What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventDimethicone
EmollientCetearyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPotassium Phosphate
BufferingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientBehentrimonium Methosulfate
Dimethiconol
EmollientLecithin
EmollientSodium Citrate
BufferingRetinol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCholesterol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAlcohol
AntimicrobialIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Dimethiconol, Lecithin, Sodium Citrate, Retinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Pentylene Glycol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningJasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantRetinol
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingLaureth-23
CleansingCetyl Palmitate
EmollientTrideceth-6 Phosphate
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialSorbitan Laurate
EmulsifyingC18-36 Acid Glycol Ester
EmollientC18-36 Acid Triglyceride
EmollientPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningBorago Officinalis Seed Oil
EmollientPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Laureth-23, Cetyl Palmitate, Trideceth-6 Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ceramide NP, Squalane, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Sorbitan Laurate, C18-36 Acid Glycol Ester, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolWater. 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