What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingDimethicone
EmollientTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
C12-16 Alcohols
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPolysilicone-11
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningStreptococcus Thermophilus Ferment
HumectantLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningPalmitic Acid
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCoptis Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantLinoleic Acid
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantThiamine Hcl
MaskingInositol
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Dipropylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Trisiloxane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, C12-16 Alcohols, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polysilicone-11, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Streptococcus Thermophilus Ferment, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Palmitic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Adenosine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Polyquaternium-51, Sodium Hyaluronate, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ceramide NP, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Biotin, Pyridoxine, Panthenol, Folic Acid, Cyanocobalamin, Beta-Carotene, Riboflavin, Linoleic Acid, Tocopherol, Thiamine Hcl, Inositol, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningJojoba Esters
EmollientSucrose
HumectantButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningBacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningXylose
HumectantCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientPhaseolus Lunatus Seed Extract
EmollientCandida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingDipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Polysorbate 60
EmulsifyingCetearyl Olivate
PEG-100 Stearate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientMicrococcus Lysate
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantFructose
HumectantDextrin
AbsorbentCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantDipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningCetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingRutin
AntioxidantHexapeptide-2
BleachingAcetyl Tetrapeptide-5
HumectantDextran
Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningCeteareth-20
CleansingCholesterol
EmollientGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientOleic Acid
EmollientPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingWater, Lactobacillus Ferment, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Hydrogenated Polydecene, Glyceryl Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Jojoba Esters, Sucrose, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Bacillus Ferment, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Xylose, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Phaseolus Lunatus Seed Extract, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polysorbate 60, Cetearyl Olivate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Micrococcus Lysate, Tromethamine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Butylene Glycol, Fructose, Dextrin, Ceramide NP, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopherol, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Rutin, Hexapeptide-2, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Dextran, Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Biotin, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Hexapeptide-9, Copper Tripeptide-1, Ceteareth-20, Cholesterol, Glycolipids, Lecithin, Oleic Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Potassium Hydroxide, Behenyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Parfum
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
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 AdenosineBiotin is a B vitamin that is naturally produced by our bodies. It is also called Vitamin H.
Our bodies use biotin in the metabolism process. It also helps our bodies use enzymes and move nutrients around. A biotin deficiency can lead to brittle hair and nails.
More research is needed on applying biotin topically. However, taking biotin orally has been shown to help nourish the skin, hair, and nails. They play a role in forming skin-hydrating fatty acids.
Biotin is water-soluble. It can be found in foods such as fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, and meat. Vitamin H stands for "haar" and "haut". These are the German words for hair and skin.
Learn more about BiotinButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCeramide NP is a type of ceramide and formally known as ceramide 3.
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
Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeDipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, antiâinflammatory, 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 GlycyrrhizateDipropylene 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 âgoodâ 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 EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (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.
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 NiacinamideTocopherol (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 skinâs 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 TocopherolWater. 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