What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingButylene Glycol
HumectantIsochrysis Galbana Extract
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSwertia Japonica Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingArginine
MaskingChlorella Vulgaris Sh-Oligopeptide-1
AntimicrobialLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingLecithin
EmollientCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingPropylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialSodium Benzoate
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGinkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitol
HumectantMyrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientVitis Vinifera Seed Extract
AntimicrobialPropanediol
SolventSodium PCA
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSodium Lactate
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantAspartic Acid
MaskingMyristoyl Pentapeptide-8
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingGlycine
BufferingPCA
HumectantSerenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSilk Amino Acids
HumectantLarix Europaea Wood Extract
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
PerfumingSh-Oligopeptide-10
Skin ConditioningSh-Oligopeptide-2
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-11
Sh-Polypeptide-9
Skin ConditioningUrea
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantAlanine
MaskingPhytic Acid
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicSerine
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantValine
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Arbutin
AntioxidantMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantBiotinoyl Tripeptide-1
Myristoyl Hexapeptide-16
Skin ConditioningMyristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Skin ConditioningMyristoyl Tetrapeptide-12
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingPelvetia Canaliculata Extract
Skin ProtectingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Zinc Chloride
AntimicrobialGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPanicum Miliaceum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantPhenylalanine
MaskingApigenin
AntioxidantPhenylpropanol
MaskingPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningOleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningNicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-86
Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-9
Nicotiana Benthamiana Octapeptide-30 Sh-Oligopeptide-2
Skin ConditioningWater, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Aminomethyl Propanol, Butylene Glycol, Isochrysis Galbana Extract, Copper Tripeptide-1, Swertia Japonica Extract, Sodium Citrate, Arginine, Chlorella Vulgaris Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Ascorbic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Gluconolactone, Caprylyl Glycol, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Lecithin, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Sorbitol, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract, Panthenol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Propanediol, Sodium PCA, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Lactate, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Yeast Extract, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Aspartic Acid, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-8, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glycine, PCA, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Silk Amino Acids, Larix Europaea Wood Extract, Citric Acid, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Sh-Oligopeptide-10, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-11, Sh-Polypeptide-9, Urea, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Metabisulfite, Alanine, Phytic Acid, Biotin, Serine, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Valine, Disodium EDTA, Arbutin, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Myristoyl Hexapeptide-16, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-12, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Pelvetia Canaliculata Extract, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Zinc Chloride, Glyceryl Caprylate, Panicum Miliaceum Seed Extract, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Apigenin, Phenylpropanol, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Oleanolic Acid, Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-86, Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-9, Nicotiana Benthamiana Octapeptide-30 Sh-Oligopeptide-2
Water
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Fruit Water
MaskingPropanediol
SolventPisum Sativum Peptide
Skin ConditioningCocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
CleansingButylene Glycol
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantCurcuma Longa Callus Conditioned Media
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPhytic Acid
Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPalmitoyl Oligopeptide
CleansingPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialIsochrysis Galbana Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Citrus Limon Fruit Water, Propanediol, Pisum Sativum Peptide, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Butylene Glycol, Hyaluronic Acid, Curcuma Longa Callus Conditioned Media, Caprylyl Glycol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentylene Glycol, Phytic Acid, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Copper Tripeptide-1, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Centella Asiatica Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Isochrysis Galbana Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (tea extract) is one of the most well-researched plant extracts in skincare with an impressive resume.
Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from the Camellia Sinensis plant.
Studies show green tea extract and its catechins (like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)) help your skin cells product energy more efficiently and reducing the number of free-radicals that can damage your skin from the inside.
In lab-grown skin models, this translated to younger, healthier, and stronger skin.
There's also good sun protection data; researchers saw less DNA damage and redness on human skin when green tea was applied before UVB exposure. And the more they applied, the better the protection.
Needless to say, this ingredient shouldn't replace your sunscreen. But it is a great supportive ingredient that you can already find in many sunscreens and antioxidant serums.
A 2009 study found a 2% green tea lotion was effective for mild-to-moderate acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity.
The quality of the extract matters a lot here:
Good extracts contain 50-90% catechins while lower quality ones are mostly there for marketing. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the quality or source of their ingredients.
Human Repeated Insult Patch Testing showed no irritation or sensitization at use concentrations (0.86% in leave-on products and up to 30% as leaf water).
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractCaprylyl 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 or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.
Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds found in chamomile help with soothing, such as bisbolol.
Antioxidant components in chamomile make it an effective ingredient to help slow the signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, or molecules that may damage your skin.
Essential oils from chamomile have been found to improve wound healing due to its antimicrobial properties.
Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used Chamomile to treat skin redness and dryness. Chamomile has also been used to help treat stomach issues.
Learn more about Chamomilla Recutita Flower ExtractCopper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is a skin repairing ingredient known for its ability to boost collagen, improve firmness, and support skin regeneration.
It is a complex made up of a naturally occurring peptide (glycine-histidine-lysine) and copper, an essential trace element.
While studying wound healing, researchers noticed GHK-Cu stimulated hair follicle enlargement and growth by keeping hair in its active growth phase longer. This has made it a promising ingredient for hair regrowth treatments.
Some people have reported increased facial hair. While GHK-Cu can make your hair follicles bigger, it usually doesn’t turn soft, barely-visible facial hairs into thick, dark ones.
Anecdotal reports suggest that overusing copper peptides might lead to premature aging due to excess free copper or enzyme imbalances. This claim isn’t backed by large-scale studies.
Unfortunately, there are limited human studies for this ingredient. While early results are promising, many studies are either small, in-vitro, or not rigorously controlled.
For example, there is a 1998 study that explored the effects of copper tripeptide, vitamin C, tretinoin, and melatonin on skin repair and collagen synthesis.
After one month, increased procollagen production was seen in 7 out of 10 participants using copper tripeptide (more than those using vitamin C, melatonin, or tretinoin.
While the study was exploratory, it offers early evidence that copper tripeptide may support collagen production. Larger, well-designed trials are still needed to confirm its potential and understand individual responses.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Copper Tripeptide-1Ethylhexylglycerin 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 AcidWe don't have a description for Isochrysis Galbana Extract yet.
Pentylene 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 GlycolPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Phytic Acid is a gentle AHA and antioxidant. AHAs are chemical exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells. Phytic Acid has a slight and mild exfoliating effect.
The chemical makeup makes it classified as an AHA, much like lactic acid.
In some cases, it is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water, helping to stabilize the ingredients in a product.
An interesting fact about phytic acid is that it is considered an antinutrient. People do not have the enzyme needed to properly breakdown and digest phytic acid. When ingested, phytic acid binds to minerals and prevents them from being absorbed.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Phytic AcidPolysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolWater. 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