What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingTranexamic Acid
AstringentButylene Glycol
HumectantDiethoxyethyl Succinate
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningArbutin
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantChamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Persica Flower Extract
MoisturisingCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
HumectantYeast Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingArtemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningBetaine Salicylate
AntimicrobialSucrose Palmitate
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingGellan Gum
Sodium Phytate
Cellulose
AbsorbentCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningPolyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningDextrin
AbsorbentAsiaticoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningDimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingWater, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Arbutin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alpha-Arbutin, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Prunus Persica Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Yeast Ferment Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Glucose, Hyaluronic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Betaine Salicylate, Sucrose Palmitate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Gellan Gum, Sodium Phytate, Cellulose, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Panthenol, Cyanocobalamin, Polyglutamic Acid, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ceramide NP, Dextrin, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantDipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters
Skin ConditioningDiphenyl Dimethicone
EmollientVinyldimethicone
Niacinamide 5%
SmoothingBetaine
HumectantPropanediol
SolventMethylpropanediol
SolventBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningTranexamic Acid
AstringentGlutathione
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningOriganum Majorana Leaf Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAnthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
MaskingHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantBisabolol
MaskingMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantHesperidin Methyl Chalcone
AntioxidantMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantJuniperus Mexicana Oil
MaskingCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Grandis Peel Oil
MaskingTremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientTuber Magnatum Extract
Skin ConditioningLupinus Albus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialChitosan
Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingGlucose
HumectantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingFructooligosaccharides
HumectantFructose
HumectantSodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTriethylhexanoin
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningNicotinoyl Dipeptide-23
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingDipeptide-2
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantLecithin
EmollientDextrin
AbsorbentSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingLinolenic Acid
CleansingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantCholeth-24
EmulsifyingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingCholesterol
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSteareth-20
CleansingAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingDisodium EDTA
Chlorhexidine Digluconate
AntimicrobialPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters, Diphenyl Dimethicone, Vinyldimethicone, Niacinamide 5%, Betaine, Propanediol, Methylpropanediol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Alpha-Arbutin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, Glutathione, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Origanum Majorana Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Bisabolol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tuber Magnatum Extract, Lupinus Albus Seed Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Chitosan, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glucose, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Triethylhexanoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Nicotinoyl Dipeptide-23, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sodium Citrate, Dipeptide-2, Citric Acid, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Allantoin, Sodium Phytate, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Lecithin, Dextrin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Linolenic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Choleth-24, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Cholesterol, Ceramide NP, Caprylyl Glycol, Steareth-20, Alcohol Denat., T-Butyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Potassium Sorbate, Limonene, Linalool
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
You might know this ingredient as Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a more stable version of ascorbic acid.
Like other types of vitamin C, this ingredient has many benefits including reducing wrinkles, skin soothing, dark spot fading, and fighting against free radicals.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid interferes with the process of skin darkening, helping to reduce hyperpigmentation. It also encourages the skin to produce more collagen.
Once applied, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is converted to Vitamin C deeper in the skin's layers. This process is slow but makes this ingredient more tolerable for skin.
The optimum pH range for this ingredient is 4 - 5.5
Learn more about 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidAlpha-Arbutin is made from hydroquinone and glucose. It may also be derived from the fermentation of soybeans.
This ingredient an antioxidant, meaning it helps protect your skin cells against damage.
Studies show this ingredient helps improve hyperpigmentation and fade discoloration.
Alpha-Arbutin may be used with other ingredients that help with hyperpigmentation. These ingredients include retinol, Vitamin C, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid.
Learn more about Alpha-ArbutinButylene 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 an 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.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCeramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Dextrin is used to thicken a product and helps bind ingredients together. It is created from starch and glycogen.
As an emulsifier, dextrin prevents ingredients from separating. This helps elongate a product's shelf life.
Studies show coating UV filters with dextrin prevents these ingredients from being absorbed. This helps UV ingredients last longer on the skin.
Learn more about DextrinGlucose is a simple sugar and is the most important source of energy in all organisms.
In skincare, glucose is used to hydrate the skin. It also acts as a prebiotic for our natural biome.
Glucose is hydrating due to its humectant property. As a humectant, glucose draws moisture from the air and from deeper levels in the skin.
Our skin contains many sugars that act as prebiotics and help strengthen our natural microbiome. Having a healthy microbiome helps protect our skin from harmful bacteria and other contaminants.
Studies show glucose may help with fading discoloration and pigmentation. This is because our skin metabolizes glucose into lactic acid. Lactic acid is an AHA that helps exfoliate the top layer of skin.
Learn more about GlucoseGlycerin 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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Niacinamide 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 is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolSodium 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 HyaluronateSodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water. This helps stabilize the ingredients and the product.
Tranexamic Acid is best used for treating hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and melasma. It can also help build a stronger skin barrier.
Once applied, Tranexamic Acid starts decreasing inflammation from UV exposure. Tranexamic Acid also prevents our skin cells from meeting the pigment production cells.
Its brightening property makes it great at reducing the appearance of acne scars and marks.
Fun fact: Tranexamic Acid is also a medication used to reduce heavy bleeding.
This acid is derived from lysine, an amino acid.
Learn more about Tranexamic AcidWater. 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 Water