What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Stearate
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTapioca Starch
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningChenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientCetearyl Phosphate
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentButylene Glycol
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingParfum
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingWater, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Tapioca Starch, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Squalane, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ceramide Ns, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Panthenol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Methicone, Isopropyl Myristate, Cetearyl Phosphate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Maltodextrin, Sodium Polyacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol
Water
Skin ConditioningCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantC10-18 Triglycerides
EmollientRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientRubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningUbiquinone
AntioxidantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantBisabolol
AntioxidantZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingChenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningMannose
HumectantSodium Mannose Phosphate
HumectantDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Copernicia Cerifera Cera
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingRhizobian Gum
Butylene Glycol
HumectantC9-12 Alkane
SolventHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Castor Oil
EmollientSodium Citrate
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, C10-18 Triglycerides, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Ubiquinone, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Hyaluronic Acid, Bisabolol, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Mannose, Sodium Mannose Phosphate, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Rhizobian Gum, Butylene Glycol, C9-12 Alkane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Caprylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Cetearyl Glucoside, Acacia Senegal Gum, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Reviews
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 GlycolThis ingredient is a lightweight 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. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredientās final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetearyl alcohol is a waxy mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Despite having "alcohol" in its name, it has nothing to do with drying solvent alcohols; the FDA also allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols like this ingredient.
It plays several roles in a formula:
Typical use levels for this ingredient sit around 1-10% and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has affirmed safety at concentrations up to 25% in leave-on products.
Multiple assessments have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing to most people.
However, there have been some cases of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with chronically compromised skin barriers.
Cetearyl alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 and irritancy rating of 1. Both of these numbers come from the 1989 study that used rabbit ears; a "2" means mildly comedogenic and a "1" means low irritancy.
Here's the catch: rabbit skin is more sensitive than human skin and throws a lot of false positives. A 1996 reappraisal found that ingredients rated 1-2 in the rabbit ear tests are generally safe for humans.
Remember comedogenic ratings are unable to assess the entire formula of a product or how it will react on your skin. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure about certain ingredients.
This ingredient is not fungal acne safe. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with chain lengths that fall within the range that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholWe don't have a description for Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract yet.
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract comes from the root commonly known as carrot (the orange kind we eat!).
This extract contains beta-carotene, a pigment responsible for giving plants the orange color. Beta-carotene is a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants may help reduce the signs of aging.
Beta-carotene is the reason we turn orange if we eat too many carrots.
It should be noted coming into contact with the leaves of wild carrots can cause skin irritation. The sap causes phytophotodermatitis, or sensitivity exposed to sunlight.
This ingredient is created using the edible parts of the carrot.
Learn more about Daucus Carota Sativa Root ExtractEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinGlycine Max Seed Extract comes from the Soybean. This bean is native to Asia.
Soybeans are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants may improve the signs of aging.
Studies show soy may help fade hyperpigmentation from UVB. It does so by disrupting the melanin process caused by UVB induced skin inflammation.
Two powerful components found in the wild soybean include genistein and diadzein. These two isoflavones are potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Genistein in particular has been found to prevent redness caused by UV exposure.
Soybeans are rich in proteins and are part of the legume family. Foods made with soybeans include tofu, soymilk, edamame, miso, and soy sauce.
Learn more about Glycine Max Seed ExtractOryza Sativa Extract comes from the rice grain, Oryza sativa. Rice extract has wound healing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties.
Rice grains contain numerous antioxidants which may help with anti-aging, such as vitamin E. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radical molecules. Unstable free-radical molecules may damage your skin cells and accelerate signs of aging.
A study from 2002 found rice to help increase the rate of wound healing. The same study found an improvement of skin barrier function in the patients after taking rice baths.
Numerous in-vitro studies have found rice water to help decrease sun damage by increasing collagen production and inhibiting the process of tyrosinase.
Long story short- tyrosinase is an enzyme that controls melanin production. Our bodies start producing melanin (AKA tanning) when exposed to UV radiation to protect against damage. Rice water is found to partially block this process.
Though more research is needed on rice's ability to help with UV protection, recent studies seem promising.
Wondering why rice is hydrating? The protein in rice have emollient properties. Emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in, keeping your skin moisturized.
Some rice extract may have mildly-exfoliating properties. These are mainly limited to Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran and Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Powder.
This rice was first cultivated in China over 10,000 years ago. Many cultures throughout Asia have used rice water on skin and hair for centuries.
Learn more about Oryza Sativa ExtractThis synthetic peptide is created from lysine, valine, and palmitic acid.
According to the manufacturer, in-vitro studies show tissue growth and collagen synthesis. Another in-vivo study found 60 volunteers saw a significant reduction in wrinkles after 84 days.
Due to its palmitic acid base, this peptide may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5Ginseng root is a well-loved ingredient in Asian skincare for good reason. It hydrates the skin, soothes irritation, and helps even out skin tone.
In traditional East Asian medicine, ginseng has been used for centuries both as food and as a healing remedy, and modern research continues to confirm its skin benefits.
One of the standout features of ginseng is its ability to improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the skin, bringing a fresh supply of nutrients to support overall skin health. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to protect your skin against damage from UV exposure, pollution, and daily stress.
Additionally, studies suggest that ginseng may help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin production.
There are different types of ginseng used in skincare, and while they all share core benefits, their potency can vary.
Most products use fresh or white ginseng because itās more affordable. However, red ginseng, produced by steaming the root, contains higher levels of ginsenosides, which are compounds with proven anti-aging effects. These ginsenosides help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
Note: All forms of ginseng are listed simply as āPanax ginsengā in ingredient lists. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about which type of ginseng is used in their ingredients.
For general antioxidant benefits, any ginseng extract will do, but for wrinkle care or firmer skin, red or fermented ginseng is often more effective.
In short, ginseng is a powerhouse ingredient that supports hydration, radiance, and resilience.
Learn more about Panax Ginseng Root ExtractParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of āFRAGRANCEā or āPARFUMā according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Water. 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 Water