What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Camellia Japonica Flower Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientCamellia Oleifera Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
C10-18 Triglycerides
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
Emollient
Faex
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Lecithin
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Chondrus Crispus Powder
Abrasive
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Lysolecithin
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Camellia Japonica Flower Water, Glycerin, Water, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, C10-18 Triglycerides, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Faex, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Lecithin, Parfum, Chlorphenesin, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Caprylyl Glycol, Lysolecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Gluconate, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine, Lactic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Tocopherol, Citric Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetyl Esters
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Polybutene
Isostearyl Neopentanoate
Emollient
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Emollient
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Aviculare Extract
EmollientAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract
Astringent
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Algae Extract
EmollientLinoleic Acid
Cleansing
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Decarboxy Carnosine Hcl
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Cholesterol
Emollient
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Glucose
Humectant
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Artemia Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitol
Humectant
Trehalose
Humectant
Lauryl PCA
HumectantPropylene Glycol Dicaprylate
EmollientCetearyl Glucoside
Emulsifying
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingLactis Proteinum
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Yeast Extract
Skin ConditioningPolymethyl Methacrylate
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingZinc PCA
Humectant
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Lactate
Buffering
Potassium Sulfate
PEG-8
HumectantDisodium EDTA
BHT
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Esters, Cetyl Alcohol, Polybutene, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Polyethylene, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Polygonum Aviculare Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Algae Extract, Linoleic Acid, Persea Gratissima Oil, Decarboxy Carnosine Hcl, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Cholesterol, Caffeine, Glucose, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Artemia Extract, Sorbitol, Trehalose, Lauryl PCA, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Carbomer, Lactis Proteinum, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Yeast Extract, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Zinc PCA, Sodium PCA, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lactate, Potassium Sulfate, PEG-8, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Polysorbate 20, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Mica, CI 77891, CI 77491
Reviews
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
This ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.
Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).
Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolGlycerin (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 GlycerinPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (formerly Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3) is a lab-made peptide with anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing benefits. It's made up of four amino acids (glycine, glutamine, proline, and arginine) and palmitic acid (which helps it penetrate skin more effectively).
This ingredient helps reduce inflammation by limiting the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a chemical that triggers inflammatory responses, particularly after UV exposure.
Less inflammation = slower collagen breakdown and a longer-lasting, youthful appearance.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 also stimulates collagen production and supports a healthier skin barrier.
Over time, this can improve skin firmness, hydration, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. It’s commonly paired with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 in the well-known Matrixyl 3000 complex for enhanced anti-aging effects.
This ingredient has been shown to be effective and safe in cosmetic use and you'll typically find it in small amounts (less than 0.01%).
Due to its palmitic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopheryl 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 AcetateWater. 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
