What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingBetaine
HumectantHydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSqualane
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingDiphenyl Dimethicone
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingTriethylhexanoin
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Phytate
Triisostearin
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningPhellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningSoluble Collagen
HumectantSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantBakuchiol
AntimicrobialCollagen
MoisturisingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentTocopherol
AntioxidantHeptasodium Hexacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Elastin
EmollientMagnesium Chloride
Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine
Skin ConditioningTetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate
Skin ConditioningWater, Propanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Betaine, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Squalane, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Diphenyl Dimethicone, Allantoin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Triethylhexanoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Polyquaternium-51, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Adenosine, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Phytate, Triisostearin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ceramide NP, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Beta-Glucan, Cyanocobalamin, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Soluble Collagen, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Bakuchiol, Collagen, Potassium Sorbate, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Maltodextrin, Tocopherol, Heptasodium Hexacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Magnesium Chloride, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine, Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientMethylpropanediol
SolventDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycereth-26
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantRaffinose
Skin ConditioningCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSodium Dna
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycosyl Trehalose
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentPvm/Ma Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientHydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantDextrin
AbsorbentHydrolyzed Elastin
EmollientSucrose Distearate
EmollientLecithin
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientBHT
AntioxidantCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientCarnosine
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Oil
MaskingPanax Ginseng Root
EmollientRetinol
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Propanediol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Methylpropanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Methyl Gluceth-20, Raffinose, Cyclohexasiloxane, Pentylene Glycol, Trehalose, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Dna, Lactobacillus Ferment, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Ceramide NP, Tromethamine, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycosyl Trehalose, Sodium Polyacrylate, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Dextrin, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Sucrose Distearate, Lecithin, Carbomer, Polyquaternium-51, Polysorbate 20, Glyceryl Stearate, BHT, Cyanocobalamin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Tocopherol, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Carnosine, Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil, Panax Ginseng Root, Retinol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 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 GlycolCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide and formally known as ceramide 3.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Cyanocobalamin is the manufactured version of vitamin B12. It has skin soothing, antioxidant, and barrier protecting properties. Topical cyanocobalamin is used to treat skin irritation and atopic dermatitis.
Dipropylene 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 (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin 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.
Hydrolyzed collagen has a misleading name because it is actually a mixture of various proteins/peptides. This ingredient has skin hydrating properties.
Collagen is the most abundant type of structural protein found in your body. In your skin, it is responsible for keeping it firm and youthful.
Hydrolyzed Collagen is created by breaking up proteins into smaller peptide bonds. These peptides act as humectants and emollients.
Humectants are great at holding onto water, keeping skin hydrated. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
There is ongoing debate about whether hydrolyzed collagen works because it increases skin hydration. Skin hydration is also linked to elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.
Collagen or peptide ingredients can be used in the morning or night. They will not increase sun sensitivity, but you should always wear sunscreen during the day.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is a great hair conditioner as well.
This ingredient can be extracted from different sources, including:
Vegan collagen is derived from yeast, bacteria, or plant sources. Vegan collagen would go by a different INCI name, such as hydrolyzed soy protein.
The results are varied.
A study from 2021 found hydrolyzed collagen increased elasticity and improved wrinkles in 1,125 participants between age 20 and 70. Another study found increased skin thickness in participants between the ages of 45 to 59.
However, It is difficult to prove that oral collagen will end up working on your skin. Many of the studies using hydrolyzed collagen also add several vitamins and nutrients into the test mixture as well.
Further studies are needed at this time.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed CollagenWe don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Elastin yet.
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 NiacinamidePolyquaternium-51 is a polymer salt. It helps hydrate the skin by creating a film on top. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s 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 PropanediolTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolTromethamine 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water