What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantPolyglycerin-3
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantOpuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOctyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingCholesteryl Isostearate
EmollientCholesteryl Chloride
Skin ConditioningCholesteryl Nonanoate
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingEclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningFructooligosaccharides
HumectantParfum
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum
Emulsion StabilisingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningAgar
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingFicus Carica Fruit Extract
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveTocopherol
AntioxidantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningWater, Methylpropanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Polyglycerin-3, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract, Octyldodeceth-16, Cholesteryl Isostearate, Cholesteryl Chloride, Cholesteryl Nonanoate, Carbomer, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Sodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer, Lactobacillus Ferment, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Fructooligosaccharides, Parfum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Beta-Glucan, Agar, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Ceramide NP, Silica, Tocopherol, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate
Water
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventCentella Asiatica Leaf Water
Skin ConditioningRaffinose
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingPvm/Ma Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-51
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingOctyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveCynara Scolymus Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPteris Multifida Extract
AntioxidantTromethamine
BufferingFructooligosaccharides
HumectantOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingLecithin
EmollientCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Capillaris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGinkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Italica Sprout Extract
EmollientCamellia Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningEruca Sativa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMedicago Sativa Extract
TonicTriticum Vulgare Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Acutiloba Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAsparagus Officinalis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAstragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
EmollientCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract
AntimicrobialOphiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Persica Kernel Extract
MoisturisingRehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentTrichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract
Skin ProtectingBrassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantAlcohol
AntimicrobialOcimum Basilicum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Raffinose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Disodium EDTA, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, Sodium Polyacrylate, Beta-Glucan, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Polyquaternium-51, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Octyldodeceth-16, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Pteris Multifida Extract, Tromethamine, Fructooligosaccharides, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Butylene Glycol, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Lecithin, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Sprout Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Eruca Sativa Leaf Extract, Medicago Sativa Extract, Triticum Vulgare Sprout Extract, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Asparagus Officinalis Root Extract, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Prunus Persica Kernel Extract, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract, Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Alcohol, Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Extract
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
Beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide. It can be derived from the cell walls of seaweed, oats, yeast, and fungi. It hydrates the skin and helps boost your skin's natural barrier.
As an antioxidant, beta-glucan helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Studies show this ingredient may be an effective wrinkle reducer as it can deeply penetrate into skin. It has also been show to help with wound healing.
Learn more about Beta-GlucanButylene 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 GlycolDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract comes from the false daisy plant. False daisy contains antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids.
One study found false daisy to absorb UVA and UVB radiation. However, this should not replace your sunscreen.
False daisy is used in both traditional medicines and foods throughout Southeast Asia and India.
Learn more about Eclipta Prostrata Leaf ExtractEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Fructooligosaccharides is an alternative sweetener. It is often derived from the blue agave plant.
This ingredient is a prebiotic and helps to hydrate the skin. Emerging studies are also showing fructooligosaccharides to have antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, Fructooligosaccharides helps draw moisture to the skin, helping to hydrate the skin.
Bananas, onions, garlic, asparagus, jícama, and leeks also contain fructooligosaccharides.
Learn more about FructooligosaccharidesGlycerin 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.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.
Low molecular weight HA has been shown to hydrate and increase elasticity of the skin. Increasing elasticity is also associated with reduction of wrinkle depth.
One study found topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid may be considered for the treatment of rosacea in the adult population. However, we always recommend speaking with a professional about your skin concerns.
Hyaluronic acids are a humectant. This means they draw moisture from the air. Hyaluronic acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read more about other common forms of hyaluronic acid:
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidLaminaria Japonica Extract comes from a kelp more commonly known as 'sweet kelp'. It is commonly eaten in Japan, Korea, and China.
Sweet kelp is a humectant and helps hydrate your skin. Humectants draw moisture from the air to your skin.
Studies show Laminaria Japonica has antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging. Kelp also contains magnesium and zinc, making it great for calming inflammation and redness.
Learn more about Laminaria Japonica ExtractMethylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.
As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.
Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.
Learn more about MethylpropanediolOctyldodeceth-16 comes from the fatty-alcohol Octyldodecanol.
Emulsifers keep oils and water ingredients together to create a more even consistency.
Parfum 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 “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” 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 ParfumPentylene 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 GlycolPropanediol 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 PropanediolTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolTromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineWater. 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