What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
Solvent
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Cetearyl Olivate
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingBiosaccharide Gum-1
Humectant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Glucoside
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Trideceth-10
CleansingHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Brassica Oleracea Gemmifera Extract
AstringentHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sedum Sarmentosum Extract
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Linolenic Acid
Cleansing
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Masking
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin Conditioning
Sucrose Palmitate
EmollientSalvia Hispanica Seed Oil
Emollient
Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingWater, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Cetearyl Olivate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Sorbitan Olivate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Carbomer, Glyceryl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Trideceth-10, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Brassica Oleracea Gemmifera Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Sedum Sarmentosum Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Sucrose Palmitate, Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientPolyglyceryl-6 Distearate
Emulsifying
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
Emulsifying
Citrus Junos Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningBacillus/Spirodela Polyrhiza Extract/Volcanic Ash Extract Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningBacillus/Houttuynia Cordata Leaf Extract/Volcanic Ash Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Tremella Fuciformis Extract
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Arginine
Masking
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Lactobacillus/Papaya Fruit Ferment Extract
Abrasive
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningFerulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Morus Alba Root Extract
BleachingCetearyl Olivate
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Phytate
Water, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Bacillus/Spirodela Polyrhiza Extract/Volcanic Ash Extract Ferment Filtrate, Bacillus/Houttuynia Cordata Leaf Extract/Volcanic Ash Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Arginine, Centella Asiatica Extract, Lactobacillus/Papaya Fruit Ferment Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Ferulic Acid, Morus Alba Root Extract, Cetearyl Olivate, Tocopherol, Carbomer, Allantoin, Sorbitan Olivate, Xanthan Gum, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sodium Phytate
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
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 GlycolThis ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCarbomer is a high-molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid. It is used to form gels and thicken formulas.
Due to its large molecular size, carbomer has minimal skin penetration and is considered an inert ingredient.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Learn more about CarbomerCetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Sorbitan Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may feed that yeast, so it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinHyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan (basically a long sugar chain) that your skin already makes on its own. In your skin, HA lives in the extracellular matrix and acts as the body's moisture reservoir.
Topically, HA is a humectant that binds water and helps skin look more plump, smooth, and hydrated.
The only catch is that HA isn't a single thing; it actually comes in a wide range of molecular weights (~50 - 2,000+ kDA) and size matters.
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
This is why the best HA serums blend the two sizes together so you get the best of both worlds.
The majority of cosmetic HA is produced by bacterial fermentation, typically using Streptococcus or Bacillus strains. Typical use levels in skincare sit around 0.1-2%.
A clinical study using a 0.2% low-molecular weight HA gel showed improvement in facial seborrheic dermatitis with excellent tolerance.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidHydrogenated Polydecene is an emollient. It creates a non-occlusive film on the skin that offers extra protection for your skin barrier.
The texture of Hydrogenated Polydecene ranges from light and silky to rich.
Hydrogenated Polydecene is the end compound of controlled hydrogenation of Polydecene.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolydeceneHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidSodium 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 HyaluronateSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is a polymer and used to help stabilize other ingredients.
Emulsion stabilizers hold ingredients together, helping to create an even texture throughout the product.
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate can also be used to thicken the texture.
Learn more about Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl TaurateSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Cetearyl Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may feed that yeast, so it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateWater. 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 Water
