Versus

Centellian24 Expert Madeca Mela Capture Ampoule Max Versus V&A Beauty Contour Active Ampoule

Ampoule
Ampoule
Korean Brand South Korea
British Brand United Kingdom

Updated on December 10, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe ampoules. They have a total of 26 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Expert Madeca Mela Capture Ampoule Max

Centella Asiatica Extract

Cleansing
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Dipropylene Glycol

Masking

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Water

Skin Conditioning

Methylpropanediol

Solvent

Ceteareth-20

Cleansing
2 / 3 May worsen Oily Skin Icon

Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning

Phenyl Trimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Stellaria Media Extract

Skin Conditioning

Portulaca Oleracea Extract

Skin Conditioning

Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract

Skin Conditioning

Malus Domestica Fruit Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant Icon

Panax Ginseng Berry Extract

Skin Conditioning

Saururus Chinensis Extract

Skin Conditioning

Mentha Viridis Extract

Masking

Ficus Carica Fruit Extract

Humectant

Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract

Masking
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract

Humectant

Olea Europaea Leaf Extract

Perfuming
Fragrance Icon

Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Extract

Emollient

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Rosa Damascena Flower Water

Masking

Rosa Damascena Flower Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Bisabolol

Masking
Helps reduce irritation Icon

Tranexamic Acid

Astringent
Good for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Madecassic Acid

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Asiaticoside

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Asiatic Acid

Skin Conditioning

Lactobacillus Ferment

Skin Conditioning

Melatonin

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Adenosine

Skin Conditioning
Good for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Madecassoside

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Rice Ferment Filtrate

Skin Conditioning
Helps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid

Skin Conditioning
Vitamin C IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores Icon

Ascorbic Acid

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Hyaluronic Acid

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Alpha-Arbutin

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Glutathione

Good for Dark Spots Icon

Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate

Skin Conditioning

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Thioctic Acid

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ferulic Acid

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Ascorbyl Glucoside

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Emulsifying

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil

Emollient
Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Olea Europaea Fruit Oil

Masking
0-2 / 0 Fragrance IconOil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Lavandula Angustifolia Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil Icon

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Juniperus Mexicana Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Propanediol

Solvent

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Glyceryl Stearate Se

Emulsifying
3 / 2 Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Diphenyl Dimethicone

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Triethylhexanoin

Masking

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Tromethamine

Buffering

Polyquaternium-51

Skin Conditioning

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene

Emollient
1 / 2

Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Glycosyl Trehalose

Emulsion Stabilising

Sodium Phytate

Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate

Humectant

Isononyl Isononanoate

Emollient

Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Raffinose

Skin Conditioning

Biosaccharide Gum-1

Skin Conditioning

Disodium EDTA

Cetearyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 1 Fatty Alcohol IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Stearic Acid

Cleansing
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Lecithin

Emollient

Decyl Glucoside

Cleansing

Beta-Glucan

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Inulin Lauryl Carbamate

Emulsion Stabilising

Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate

Cleansing

Ceramide NP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Zinc PCA

Humectant
Good for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne Icon

Retinyl Palmitate

Skin Conditioning
1-3 / 1-3 Retinoid IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Riboflavin

Cosmetic Colorant

Menadione

Masking

Biotin

Antiseborrhoeic

Cyanocobalamin

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Thiamine Hcl

Masking

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Pantothenic Acid

Skin Conditioning

Folic Acid

Skin Conditioning

Pyridoxine

Skin Conditioning

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Hydroxyacetophenone

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Citronellol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Centella Asiatica Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Squalane, Niacinamide, Water, Methylpropanediol, Ceteareth-20, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Stellaria Media Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract, Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Saururus Chinensis Extract, Mentha Viridis Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Bisabolol, Tranexamic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Lactobacillus Ferment, Melatonin, Adenosine, Madecassoside, Rice Ferment Filtrate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Glutathione, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Thioctic Acid, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Ferulic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Propanediol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Butylene Glycol, Diphenyl Dimethicone, Triethylhexanoin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Polyquaternium-51, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycosyl Trehalose, Sodium Phytate, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Raffinose, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Disodium EDTA, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Lecithin, Decyl Glucoside, Beta-Glucan, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Ceramide NP, Zinc PCA, Retinyl Palmitate, Riboflavin, Menadione, Biotin, Cyanocobalamin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Thiamine Hcl, Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine, Parfum, Hydroxyacetophenone, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Citronellol

Contour Active Ampoule

Water

Skin Conditioning

Methylpropanediol

Solvent

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Angelica Archangelica Extract

Skin Conditioning

Bifida Ferment Lysate

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning

Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce irritation Icon

Nasturtium Officinale Leaf Extract

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Centella Asiatica Extract

Cleansing
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Ficus Carica Fruit Extract

Humectant

Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract

Skin Conditioning

Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Carum Carvi Fruit Extract

Perfuming
Fragrance Icon

Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract

Astringent

Panax Ginseng Root Extract

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract

Emollient

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Emulsifying

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene

Emollient
1 / 2

Ceteareth-20

Cleansing
2 / 3 May worsen Oily Skin Icon

Glyceryl Stearate Se

Emulsifying
3 / 2 Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Tromethamine

Buffering

Microcrystalline Cellulose

Absorbent

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Pvp

Emulsion Stabilising
0 / 0

Adenosine

Skin Conditioning
Good for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Fructooligosaccharides

Humectant

Disodium EDTA

Beta-Glucan

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Sorbitan Laurate

Emulsifying
1-2 / 1-2 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Carbomer

Emulsion Stabilising
1 / 0

Ethyl Ether

Solvent
0 / 0

Polyquaternium-51

Skin Conditioning

Dextrin

Absorbent

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Hydroxyethylcellulose

Emulsion Stabilising

Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Ceramide NP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein

Skin Conditioning

Maltodextrin

Absorbent

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Sucrose Distearate

Emollient
0 / 2 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Hydroxyacetophenone

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing

Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.

Studies show the compounds in centella help with:

The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.

Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.

Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.

Learn more about Centella Asiatica Extract
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Squalane 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".

Learn more about Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Methylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.

As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.

Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.

Learn more about Methylpropanediol
Cleansing, Emulsifying

Ceteareth-20 is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. It is derived from cetearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol.

As an emulsifier, Ceteareth-20 prevents oil and water from separating. It is also a surfactant. Surfactants help gather oil, pollution, and dirt to be washed away.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 

Piper Methysticum is also known as the Kava Kava plant, native to Pacific islands. This ingredient is derived from the leaf, root, and/or stem of the plant.

A safety assessment from 2019 deemed the safety studies for this ingredient to be insufficient. Amounts between 0.0001% to 0.01% of this ingredient can be found in cosmetics.

Some sources suggest this ingredient may cause skin sensitivity but further studies are needed.

Learn more about Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract

Ficus Carica Fruit Extract comes from the fruit known as the fig. Figs are rich in antioxidants and helps hydrate the skin.

Figs also contain fatty acids and Vitamins A, B1, and B2.

As a humectant, figs are able to draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.

Learn more about Ficus Carica Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning

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 Adenosine
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.

Low molecular weight HA has been shown to hydrate and increase elasticity of the skin. Increasing elasticity is also associated with reduction of wrinkle depth.

One study found topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid may be considered for the treatment of rosacea in the adult population. However, we always recommend speaking with a professional about your skin concerns.

Hyaluronic acids are a humectant. This means they draw moisture from the air. Hyaluronic acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.

Read more about other common forms of hyaluronic acid:

Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated 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.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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 Glycerin
Emulsifying

Glyceryl Stearate Se is a self-emulsifying (SE) form of glyceryl stearate. Self-emusifying means this ingredient automatically blends with water. It is an emulsifier, emollient, and cleansing agent.

As an emulsifier, Glyceryl Stearate Se prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It is also a surfactant, meaning it helps cleanse the skin. Surfactants help gather oil, dirt, and other pollutants so they may be rinsed away easily.

Emollients help your skin stay smooth and soft. It does so by creating a film on top of the skin that helps trap moisture in.

Learn more about Glyceryl Stearate Se
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.

Buffering, Masking

Tromethamine 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 Tromethamine
Skin Conditioning

Polyquaternium-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.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.

In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.

Learn more about Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.

Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.

Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA
Skin Conditioning

Beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide. It can be derived from the cell walls of seaweed, oats, yeast, and fungi. It hydrates the skin and helps boost your skin's natural barrier.

As an antioxidant, beta-glucan helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

Studies show this ingredient may be an effective wrinkle reducer as it can deeply penetrate into skin. It has also been show to help with wound healing.

Learn more about Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

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

Learn more about Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning

Panthenol 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 Panthenol
Masking, Perfuming

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.

The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.

One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum
Antioxidant

Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.

This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.

Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol

When to use

1 Routine
0% use in am
100% use in pm
100% use every on_specific_days