What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMethylene Glycol
AntimicrobialCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientBetaine
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientIsohexadecane
EmollientAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantSilica
Abrasive1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantProline
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantParaffinum Liquidum
EmollientParfum
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientC24-28 Alkyl Methicone
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Water, Methylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Betaine, Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Alcohol Denat., Isononyl Isononanoate, Titanium Dioxide, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Silica, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77288, Proline, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Paraffinum Liquidum, Parfum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aluminum Hydroxide, C24-28 Alkyl Methicone, Centella Asiatica Extract, Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Lauryl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Silica
AbrasivePEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Chloride
MaskingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolymethyl Methacrylate
Niacinamide
SmoothingParfum
MaskingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHesperidin Methyl Chalcone
AntioxidantHedychium Coronarium Root Extract
MaskingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHamamelis Virginiana Water
AstringentGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Disodium EDTA
Ascorbic Acid
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePolyquaternium-5
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingResveratrol
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Lauryl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Isododecane, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Niacinamide, Parfum, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyquaternium-5, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Resveratrol, Ethylhexylglycerin, CI 77891, 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.
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 preservatives
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 GlycolCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
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 DimethiconeNiacinamide 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 ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Silica, 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 SilicaSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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 Water