Skin science article
Burt's Bees Hydrating Overnight Face Mask Versus Neutrogena Hydro Boost and Hydrating Hydrogel Mask
Burt's Bees Hydrating Overnight Face Mask Versus Neutrogena Hydro Boost and Hydrating Hydrogel Mask This hydrating overnight mask is formulated around Ricinus Communis Seed Oil and Cocos Nucifera Oil to hydrate skin. This hydrating sheet mask is formulated aro
Burt's Bees Hydrating Overnight Face Mask Versus Neutrogena Hydro Boost and Hydrating Hydrogel Mask
This hydrating overnight mask is formulated around Ricinus Communis Seed Oil and Cocos Nucifera Oil to hydrate skin.
This hydrating sheet mask is formulated around Chondrus Crispus Extract and Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate skin and calm redness.
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
Glycerin
Cetyl Alcohol
Stearyl Alcohol
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Glyceryl Stearate
Propanediol
Beeswax
Stearic Acid
Persea Gratissima Oil
Lactobacillus
Salvia Sclarea Extract
Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice
Astrocaryum Tucuma Seed Butter
Trichilia Emetica Seed Butter
Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Glycine Soja Oil
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
Tocopherol
Xanthan Gum
Lecithin
Sodium PCA
Zinc PCA
Maltodextrin
Potassium Stearate
Potassium Sorbate
Sodium Benzoate
Parfum
Phenoxyethanol
Citral
Limonene
Linalool
Water, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Propanediol, Beeswax, Stearic Acid, Persea Gratissima Oil, Lactobacillus, Salvia Sclarea Extract, Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice, Astrocaryum Tucuma Seed Butter, Trichilia Emetica Seed Butter, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Glycine Soja Oil, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Sodium PCA, Zinc PCA, Maltodextrin, Potassium Stearate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Citral, Limonene, Linalool
Dipropylene Glycol
Ceratonia Siliqua Gum
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Chlorphenesin
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Potassium Chloride
Disodium EDTA
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil
Sucrose Cocoate
Blue 1 Lake
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Xanthan Gum, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Chlorphenesin, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Chloride, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Sucrose Cocoate, Tocopherol, Blue 1 Lake
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Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Parfum 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.
Phenoxyethanol is one of the most widely used preservatives in skincare (and for good reason!).
It has a large spectrum of antimicrobial activity and especially effective bacteria, yeast, and mold while only having a weak effect on your skin's natural microbiome.
On a cellular level, it disrupts the cell membranes of microbes by poking holes that make the cell leak. This shuts down the chemical reactions the microbe needs to make energy so it can no longer survive.
Another perk of this ingredient is that it stays functional across a wide pH range (3-10).
You'll often see it paired with boosters like Ethylhexylglycerin; one study showed that a 1:9 ratio of Ethylhexylglycerin to Phenoxyethanol damages bacterial membranes as effectively as doubling the Phenoxyethanol concentration on its own.
Typical use concentrations range from 0.3-1% depending on the formula, and this ingredient is capped at 1% int the EU.
Safety-wise, the fear mongering does not hold up to the evidence. The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and FDA consider it safe as a preservative at up to 1%, including for children of all ages.
Adverse systemic effects only showed up in animal studies at exposures roughly 200x higher than what people get from cosmetics. And despite its very widespread use, this ingredient is a rare sensitizer and allergic reactions are uncommon.
Propanediol 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.
Tocopherol 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.
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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Xanthan 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.