What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingHydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
BufferingIsostearyl Isostearate
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventTheobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningTriheptanoin
Skin ConditioningCeteareth-20
CleansingAristotelia Chilensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEuterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Gardenia Jasminoides Fruit Extract
Cosmetic ColorantLycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
AstringentMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Tuna Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
AntioxidantSodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Tocopherol
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCastor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer
Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer
Glycine Soja Oil
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientIsohexadecane
EmollientMaltodextrin
AbsorbentPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitral
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Niacinamide, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Isostearyl Isostearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Propanediol, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Triheptanoin, Ceteareth-20, Aristotelia Chilensis Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Gardenia Jasminoides Fruit Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Opuntia Tuna Fruit Extract, Bisabolol, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer, Glycine Soja Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Isohexadecane, Maltodextrin, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sorbitan Oleate, Xanthan Gum, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientIsotridecyl Isononanoate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
C13-15 Alkane
SolventDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingParfum
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingSqualane
EmollientUrea
BufferingDipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningPassiflora Edulis Seed Oil
EmollientRosa Canina Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
HumectantBeta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantLepidium Meyenii Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningFructooligosaccharides
HumectantPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin ConditioningPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningCrocus Sativus Flower Extract
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingCananga Odorata Flower Oil
MaskingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningTetradecane
PerfumingLactic Acid
BufferingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPotassium Lactate
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingPalmitic Acid
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingO-Cymen-5-Ol
AntimicrobialBeta-Caryophyllene
MaskingTetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes
MaskingCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isododecane, Isotridecyl Isononanoate, Glycerin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, C13-15 Alkane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Niacinamide, Parfum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Squalane, Urea, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Propanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Seed Oil, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract, Ceramide NP, Fructooligosaccharides, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Polyglutamic Acid, Crocus Sativus Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Tetradecane, Lactic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Potassium Lactate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Palmitic Acid, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Beta-Caryophyllene, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, Caramel
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.
Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).
Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterGlycerin (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 GlycerinNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideParfum 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 ParfumPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 PropanediolSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopherol 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 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