What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantChondrus Crispus Powder
AbrasiveBenzyl Glycol
SolventCeratonia Siliqua Gum
EmollientPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningTitanium/Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantNiacinamide
SmoothingRosa Canina Fruit Extract
AstringentCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantRaspberry Ketone
MaskingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Disodium EDTA
Butylene Glycol
HumectantCalcium Lactate
AstringentCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientPeat Water
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPropylene Glycol
HumectantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingRetinol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol
CleansingBrassica Campestris Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCeteth-3
EmulsifyingCeteth-5
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeDiamond Powder
AbrasiveCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Benzyl Glycol, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Titanium/Titanium Dioxide, Niacinamide, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acacia Senegal Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Raspberry Ketone, Adenosine, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Calcium Lactate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Peat Water, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Retinol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cholesterol, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil, Silica, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceteth-3, Ceteth-5, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Potassium Sorbate, Diamond Powder, CI 77499, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantChondrus Crispus Powder
AbrasiveArginine
MaskingGlycolic Acid
BufferingRetinol
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPunica Granatum Extract
AstringentAdenosine
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantCeratonia Siliqua Gum
EmollientChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPotassium Chloride
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningDextrin
AbsorbentPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantDisodium EDTA
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Silica
AbrasiveCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialTin Oxide
AbrasivePolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPotassium Phosphate
BufferingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Glycerin, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Arginine, Glycolic Acid, Retinol, Caffeine, Niacinamide, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Adenosine, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Persea Gratissima Oil, Lecithin, Lactobacillus Ferment, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Xanthan Gum, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Chloride, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Dextrin, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, CI 77491, Disodium EDTA, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silica, CI 77007, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Alcohol, Tin Oxide, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Phosphate, CI 77891, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineAllantoin 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 AllantoinButylene 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 GlycolCeratonia Siliqua Gum is extracted from the seeds of the carob tree. You might know this ingredient as Carob Gum or Locust Bean Gum. It is used to stabilize other ingredients and improve the texture of products.
Carob gum is made up of long-chain polysaccharides. This makes it a natural thickener.
Yes! This ingredient comes from the seeds of a tree. The name 'Locust Bean Gum' can be misleading.
Learn more about Ceratonia Siliqua GumChondrus Crispus Powder is an exfoliant.
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 77891Disodium 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 EDTAGlycerin 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 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 NiacinamidePhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolSilica, 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 HyaluronateSynthetic Fluorphlogopite is the synthethic version of mica. It consists of fluorine, aluminum and silicate.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is used to add volume to products.
It is considered non-irritating on the skin.
Learn more about Synthetic FluorphlogopiteTocopheryl 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. 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