What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Camellia Japonica Flower Water
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Squalane
Emollient
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
Emollient
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin Conditioning
Faex
Skin ConditioningCoffea Arabica Seed Oil
Masking
Camellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientCamellia Oleifera Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Hydrogenated Canola Oil
Skin Conditioning
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Arginine
Masking
Maltooligosyl Glucoside
Skin ConditioningEscin
TonicXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Acmella Oleracea Extract
Skin ProtectingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Camelina Sativa Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Canola Oil
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Phytic Acid
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Camellia Japonica Flower Water, Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Faex, Coffea Arabica Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Lauroyl Lysine, Silica, Hydrogenated Canola Oil, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Arginine, Maltooligosyl Glucoside, Escin, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Maltodextrin, Acmella Oleracea Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Carbomer, Adenosine, Camelina Sativa Seed Oil, Canola Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lactic Acid, Phytic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Diglycerin
Humectant
Polyglycerin-3
Humectant
Boron Nitride
Absorbent
Aframomum Angustifolium Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLilium Candidum Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningJasminum Officinale Flower Extract
Masking
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin Conditioning
Secale Cereale Seed Extract
Abrasive
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Palmaria Palmata Extract
Skin ProtectingHydrolyzed Soy Protein
Humectant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Xylitol
Humectant
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Parfum
Masking
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Surfactin
CleansingPyrus Cydonia Seed Extract
MaskingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Biosaccharide Gum-2
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Trehalose
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMica
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Diglycerin, Polyglycerin-3, Boron Nitride, Aframomum Angustifolium Seed Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Secale Cereale Seed Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Adenosine, Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Alcohol, Xylitol, Chlorphenesin, Parfum, Hydroxyacetophenone, CI 77891, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Surfactin, Pyrus Cydonia Seed Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Biosaccharide Gum-2, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Potassium Sorbate, Trehalose, Pentylene Glycol, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Mica, Caprylyl Glycol
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
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 CrosspolymerAdenosine is a purine nucleoside that your body already makes in every cell. In skincare, it acts mainly as a skin conditioning and anti-aging agent.
The way it works is fairly well mapped out:
Your skin has cells called fibroblasts that build collagen (the stuff that keeps skin firm and smooth). Adenosine basically flips a switch on these cells that tells them to get to work making more collagen and other proteins. These cells slow down on their own as skin ages, so Adenosine helps give them a little nudge to keep going.
The clinical backing is pretty solid too.
A blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 126 women aged 45-65 tested a 0.1% cream twice daily and found real improvements in crow's feet and frown lines using a precise 3D skin-mapping technique; these changes showed up by week 3 and held at 2 months.
A later study using Adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches reported gains in wrinkle depth, dermal density, elasticity, and hydration.
On concentrations, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has set 0.04% as the approved functional anti-wrinkle level. You'll typically see this ingredient used somewhere in the 0.04-0.1% range since it works at low doses.
This ingredient has been found safe for cosmetics with the data showing no irritation or sensitization.
Overall, this is a great ingredient for any anti-aging routine and has no photosensitizing effect, so it suits both AM and PM use.
Learn more about AdenosineCaprylyl 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, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCarbomer is a synthetic thickening and gelling agent. It's basically the ingredient that gives a lot of serums, gels, creams, and sunscreens their smooth, non-sticky texture.
Although legally permitted at very high levels, carbomers are normally used at concentrations below 1%.
It also needs to be neutralized to actually thicken, and because it is a large molecule, it doesn't really penetrate the skin barrier.
Allergy-wise, the risk is very low. Clinical studies show carbomers have low potential for skin irritation/sensitization even at concentrations up to 100%.
A 2024 UK study patch-tested 1,302 patients and found true allergy to the parent group of carbomer to be rare with no confirmed relevant reactions.
Learn more about CarbomerChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinGlycerin (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 GlycerinPentylene Glycol (1,2-pentanediol) is a multitasking little diol with three main roles in a formula:
Research on alkanediols (the family pentylene glycol belongs to) show they work by disrupting microbial cell membranes. This disruption helps the primary preservative system in a product work more effectively at lower doses.
On the safety side, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded this ingredient to be safe as used in current cosmetic practices + concentrations.
Typical use levels in a formula run about 1-5%.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 PropanediolSaccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract comes from a yeast used in fermentation. It has skin conditioning properties due to its naturally occurring peptides, polysaccharides (including beta-glucans), amino acids, minerals, and vitamins.
Clinical research shows formulas that contain this ingredient can improve moisture levels and refine skin texture over time. This is associate with its ability to reduce free-radical activity and protect the skin against environmental damage.
Lab studies demonstrate that some peptide fractions in this ingredient possess antioxidant and anti-collegenase effects, helping to protect the structural proteins in skin and soothing inflammation.
Additionally, this ingredient has been shown to have antimicrobial effects against bacteria associated with acne.
Learn more about Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ExtractSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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
