This anti-aging eye moisturizer is formulated around Hydrolyzed Collagen Extract and Bifida Ferment Lysate to soften the look of wrinkles and hydrate skin.
This anti-aging eye moisturizer is formulated around Niacinamide and Bakuchiol to soften the look of wrinkles.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Hydrolyzed Collagen Extract
Skin Protecting
Glycerin
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Pentaerythrityl Stearate/Caprate/Caprylate/Adipate
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Betaine
Humectant
Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Lycium Chinense Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Ficus Carica Fruit Extract
Humectant
Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Oryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Collagen Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Humectant
Acmella Oleracea Extract
Skin ProtectingGossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract
EmollientLepidium Meyenii Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningCinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract
Antimicrobial
Bacillus/Folic Acid Ferment Filtrate Extract
Antioxidant
Pancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingNymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTriticum Aestivum Peptide
Skin Conditioning
Phaseolus Lunatus Seed Extract
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Soluble Collagen
Humectant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water
Masking
Oryza Sativa Germ Oil
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Methylpropanediol
SolventPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Polyacrylate-13
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-10 Distearate
Emulsifying
Vinyldimethicone
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Glycosyl Trehalose
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Raffinose
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
ChelatingMicrococcus Lysate
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Lecithin
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Polyquaternium-51
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Laurate
CleansingInulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingLauric Acid
Cleansing
Cyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingHuman Stem Cell Conditioned Media
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Collagen Water
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Humectant
Xylitylglucoside
Humectant
Schizosaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
Humectant
Anhydroxylitol
Humectant
Xylitol
Humectant
Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen
Cleansing
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Emollient
Glycolipids
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Laurate
Emulsifying
Glucose
Humectant
Sodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningCapryloyl Glycine
CleansingPotassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen
Skin Conditioning
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSqualane
Emollient
Ascorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingHydrolyzed Lupine Protein
Skin ConditioningCollagen
Moisturising
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Crithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate
Skin ProtectingTetrahydropiperine
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid Polypeptide
Antioxidant
Collagen Amino Acids
Moisturising
Mannitol
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Sarcosine
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Skin Conditioning
Saccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningCetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingDipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin Conditioning
Rutin
Antioxidant
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientLactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Alanine
Masking
Arginine
Masking
Asparagine
MaskingAspartic Acid
Masking
Citrulline
Skin ConditioningCysteine
Antioxidant
Glutamic Acid
Humectant
Glutamine
Skin ConditioningGlycine
Buffering
Histidine
Humectant
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningLeucine
Skin ConditioningLysine
Skin ConditioningMethionine
Skin ConditioningOrnithine
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
Masking
Proline
Skin Conditioning
Serine
Masking
Taurine
BufferingThreonine
Tryptophan
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingValine
MaskingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
3-Ascorbyl Carbonyl Dipeptide-17
Skin Conditioning
Capryloyl Dipeptide-17
Emollient
Acetyl Glutamine
Skin ConditioningHeptasodium Hexacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
Dipotassium Phosphate
BufferingHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPantothenic Acid
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Gluconolactone
Chelating
Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate
Skin ConditioningPalmitic Acid
Emollient
Glycine Soja Peptide
Skin Conditioning
Saccharomyces Polypeptides
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantStearic Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Atelocollagen
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Capryloyl Sh-Nonapeptide-6
Skin Conditioning
Rh-Polypeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Avena Sativa Peptide
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Max Polypeptide
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Humectant
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11
Skin Conditioning
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantDipeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Copper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Skin Protecting
Acetyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Nonapeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5
Humectant
Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Hexapeptide-2
Bleaching
Hexapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Tripeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Dipeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Pentapeptide-3
Skin Conditioning
Tripeptide-3
Skin Conditioning
Alanine/Histidine/Lysine Polypeptide Copper Hcl
Skin Conditioning
Dipeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Oligopeptide-6
Skin Conditioning
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Riboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantThiamine Hcl
MaskingFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningMenadione
MaskingMyristic Acid
Cleansing
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Oligopeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-3
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-4
Antioxidant
Sh-Polypeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-11
Sh-Polypeptide-14
Skin Protecting
Sh-Polypeptide-16
Skin Protecting
Sh-Polypeptide-22
Skin Conditioning
Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Hydrolyzed Collagen Extract, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Cyclohexasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Water, Niacinamide, Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Pentaerythrityl Stearate/Caprate/Caprylate/Adipate, Cetyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Betaine, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lycium Chinense Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Collagen Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Acmella Oleracea Extract, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract, Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Bacillus/Folic Acid Ferment Filtrate Extract, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Triticum Aestivum Peptide, Phaseolus Lunatus Seed Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Soluble Collagen, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Oryza Sativa Germ Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Methylpropanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyacrylate-13, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Behenyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-10 Distearate, Vinyldimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Allantoin, Glycosyl Trehalose, Panthenol, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Raffinose, Cholesterol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Disodium EDTA, Micrococcus Lysate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Lecithin, Propanediol, Ceramide NP, Polyquaternium-51, Sodium Laurate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Lauric Acid, Cyanocobalamin, Tromethamine, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Human Stem Cell Conditioned Media, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Collagen Water, Tocopheryl Acetate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Xylitylglucoside, Schizosaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Glycolipids, Sorbitan Laurate, Glucose, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Capryloyl Glycine, Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, Maltodextrin, Hexylene Glycol, Squalane, Ascorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Collagen, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Crithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate, Tetrahydropiperine, Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide, Collagen Amino Acids, Mannitol, Lactic Acid, Sarcosine, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Rutin, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Citrulline, Cysteine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Ornithine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Taurine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Valine, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, 3-Ascorbyl Carbonyl Dipeptide-17, Capryloyl Dipeptide-17, Acetyl Glutamine, Heptasodium Hexacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12, Dipotassium Phosphate, Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Pantothenic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Gluconolactone, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Palmitic Acid, Glycine Soja Peptide, Saccharomyces Polypeptides, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Stearic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Atelocollagen, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Capryloyl Sh-Nonapeptide-6, Rh-Polypeptide-1, Avena Sativa Peptide, Glycine Max Polypeptide, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Calcium Gluconate, Dipeptide-2, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Acetyl Tripeptide-1, Nonapeptide-1, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Tripeptide-1, Hexapeptide-2, Hexapeptide-9, Tripeptide-2, Dipeptide-1, Pentapeptide-3, Tripeptide-3, Alanine/Histidine/Lysine Polypeptide Copper Hcl, Dipeptide-4, Oligopeptide-6, Retinyl Palmitate, Biotin, Ascorbic Acid, Riboflavin, Thiamine Hcl, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine, Menadione, Myristic Acid, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Polypeptide-3, Sh-Polypeptide-4, Sh-Polypeptide-9, Sh-Polypeptide-11, Sh-Polypeptide-14, Sh-Polypeptide-16, Sh-Polypeptide-22, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Polysorbate 80, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Propanediol
Solvent
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Masking
Squalane
Emollient
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Olivate
Arachidyl Alcohol
Emollient
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Keiskei Extract
Antioxidant
Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Arachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Phytate
ChelatingGlucose
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingWater, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Squalane, Behenyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Cetearyl Olivate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Butylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Root Extract, Angelica Keiskei Extract, Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Caffeine, Bakuchiol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Arachidyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Phytate, Glucose, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum
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.
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
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (also known as Argireline) is a synthetic hexapeptide that is often called a "topical Botox alternative".
It works by mimicking how Botox relaxes muscles; it interferes with the signaling process that tells your facial muscles to contract. This can help soften expression lines like forehead wrinkles or crow's feet over time.
The comparison to Botox does have limits because the molecule is water-loving and relatively large.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 has a hard time absorbing deeply enough through the skin's outer barrier to actually reach the muscles.
So whether it truly works the way Botox does at a biological level is still up for debate, but early clinical outcomes are fairly encouraging.
A 12 week human study of a multi-ingredient regimen containing this ingredient saw:
While some studies have observed improvements in wrinkle appearance, it is important to note that more consistent results are seen in multi-ingredient formulations (vs just Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 alone).
Some research studies also used higher concentrations (up to 10%) while this ingredient is usually found in concentrations up to 0.005% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Behenyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol (these are different from the drying, solvent alcohols).
Fatty Alcohols have hydrating properties and are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils; behenyl alcohol is derived from the fats of vegetable oils.
Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.
In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.
Learn more about Behenyl AlcoholButylene 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 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.
This ingredient shows up on a lot of "pore-clogging" lists but there's no real evidence behind that. It doesn't even have a comedogenic rating from an actual study; the numbers you'll find online come from blogs citing other blogs.
Ratings for other ingredients mostly come from a 1980s rabbit ear test. This test doesn't translate well to human skin or to real products because the ingredient sits at a much lower percentage.
Some people still find it breaks them out. So if that's you, definitely trust your skin. Just know this one's based on experience and not evidence.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCetearyl Olivate is a plant-derived emulsifier and texture enhancer. It helps keep the oil and water phases from separating so your formulas stay stable.
You'll likely see it combined with Sorbitan Olivate (together sold as the trade name Olivem 1000). This combination generates a liquid crystal structure that closely resemble the lipid organization of the stratum corneum.
These "skin-like" liquid crystals improve skin barrier integrity and promote the delivery of actives into the skin.
This ingredient is well-tolerated and has no significant sensitization data.
Because it is derived from the fatty acids in olive oil, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateThis ingredient comes from the Asian mountain yam and has skin conditioning properties. Clinical studies have confirmed this ingredient to work as an effective moisturizer.
The extract is rich in compounds like diosgenin, polysaccharides, and polyphenols, gallic acid, and vanillic acid. Research on these extracts has demonstrated antioxidant effects in-vitro and anti-inflammatory activity in animal models.
The bioactives in the root extract have also been shown in lab tests to have anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-allergy properties.
A big 2022 review looked at the whole Dioscorea family and found these plants consistently showed antioxidant activity across the board.
This ingredient is gentle and well-tolerated by all skin types.
Learn more about Dioscorea Japonica Root ExtractGlucose is a simple sugar (a monosaccharide). In skincare, it is mostly a humectant and skin conditioning agent.
Mechanistically, it has multiple hydroxyl groups that hydrogen-bond to water. This pulls moisture into the upper layers of skin to keep the surface soft and hydrated.
It's worth knowing sugars are already a natural component of the skin's NMF (natural moisturizing factor) so it's a molecule that your stratum corneum is well-acquainted with.
Just so you know, glucose is hydrophilic (water-loving) and the stratum corneum is a strong barrier to hydrophilic compounds. This just means penetration is slow and most of the action is happening on the surface.
Gram-to-gram, glucose is not as efficient as a humectant as glycerin. This is why you'll likely see glycose paired with stronger humectants for a bigger hydration payoff.
In skincare, glucose is typically derived from corn or other starch sources.
Learn more about GlucoseGlycerin (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 NiacinamidePentylene Glycol (1,2-pentanediol) is a multitasking little diol with three main roles in a formula:
Research on alkanediols (the family pentylene glycol belongs to) show they work by disrupting microbial cell membranes. This disruption helps the primary preservative system in a product work more effectively at lower doses.
On the safety side, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded this ingredient to be safe as used in current cosmetic practices + concentrations.
Typical use levels in a formula run about 1-5%.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPropanediol 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 HyaluronateSorbitan 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 not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateSqualane is the hydrogenated and shelf-stable form of squalene (a lipid that naturally occurs in human sebum).
It is an emollient and skin conditioning agent that is able to integrate seamlessly into the skin's lipid barrier without clogging pores.
This is due to how structurally similar it is to what your skin already produces.
Though it is mostly an emollient that helps soften and hydrate skin, it also has some humectant and occlusive action. Humectants help the skin retain moisture while occlusives seal it in, making squalane a triple-threat moisturizer.
Research shows it has antioxidant capabilities that help protect against stressors like UV exposure, specifically UVA induced oxidative stress. This study also found that it supports collagen biosynthesis in human dermal fibroblasts.
No clinical study has reported significant adverse effects and irritation reactions are very rare from this ingredient (even at 100% concentration).
Overall, it's a fantastic ingredient for hydration and is suitable for all skin types.
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Though squalane is often called an oil, it’s technically not one. It is a hydrocarbon, meaning it is only made of carbon and hydrogen. True oils are triglycerides and made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
Squalane has a comedogenic rating of 1 from the original 1972 study that tested raw ingredients under occlusion on rabbit ears. This system is not standardized or peer-reviewed, and using the raw ingredients is very different from how diluted cosmetic formulations are used on human skin.
A comedogenic rating of 1 means it is "unlikely to clog pores" according to the original rating system.
The overall formula of a product matters more than the individual ingredients on whether or not it will cause clogged pores.
Learn more about SqualaneWater. 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
