What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
2,3-Butanediol
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Triethylhexanoin
MaskingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Tromethamine
BufferingPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantJuniperus Mexicana Oil
Masking
Salvia Sclarea Oil
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Glycerin, 2,3-Butanediol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Triethylhexanoin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Tromethamine, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Carbomer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Salvia Sclarea Oil, Tocopherol, Glycine Soja Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Linalool, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantTriethylhexanoin
MaskingPEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
HumectantDipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Spiraea Ulmaria Extract
AstringentPoncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Algae Extract
EmollientPanax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Phellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Olivate
Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Tromethamine
BufferingBehenic Acid
Cleansing
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningChrysanthellum Indicum Extract
Skin Conditioning
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Dimethiconol
Emollient
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningMyristic Acid
Cleansing
Velvet Extract
HumectantPoria Cocos Sclerotium Extract
AstringentLycium Chinense Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Gigas Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Extract
Skin ConditioningViscum Album Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAtractylodes Japonica Rhizome Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Tenuissima Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCuscuta Australis Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningForsythia Suspensa Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingSesamum Indicum Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Cnidium Officinale Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGardenia Florida Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCyperus Rotundus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ledebouriella Divaricata Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMagnolia Officinalis Bark Extract
Antimicrobial
Oyster Shell Extract
Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract
Skin ProtectingTrisodium EDTA
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCornus Officinalis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Extract
Perfuming
Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Campestris Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial
Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPlantago Asiatica Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPlatycodon Grandiflorus Root Extract
Antioxidant
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAllium Tuberosum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Gigas Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTribulus Terrestris Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygala Tenuifolia Root Extract
Skin ConditioningEpimedium Koreanum Extract
AntimicrobialEucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract
Antioxidant
Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Masking
Eucommia Ulmoides Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAchyranthes Bidentata Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGold
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Triethylhexanoin, PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters, 1,2-Hexanediol, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Algae Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Panthenol, Cetearyl Olivate, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Parfum, Tromethamine, Behenic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Carbomer, Behenyl Alcohol, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Stearic Acid, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Mica, CI 77891, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Myristic Acid, Velvet Extract, Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Angelica Gigas Extract, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Extract, Viscum Album Extract, Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract, Atractylodes Japonica Rhizome Extract, Angelica Tenuissima Root Extract, Cuscuta Australis Seed Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Forsythia Suspensa Fruit Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Gardenia Florida Flower Extract, Cyperus Rotundus Root Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Ledebouriella Divaricata Root Extract, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Oyster Shell Extract, Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract, Trisodium EDTA, Beta-Glucan, CI 77491, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Brassica Campestris Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Plantago Asiatica Seed Extract, Platycodon Grandiflorus Root Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Allium Tuberosum Seed Extract, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Tribulus Terrestris Fruit Extract, Polygala Tenuifolia Root Extract, Epimedium Koreanum Extract, Eucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Eucommia Ulmoides Leaf Extract, Achyranthes Bidentata Root Extract, Gold
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
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 CrosspolymerAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
Think of it as a supportive ingredient that helps your gel-creams feel silky, "cloud cream-like", and spread evenly without being greasy.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel evaluated it (along with 22 other acryloyldimethyltaurate polymers) and concluded it's:
Due to its large molecular size, it sits on the surface of skin rather than penetrating it.
Learn more about Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp CopolymerButylene 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 GlycolCarbomer is a high-molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid. It is used to form gels and thicken formulas.
Due to its large molecular size, carbomer has minimal skin penetration and is considered an inert ingredient.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Learn more about CarbomerCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeGlycerin (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 Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer is made up of glycerin and polyacrylic acid. It helps hydrate your skin as a humectant.
This ingredient forms a hydrogel that delivers moisturizing, water-based ingredients to the skin. It is also used to thicken a product and to give it a smooth texture.
Acrylic acid itself is toxic, but the polymer form (this ingredient) is too large to penetrate skin, making it non-toxic.
Learn more about Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid CopolymerGlycine Soja Seed Extract comes from the seed of the wild soybean plant. Wild soybean extract contains fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, linolenic), vitamin E, and antioxidants.
The wild soybean contains soyasaponins, a bioactive compound. Soyasaponins have inflammatory, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial properties. Soyasaponin has also been found to inhibit the melanin-creation process.
Two powerful components found in the wild soybean include genistein and diadzein. These two isoflavones are potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Genistein in particular has been found to prevent redness caused by UV exposure.
One study from South Korea found wild soybean extract to help promote hair growth at the cellular level.
The wild soybean plant is a cousin to the famous soybean that gives us tofu, soy milk, and soy sauce.
Learn more about Glycine Soja Seed ExtractPanthenol 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 PanthenolTriethylhexanoin is created from glycerin and 2-ethylhexanoic acid. It is a solvent and emollient.
As a solvent, Triethylhexanoin helps dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
It is also an emollient and helps condition the skin.
Learn more about TriethylhexanoinTromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineWater. 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
