What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantPolymethyl Methacrylate
PPG-24-Glycereth-24
EmulsifyingButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantGentiana Scabra Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventEctoin
Skin ConditioningArmillaria Mellea Extract
Skin ConditioningZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantHydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentLimonia Acidissima Extract
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingBorago Officinalis Extract
EmollientPhenylethyl Resorcinol
AntioxidantMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydrated Silica
AbrasivePalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningErgothioneine
AntioxidantCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, PPG-24-Glycereth-24, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Allantoin, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Gentiana Scabra Root Extract, Propanediol, Ectoin, Armillaria Mellea Extract, Zea Mays Starch, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate, Limonia Acidissima Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Borago Officinalis Extract, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Ceramide NP, Lactic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrated Silica, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Ceramide As, Ceramide Ng, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ergothioneine, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide AP
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterPropylene Glycol
HumectantOctocrylene
UV AbsorberCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingC20-22 Alkyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingC20-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingIsohexadecane
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantTriethanolamine
BufferingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningHydrated Silica
AbrasivePolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingMenthol
MaskingParfum
MaskingBisabolol
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHydrogen Dimethicone
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Squalane
EmollientButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberHamamelis Virginiana Extract
AntiseborrhoeicPolyester-7
Skin ConditioningNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientPseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantZinc PCA
HumectantPropanediol
SolventZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentMyrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract
HumectantHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantHydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingBuddleja Officinalis Flower Extract
UV FilterSodium Salicylate
PreservativePhenylethyl Resorcinol
AntioxidantLactic Acid
BufferingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantAsiaticoside
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Glycerin, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Propylene Glycol, Octocrylene, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, C14-22 Alcohols, Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, C20-22 Alcohols, Titanium Dioxide, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitan Stearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Isohexadecane, Hydroxyacetophenone, Triethanolamine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Hydrated Silica, Polysorbate 80, Menthol, Parfum, Bisabolol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sorbitan Oleate, Disodium EDTA, Squalane, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Polyester-7, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Butylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, Propanediol, Zea Mays Starch, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract, Sodium Salicylate, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Lactic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizingg properties. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Studies show higher concentrations of this ingredient can promote wound healing.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinAlso known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.
Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.
However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.
Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!
The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneButylene 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 also known as shea butter. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.
Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. It does 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.
Shea butter is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may harm the body. It is also full of fatty acids including stearic acid and linoleic acid. These acids help replenish the skin and keep skin moisturized.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
Shea butter may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterCocamidopropyl Dimethylamine comes from the fatty acids of coconut oil. It is an emulsifier, meaning it helps stabilize and mix ingredients.
This ingredient can be irritating in higher amounts and is related to Cocamidopropyl Betaine.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (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 GlycerinHydrated Silica is a type of silicon dioxide. It is called 'hydrated silica' because it is silica with extra bonded water atoms.
It is an absorbent and abrasive, meaning it is exfoliating.
Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied.
Learn more about Hydrated SilicaHydrolyzed Corn Starch is made by breaking down corn starch into smaller sugar and carbohydrate units through acid or enzyme hydrolysis. The result is a blend of sugars (glucose, maltose, and maltodextrins).
It has skin conditioning and humectant properties and helps the skin stay hydrated. According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps provide humidity resistance and frizz control in haircare.
We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate yet.
Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.
Lactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective.
Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the āglueā that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin.
Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they donāt penetrate as deeply. This means theyāre less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Like glycolic acid, it can:
Lactic acid also acts as a humectant (like hyaluronic acid). It can draw water into the skin to improve hydration and also plays a role in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the form of sodium lactate.
Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skinās microbiome.
To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4.
Lower strengths (5-12%) focus on surface exfoliation; higher strengths (12% and up) can reach deeper in the dermis (deeper, supportive layer) to improve skin texture and firmness over time.
Though it was originally derived from milk, most modern lactic acid used in skincare is vegan. It is made through non-dairy fermentation to create a bio-identical and stable form suitable for all formulations.
When lactic acid shows up near the end of an ingredient list, it usually means the brand added just a tiny amount to adjust the productās pH.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and brightens. It's a great ingredient for giving your skin a smooth, glowing, and healthy look without the harshness of stronger acids.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidThis synthetic peptide is created from lysine, valine, and palmitic acid.
According to the manufacturer, in-vitro studies show tissue growth and collagen synthesis. Another in-vivo study found 60 volunteers saw a significant reduction in wrinkles after 84 days.
Due to its palmitic acid base, this peptide may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5Phenoxyethanol 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.
Phenylethyl Resorcinol (PR) is a synthetic antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitor. This ingredient is found naturally in pine trees.
What is a tyrosinase inhibitor?
Tyrosinase is an enzyme that plays a key role in melanin production, which leads to skin darkening when exposed to UV light. By inhibiting this enzyme, PR can help with skin brightening and lifting dark spots.
The manufacturer states 0.5% of PR is more effective than 1% kojic acid. In 2013, a study of 80 participants found combining PR with other skin-brightening ingredients found 57% showed moderate improvement and 17% saw no change. Another study with 20 women reported a 43% reduction in uneven skin tone.
While more research is needed to fully confirm PR's efficacy, thereās no harm in trying it - especially when combined with other proven skin-brightening ingredients.
Learn more about Phenylethyl ResorcinolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Ā
Itās 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 PropanediolPropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolWater. 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 GumZea Mays Starch is starch made from corn. You might know this as cornstarch . It is used to thicken a product. It can replace talc as an absorbent.
The pH of cornstarch is 5.92.
Cornstarch is a common food ingredient used to thicken soups or to make corn syrup.
Learn more about Zea Mays Starch