What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Italica Sprout Extract
EmollientGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningCoffea Arabica Leaf/Seed Extract
MaskingMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSerenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Serrulata Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPalmaria Palmata Extract
Skin ProtectingDavidsonia Jerseyana Fruit Extract
AntioxidantAnanas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBackhousia Anisata Leaf Extract
EmollientScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Germ Extract
EmollientCoenochloris Signiensis Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantArginine
MaskingLactic Acid
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventMandelic Acid
AntimicrobialMaltodextrin
AbsorbentMenthol
MaskingMenthyl Lactate
MaskingSodium Nitrate
SoothingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingMenthone
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingL-Menthanone
PerfumingEucalyptol
PerfumingD-Pulegone
PerfumingBeta-Caryophyllene
MaskingNeomenthol
PerfumingSodium Phosphate
BufferingPinene
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingLecithin
EmollientGlyoxal
AntimicrobialCalcium Gluconate
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Brassica Oleracea Italica Sprout Extract, Gluconolactone, Coffea Arabica Leaf/Seed Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Prunus Serrulata Flower Extract, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Davidsonia Jerseyana Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Backhousia Anisata Leaf Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Glycine Soja Germ Extract, Coenochloris Signiensis Extract, Glycerin, Arginine, Lactic Acid, Tocopherol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propanediol, Mandelic Acid, Maltodextrin, Menthol, Menthyl Lactate, Sodium Nitrate, Polysorbate 60, Disodium Phosphate, Menthone, Limonene, L-Menthanone, Eucalyptol, D-Pulegone, Beta-Caryophyllene, Neomenthol, Sodium Phosphate, Pinene, Sodium Benzoate, Lecithin, Glyoxal, Calcium Gluconate, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantLactic Acid
BufferingPropanediol
SolventPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePolyglyceryl-3 Cocoate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-6 Ricinoleate
EmulsifyingPolyquaternium-10
Cetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialPolyquaternium-7
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
MaskingMenthyl Ethylamido Oxalate
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Germ Extract
EmollientTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningSerenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningUrtica Dioica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Benzoate
MaskingGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Bran Extract
AbrasiveCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentGanoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingSh-Polypeptide-50
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialCucurbita Pepo Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium Phosphate
BufferingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingLinum Usitatissimum Seed Extract
PerfumingCetyl Palmitate
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientLauryl Glucoside
CleansingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingOenothera Biennis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCalcium Gluconate
HumectantSodium Phosphate
BufferingLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-3 Cocoate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-6 Ricinoleate, Polyquaternium-10, Cetrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-7, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Arginine, Menthyl Ethylamido Oxalate, Panthenol, Glycine Soja Germ Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Caffeine, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Urtica Dioica Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Gluconolactone, Avena Sativa Bran Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Sh-Polypeptide-50, Citric Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Cucurbita Pepo Seed Extract, Disodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Extract, Cetyl Palmitate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Lauryl Glucoside, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Sorbitan Stearate, Oenothera Biennis Root Extract, Calcium Gluconate, Sodium Phosphate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Ethylhexylglycerin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Potassium Sorbate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineThis ingredient is calcium salt of gluconic acid. It is a humectant, meaning it attracts water to your skin.
Camellia 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 ExtractDisodium Phosphate is a water-soluble powder used as a pH adjuster and mild chelating agent. It basically holds a specific pH and binds stray metal ions so your product stays stable.
This ingredient is usually used at very low levels and concentrations range from 0.000054% - 2.9%. The CIR Expert Panel states this ingredient to be non-irritating at current use levels.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneGlycerin (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 GlycerinWe don't have a description for Glycine Soja Germ Extract yet.
Hydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.
This ingredient helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating. It can also help thicken the texture of a product.
This ingredient can also be found in pill medicines to help our bodies digest other ingredients.
Learn more about HydroxyethylcelluloseLactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective.
Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the âglueâ that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin.
Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they donât penetrate as deeply. This means theyâre less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Like glycolic acid, it can:
Lactic acid also acts as a humectant (like hyaluronic acid). It can draw water into the skin to improve hydration and also plays a role in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the form of sodium lactate.
Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skinâs microbiome.
To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4.
Lower strengths (5-12%) focus on surface exfoliation; higher strengths (12% and up) can reach deeper in the dermis (deeper, supportive layer) to improve skin texture and firmness over time.
Though it was originally derived from milk, most modern lactic acid used in skincare is vegan. It is made through non-dairy fermentation to create a bio-identical and stable form suitable for all formulations.
When lactic acid shows up near the end of an ingredient list, it usually means the brand added just a tiny amount to adjust the productâs pH.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and brightens. It's a great ingredient for giving your skin a smooth, glowing, and healthy look without the harshness of stronger acids.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.
Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.
In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.
Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.
Learn more about Polysorbate 60Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
Itâs 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 PropanediolScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract comes from the Baikal skullcap or Chinese skullcap plant. This plant is native to Northeast Asia and can be found in China, Mongolia, Korea, and Siberia.
In cosmetics, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. This is due to the flavonoid composition of Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract.
In Chinese traditional folk medicine, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract is used to help treat lung issues and hypertension.
Learn more about Scutellaria Baicalensis Root ExtractSerenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract can be good for oily skin.
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium Phosphate is is behind-the-scenes formulation helper. Its main job is buffering, or locking in the product's pH.
This helps ensure the formula stays at its intended acidity through manufacturing, shipping, and sitting on your shelf. Many active ingredients like vitamin C or retinoids are pH sensitive so maintaining their happy pH range matters.
It is synthetic and reported use concentrations are very low (up to 0.086% in face powders).
Learn more about Sodium PhosphateThis ingredient is extracted from the germ part of the wheat plant. The germ of a plant refers to the seed embryo, or part that sprouts into a new plant.
Some studies have found wheat germ to help with wound healing.
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