What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Niacinamide
Smoothing
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingBetula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract
Antioxidant
Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Spirulina Platensis Extract
Skin ProtectingLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin Conditioning
Apium Graveolens Extract
Skin ConditioningHyacinthus Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHordeum Vulgare Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCentaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
Astringent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Chamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin Conditioning
Artemisia Montana Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Dioscorea Villosa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Humectant
Yeast Extract
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Propolis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Tocopheryl Succinate
Antioxidant
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Glyceryl Oleate
Emollient
Pyridoxine
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylic Acid
Emulsion StabilisingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentLavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Oil
Astringent
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Niacinamide, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dimethicone, Hydroxyacetophenone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Sodium Hyaluronate, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Glycerin, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Apium Graveolens Extract, Hyacinthus Orientalis Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Seed Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Artemisia Montana Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Dioscorea Villosa Root Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Yeast Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Propolis Extract, Panthenol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopheryl Succinate, Linoleic Acid, Glyceryl Oleate, Pyridoxine, Polyacrylic Acid, Biotin, Cyanocobalamin, Beta-Carotene, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA
Water
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV Absorber
Homosalate
Skin Conditioning
Isododecane
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantSilica
Abrasive
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Octyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Coptis Japonica Extract
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Masking
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Citrus Aurantifolia Oil
Cleansing
Eugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil
Masking
Cinnamomum Camphora Bark Oil
Masking
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract
EmollientOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Rosa Damascena Extract
MaskingLippia Citriodora Leaf Extract
Astringent
Adansonia Digitata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Achillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingArnica Montana Flower Extract
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Artemisia Capillaris Extract
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Phellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Water, Octocrylene, Homosalate, Isododecane, Dipropylene Glycol, Silica, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Octyldodeceth-16, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Coptis Japonica Extract, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil, Cinnamomum Camphora Bark Oil, Maltodextrin, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Rosa Damascena Extract, Lippia Citriodora Leaf Extract, Adansonia Digitata Leaf Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Beta-Glucan
Reviews
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
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken, emulsify, and improve the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions to give products an elegant feel when applied.
It can also form a thin protective film on skin. One study found that a formula using this polymer helped slow down how quickly other ingredients (like DEET) were absorbed through skin.
A 2024 study of over 1,300 patients confirmed that sensitization to this ingredient is rare. It is also non-mutagenic and has a clean track record.
Learn more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is a botanical extract pulled from the leaves of aloe vera and one of the most studied plant ingredients in cosmetics.
The inner leaf gel it comes from is mostly water (~99-99.5%) and the remaining fraction is made up of pretty good stuff: polysaccharides, vitamins, phenolics, and enzymes.
Its headline job is hydration.
The star polysaccharide in aloe, acemannan, is a humectant that retains moisture and helps reduce trans-epidermal water loss.
Aloe also has real soothing credentials; it contains anti-inflammatory compounds like bradykinase and C-glucosyl chromone that help calm irritation and redness.
On the repair side, lab work shows that acemannan wakes up your skin's repair cells (fibroblasts), prompting them to multiply and speed up healing.
There's some human data for cosmetic benefit too: a cream containing 10% Aloe Barbadensis leaf extract improved skin hydration and elasticity in a real-use study.
Safety-wise, this ingredient is well-regarded with just one rare downside; there have been some case reports of acute eczema, contact urticaria, and dermatitis in people who applied aloe-derived ingredients topically. Those with a known aloe or Liliaceae sensitivity should patch test.
Typical use levels range widely, from under 1% up to 90%+ depending on the format and the effect you are after.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractButylene 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 GlycolCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil is oil from the peel of an orange fruit.
Limonene and linalool make up the majority of oils from citrus peels. Limonene has a "citrus" fragrance. Citrus peels also contain flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Citrus peel is also a rich source of flavonoids. Flavonoids are natural antioxidants and help protect your skin against damage. Flavonoids are a group of compounds naturally found in vegetables and fruits.
The term '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.
Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel OilDipropylene 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 GlycolEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinLavandula Angustifolia Oil is more commonly known as lavender essential oil. It is considered a fragrancing ingredient.
Lavender imparts a famous scent. While the smell is lovely, this ingredient and may sensitize skin in topical products. This is because about 85% of the oil is made up of linalool and linalyl acetate.
When exposed to air, these two compounds become strong allergens. This ingredient exhibits cytotoxicity at low concentrations; amounts of 0.25% have been shown to damage skin cells.
A study from Japan found this ingredient caused lavender sensitivity after widespread exposure.
Lavender essential oil has some antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the cons of this ingredient may outweight the pros.
More research is needed to confirm lavender essential oil's effects when used in aromatherapy.
Lavandula Angustifolia is known as the English Lavender and famous for creating purple fields in Provence, France.
Learn more about Lavandula Angustifolia OilThis extract comes from Purslane, a succulent. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hydrating properties.
Purslane is very nutritious. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, NMFs, many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The vitamins found in purslane include: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E.
Fun fact: Purslane is a succulent with an extensive habitat. It is used in traditional Korean medicine to treat irritated skin.
Nowadays, purslane is becoming a superfood due to its highly nutritious content.
Learn more about Portulaca Oleracea ExtractSodium 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 HyaluronateThis tree is also known as the David Elm. It contains the ingredient bakuchiol.
Other great compounds found in this ingredient include galactose, glucose, and phenolics. The sugar content gives it great skin hydrating properties. Phenolics are potent antioxidants commonly found in fruits and veggies.
A 2020 study found the phenolics of this root to have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Fun fact: This ingredient is used in traditional Asian medicine.
Learn more about Ulmus Davidiana Root ExtractWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum
