What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water
Skin ConditioningHippophae Rhamnoides Extract
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantWater
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Tromethamine
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientLactose
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBetaine
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCellulose
AbsorbentAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Gelatin
Ubiquinone
AntioxidantHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGanoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantJojoba Esters
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantGlyceryl Linoleate
EmollientPolygala Tenuifolia Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPlatycodon Grandiflorus Root Extract
AntioxidantGlyceryl Oleate
EmollientHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSqualane
EmollientSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Linolenate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHyacinthus Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningSalvia Sclarea Extract
AntiseborrhoeicBorago Officinalis Extract
EmollientChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingCentaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
AstringentMorus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningNicotinoyl Sh-Pentapeptide-19
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Water, Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Tromethamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Lactose, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Betaine, Allantoin, Cellulose, Adenosine, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Disodium EDTA, Gelatin, Ubiquinone, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, CI 77492, Jojoba Esters, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Acacia Senegal Gum, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Linoleate, Polygala Tenuifolia Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Platycodon Grandiflorus Root Extract, Glyceryl Oleate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hcl, Cyanocobalamin, Folic Acid, Glyceryl Linolenate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hyacinthus Orientalis Extract, Salvia Sclarea Extract, Borago Officinalis Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Retinyl Palmitate, Nicotinoyl Sh-Pentapeptide-19
Hydrolyzed Collagen Extract
Skin ProtectingHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientTocotrienols
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantOryza Sativa Bran Oil
EmollientOryza Sativa Germ Oil
EmollientAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveGoat Milk Extract
Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract
EmollientPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningMelatonin
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantProline
Skin ConditioningAlanine
MaskingArginine
MaskingAspartic Acid
MaskingCysteine Hcl
AntioxidantGlutamic Acid
HumectantGlutamine
Skin ConditioningIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningLeucine
Skin ConditioningLysine Hcl
Skin ConditioningMethionine
Skin ConditioningOrnithine Hcl
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingThreonine
Tryptophan
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingValine
MaskingAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningArctium Lappa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningCarnosine
Skin ConditioningCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingCreatine
Skin ConditioningOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientSqualane
EmollientCholesterol
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningPhytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingTrisodium EDTA
Hydrolyzed Collagen Extract, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Methylpropanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Ether, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Tocotrienols, Tocopherol, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Oryza Sativa Germ Oil, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Goat Milk Extract, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract, Melatonin, Ascorbic Acid, Riboflavin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Proline, Alanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Cysteine Hcl, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine Hcl, Methionine, Ornithine Hcl, Serine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Valine, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Adenosine, Ceramide NP, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Beta-Glucan, Carnosine, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Creatine, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Squalane, Cholesterol, Cetyl Alcohol, Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycolipids, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Trisodium EDTA
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
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 AdenosineBehenyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol (these are different from the drying, solvent alcohols).
Fatty Alcohols have hydrating properties and are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils; behenyl alcohol is derived from the fats of vegetable oils.
Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.
In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.
Learn more about Behenyl AlcoholButylene 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 GlycolThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholGlycerin 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 NiacinamideSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a form of Vitamin C. It is the salt of ascorbic acid.
This ingredient is more gentle than ascorbic acid. It is also more stable when exposed to light and oxygen.
Vitamin C helps reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.
Your skin uses Vitamin C to produce collagen and collagen production plays a role in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. As an antioxidant, this ingredient also helps reduce the signs of aging such as fine-lines and wrinkles.
VItamin C helps brighten skin by blocking the process of skin darkening.
In a 2011 study, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate was found to have antibacterial properties. This may help treat acne.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneWater. 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