What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Isododecane
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientQuaternium-90 Bentonite
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveHydrogenated Styrene/Methylstyrene/Indene Copolymer
Propylene Carbonate
SolventDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantWater
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantQuartz
AbrasiveHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientBisabolol
AntioxidantSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientPassiflora Edulis Seed Oil
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientCocos Nucifera Oil
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingGlucose
HumectantArginine
MaskingHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
BufferingCI 77220
Cosmetic ColorantAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantGlutathione
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantIsododecane, Microcrystalline Wax, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Silica, Hydrogenated Styrene/Methylstyrene/Indene Copolymer, Propylene Carbonate, Diisostearyl Malate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Water, Tocopherol, Quartz, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Bisabolol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glucose, Arginine, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Citric Acid, CI 77220, Acetyl Glucosamine, Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione, CI 77891, Mica, Iron Oxides, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingKaolin
AbrasiveTriethylhexanoin
MaskingHydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveSilica
AbrasiveOleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides
EmollientMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientTrimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid/Glycerin Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Styrene/Methylstyrene/Indene Copolymer
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters
Skin ConditioningMyristyl Lactate
EmollientBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientTriheptanoin
Skin ConditioningPhytosteryl Macadamiate
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSorbic Acid
PreservativeAstrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
EmollientPassiflora Edulis Seed Oil
EmollientPhytosteryl Oleate
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Ozokerite, Kaolin, Triethylhexanoin, Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax, Synthetic Wax, Silica, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Styrene/Methylstyrene/Indene Copolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters, Myristyl Lactate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Triheptanoin, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Phytosteryl Oleate, Tocopherol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Glyceryl Caprylate, Water, Glycine Soja Oil, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Hyaluronate, CI 42090, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 45410, CI 15850, CI 77891, CI 19140, CI 15985
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
You may know this ingredient as argan oil. It has emollient and skin conditioning properties that help soften skin and reinforce the lipid barrier.
The fatty acid profile of argan oil is roughly 45-55% oleic acid, 28-36% linoleic acid, 10-15% palmitic acid, and 5-7% stearic acid. It also contains vitamin E, sterols, squalene, and polyphenols like ferulic acid.
Two clinical studies in postmenopausal women found that applying argan oil for 60 days significantly improved skin elasticity and moisturization (reduced transepidermal water loss and increased epidermal water content).
Since it is high in oleic and linoleic acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Both of these fall in the C11-C24 range that Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Argania Spinosa Kernel OilThis ingredient is a lightweight 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. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCi 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 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
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 77891This ingredient is also known as coconut oil. It is a plant-derived ingredient with skin conditioning properties.
The fatty acid profile of coconut oil is mostly lauric acid (~54%), followed by capric, caprylic, palmitic, and myristic acids. This profile allows it to penetrate easily into skin, moisturize, and improve dry skin.
A double-blind study confirmed that extra virgin coconut oil is as effective as mineral oil for treating very dry skin. Another study found it outperformed mineral oil for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children.
Another study from 2018 found that virgin coconut oil can soothe inflammation and boost key skin barrier proteins. Just know this evidence is still only from lab settings and not human trials.
It has also been shown to reduce Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that commonly overgrows in people with eczema.
Clinical testing shows very minimal skin irritation and no evidence of sensitization or phototoxicity.
Coconut oil gets flagged as a "fragrance" because it has a natural mild scent (not because it's a synthetic perfume). The European Cosmetic ingredient database also lists "perfuming" as a function of this ingredient.
Just so you know, the term "fragrance" is completely unregulated. Some brands still use botanical extracts or essential oils in their "fragrance-free" formulas, but regulatory databases technically classify these under "fragrance".
Coconut oil has a tiny and useless bit of natural SPF. Early lab studies clocked it around SPF 7-8 but a more recent study found the real number closer to SPF 1.2. It also offers no meaningful UVA protection (SPF only overs UVB rays).
The comedogenic rating of 4/5 means it has a high potential to clog pores; but it's worth noting that comedogenicity is highly individual and ratings cannot predict how an overall formula will behave on skin.
Since lauric acid is the dominant fatty acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast feeds on fatty acids with carbon chain lengths between 11-24, and lauric acid falls within these lengths (C12).
Learn more about Cocos Nucifera OilHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilWe don't have a description for Hydrogenated Styrene/Methylstyrene/Indene Copolymer yet.
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil is a lightweight plant oil from the seeds of passion fruit.
This oil supports skin hydration because it is packed with linoleic acid (56-73%), oleic acid (14-20%), palmitic acid, and stearic acids. It also contains vitamin E and other antioxidants, like carotenoids.
In vitro research has shown that passion fruit seed extracts can inhibit the enzymes that break down collagen and elastin in the skin.
While this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, some cases of contact dermatitis have been reported with the Passiflora plant's vines and leaves itself. As with any ingredient, a patch test is a great idea if you are unsure.
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 Passiflora Edulis Seed OilPentaerythrityl 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 HydroxyhydrocinnamatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil comes from the sweet almond, a tree native to Iran. This oil has no fragrance and is non-volatile.
Almonds contain healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is a rich source of Vitamin E, a great antioxidant and skin conditioning ingredient. Sweet almond oil contains fatty acids such as linolenic acid and triglycerides.
The content of sweet almond oil makes it a great emollient; it can help soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a barrier over your skin to trap moisture in. Sweet almond oil has antioxidant properties.
Those with an almond allergy should be careful of this ingredient and speak with a professional about using it in your skincare.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis OilSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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