiaticoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingWater, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isotridecyl Isononanoate, Dicaprylyl Ether, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Lactobacillus Ferment, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Diglycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Vinyldimethicone, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Panthenol, Glucose, Diisostearyl Malate, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Palmitic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-5 Polyricinoleate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Trideceth-10, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Lecithin, Sucrose, Madecassoside, Tocopherol, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Xanthan Gum
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantGlycereth-26
HumectantHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientPropanediol
SolventPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCentella Asiatica Leaf Water
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Vinyldimethicone
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantMannitol
HumectantPalmitic Acid
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingPolyisobutene
Microcrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentSucrose
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCholesterol
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantBakuchiol
AntimicrobialHyaluronic Acid
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Octyldodecanol, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Vinyldimethicone, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Mannitol, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Carbomer, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Tromethamine, Polyisobutene, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sucrose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Zea Mays Starch, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sorbitan Oleate, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol, Ceramide NP, Ascorbic Acid, Bakuchiol, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide
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
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 GlycolThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
Manufacturers use the name Olivem 1000. This ingredient has been found to preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria. This ingredient is grouped with Sorbitan Olivate under the name Olivem 1000.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Lactobacillus Ferment is created by fermenting the Lactobacillus bacteria. It helps keep our skin's natural barrier and microbiome healthy.
Studies show lactobacillus ferment to be effective at repairing the skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier helps keep your skin healthy and hydrated. It also protects against bad bacteria.
As a probiotic/prebiotic/postbiotic, Lactobacillus ferment can help regular our natural biome. In fact, one study found a lack of diversity in our natural skin biome can trigger acne.
Learn more about Lactobacillus FermentPalmitic Acid is a fatty acid naturally found in our skin and in many plant and animal sources. In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It serves many purposes in skincare, acting as a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.
As an emollient, palmitic acid helps soften and smooth the skin by preventing water loss. In cleansers, it helps remove oil and dirt while creating foam.
Its emulsifying properties help stabilize products by keeping water and oil-based ingredients from separating.
This may not be suitable for fungal acne-prone skin, as fatty acids like this can sometimes trigger breakouts in sensitive individuals.
Learn more about Palmitic AcidPanthenol 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 PanthenolPolyglyceryl-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 DistearateSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.
Due to its olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateStearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidSucrose is a natural sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It is the main constituent of white sugar.
In skincare, sucrose is a humectant and can be a mild exfoliant.
Sucrose is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water. This makes it an effective humectant and helps hydrate the skin.
Studies show sugars may worsen acne-prone skin due to it disrupting the skin's natural biome. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
In some products such as body scrubs, sucrose is used as an gentle exfoliant.
The term 'sucrose' comes from the french word for sugar, 'sucre'.
Learn more about SucroseVinyldimethicone 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. 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