This calming toner is formulated around Artemisia Princeps Extract and Centella Asiatica Extract to calm redness and hydrate skin.
This calming ampoule is formulated around Artemisia Princeps Extract and Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract to calm redness and strengthen the skin barrier.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
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Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Artemisia Princeps Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycereth-26
HumectantErythritol
HumectantBetaine
HumectantGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingPiper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Princeps Extract, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Erythritol, Betaine, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Panthenol, Propanediol, Beta-Glucan, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceramide NP, Allantoin, Carbomer, Tromethamine, 1,2-Hexanediol
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
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinArtemisia Princeps Extract comes from the Japanese mugwort. This plant has been used in East Asian medicine for a long time and it earns its place in modern formulas as a soothing and barrier-supporting ingredient.
Lab studies show its flavonoid compounds (like eupatilin and jaceosidin) can calm inflammation by switching off one of the main "alarm" signals inside skin cells (NF-kB) and turning down several of the chemicals that drive redness and swelling.
It also acts as an antioxidant. It switched on the skin's own protective enzymes that help mop up free radicals in skin cells.
The barrier side is worth mentioning as well; a 2017 study found this extract boosted two proteins your skin needs for a strong, hydrated barrier (Filaggrin and Loricrin). This is likely why mugwort products tend to ease dryness and flaking in conditions like eczema.
Separate-skin moisture testing on volunteers showed a measurable jump in water content one hour after applying an Artemisia extract.
Just keep in mind most of this evidence sits at the cell-culture and animal-model level, and human data is stronger for Artemisia annua than Artemisia princeps.
This ingredient shows real promise and there's little downside to including it as a supporting player in your routine.
Controlled studies tested the extract roughly between 0.1-1% on cells and finished cosmetics generally use botanical extracts like this in low single digits.
Though this ingredient is generally well-tolerated, people with sensitivities toward mugwort or ragweed should patch test.
Learn more about Artemisia Princeps ExtractBetaine is a humectant. Like hyaluronic acid, it helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. It’s known for being gentle and for helping the skin maintain balanced hydration.
Betaine is mainly used to improve hydration and support calmer skin. It helps skin cells regulate water balance because it functions as an osmolyte.
Some studies suggest betaine may support making skin tone more even.
Fun fact: Betaine naturally exists in the skin and the body. In cosmetic products, it can be either plant-derived (most commonly from sugar beets) or synthetically produced for consistency and stability.
Betaine is also known as trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineButylene 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 GlycolDipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.
Learn more about Dipotassium GlycyrrhizatePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPropanediol 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 Propanediol