What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialSodium Citrate
BufferingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingSoluble Collagen
HumectantZeolite
AbsorbentNiacinamide
SmoothingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentNelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingRetinol
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingCholesterol
EmollientBrassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientCeteth-5
EmulsifyingCeteth-3
EmulsifyingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingMusk Ketone
MaskingLinalyl Acetate
MaskingHexamethylindanopyran
MaskingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Sodium Citrate, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Soluble Collagen, Zeolite, Niacinamide, Allantoin, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa Extract, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Cholesterol, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Ceteth-5, Ceteth-3, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxyacetophenone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzyl Salicylate, Musk Ketone, Linalyl Acetate, Hexamethylindanopyran, Hexyl Cinnamal
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
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
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 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 TriglycerideWe don't have a description for Ceteth-3 yet.
We don't have a description for Ceteth-5 yet.
Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolDipotassium 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 GlycyrrhizateEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin 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.
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil is the fixed oil obtained from Macadamia nut.
Macadamia seed oil is rich in fatty acids, including oleic acid (45-75%), palmitoleic acid (7-33%), and palmitic acid (6-12%). They also contain various B vitamins, iron, and magnesium.
Palmitoleic acid has been shown to help soothe inflammation and promote wound healing. It is also naturally found in the fat of our skin.
Macadamia seed oil may not be malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne, safe.
Learn more about Macadamia Ternifolia Seed OilNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePeg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil comes from hydrogenated castor oil. It is a solubilizer and emulsifier.
As a solubilizer, it helps dissolve ingredients into a water-based version. It is also an emulsifer. Emulsifier help prevent oils and water from separating. Both these properties help create evenly-spread and uniform products.
Basically, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil helps hold ingredients together.
Learn more about PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor OilPolysorbate 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 20Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is the potassium salt of a mixture. This mixture consists of the esters from phosphoricacid and cetyl alcohol.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
As a cleansing agent, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate helps gather oils, dirts, and pollutants from your skin. This makes it easier to rinse them away with water.
Learn more about Potassium Cetyl PhosphateRetinol 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 RetinolSodium 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 HyaluronateTocopheryl 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