This anti-aging moisturizer is formulated around Polyglutamic Acid and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 to soften the look of wrinkles and hydrate skin.
This anti-aging moisturizer is formulated around Niacinamide and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract to soften the look of wrinkles and strengthen the skin barrier.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientGlycereth-26
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
AstringentGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Dilaurate
SurfactantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantNicotinoyl Dipeptide-23
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
MaskingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCaprylhydroxamic Acid
ChelatingWater, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglutamic Acid, Phenyl Trimethicone, Squalane, Octyldodecanol, Glycereth-26, Pentylene Glycol, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Dilaurate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Nicotinoyl Dipeptide-23, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Carbomer, Arginine, Allantoin, Panthenol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Caprylyl Glycol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Adenosine, Propanediol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientHydrogenated Olive Oil Lauryl Esters
Emulsion StabilisingDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningSimethicone
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPolyisobutene
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate
CleansingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
ChelatingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantMethylpropanediol
SolventPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentCaramel
Cosmetic Colorant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPoria Cocos Extract
Skin ConditioningCnidium Officinale Root Extract
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningBiota Orientalis Leaf Extract
HumectantMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCoptis Japonica Extract
AntimicrobialGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPhellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningPiper Methysticum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningScrophularia Buergeriana Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentCholesterol
EmollientBrassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientPhytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantFructose
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantAsiaticoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Hydrogenated Olive Oil Lauryl Esters, Diisostearyl Malate, Behenyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Simethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyisobutene, Caprylyl Glycol, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate, Sorbitan Oleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopherol, Methylpropanediol, Panthenol, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Maltodextrin, Caramel, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Biota Orientalis Leaf Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Coptis Japonica Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Piper Methysticum Root Extract, Scrophularia Buergeriana Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Cholesterol, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Fructose, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Glucose, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Ceramide NP, Beta-Glucan, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide EOP
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (also known as Argireline) is a synthetic hexapeptide that is often called a "topical Botox alternative".
It works by mimicking how Botox relaxes muscles; it interferes with the signaling process that tells your facial muscles to contract. This can help soften expression lines like forehead wrinkles or crow's feet over time.
The comparison to Botox does have limits because the molecule is water-loving and relatively large.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 has a hard time absorbing deeply enough through the skin's outer barrier to actually reach the muscles.
So whether it truly works the way Botox does at a biological level is still up for debate, but early clinical outcomes are fairly encouraging.
A 12 week human study of a multi-ingredient regimen containing this ingredient saw:
While some studies have observed improvements in wrinkle appearance, it is important to note that more consistent results are seen in multi-ingredient formulations (vs just Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 alone).
Some research studies also used higher concentrations (up to 10%) while this ingredient is usually found in concentrations up to 0.005% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Adenosine is a purine nucleoside that your body already makes in every cell. In skincare, it acts mainly as a skin conditioning and anti-aging agent.
The way it works is fairly well mapped out:
Your skin has cells called fibroblasts that build collagen (the stuff that keeps skin firm and smooth). Adenosine basically flips a switch on these cells that tells them to get to work making more collagen and other proteins. These cells slow down on their own as skin ages, so Adenosine helps give them a little nudge to keep going.
The clinical backing is pretty solid too.
A blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 126 women aged 45-65 tested a 0.1% cream twice daily and found real improvements in crow's feet and frown lines using a precise 3D skin-mapping technique; these changes showed up by week 3 and held at 2 months.
A later study using Adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches reported gains in wrinkle depth, dermal density, elasticity, and hydration.
On concentrations, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has set 0.04% as the approved functional anti-wrinkle level. You'll typically see this ingredient used somewhere in the 0.04-0.1% range since it works at low doses.
This ingredient has been found safe for cosmetics with the data showing no irritation or sensitization.
Overall, this is a great ingredient for any anti-aging routine and has no photosensitizing effect, so it suits both AM and PM use.
Learn more about AdenosineButylene 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, 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, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolGlycerin (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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate Citrate is a citric acid ester of glyceryl stearate.
It is an emulsifier, emollient, and a surfactant.
Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating. Common ingredients include oils and water, which do not mix naturally. Emulsifiers have properties that help keep ingredients such as these together.
Emollients help soothe and soften the skin. They do this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
Surfactants help gather oils, dirt, and other pollutants from the skin. This helps them to be easily rinsed away.
Learn more about Glyceryl Stearate CitratePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPentylene Glycol (1,2-pentanediol) is a multitasking little diol with three main roles in a formula:
Research on alkanediols (the family pentylene glycol belongs to) show they work by disrupting microbial cell membranes. This disruption helps the primary preservative system in a product work more effectively at lower doses.
On the safety side, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded this ingredient to be safe as used in current cosmetic practices + concentrations.
Typical use levels in a formula run about 1-5%.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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