This anti-aging serum is formulated around Rosa Damascena Flower Water and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 to soften the look of wrinkles.
This anti-aging serum is formulated around Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 to soften the look of wrinkles.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Methyl Gluceth-20
Humectant
Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDiglycerin
Humectant
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Pullulan
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPlantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Porphyridium Cruentum Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingRosa Damascena Flower Oil
Masking
Pelargonium Graveolens Oil
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract
Antioxidant
Psilanthus Bengalensis Leaf Cell Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Rubus Idaeus Leaf Cell Culture
Skin ConditioningNicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-38
Skin Conditioning
N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate
Skin Conditioning
Citronellol
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Diglycerin, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Pullulan, Xanthan Gum, Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Maltodextrin, Sodium Hydroxide, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Citric Acid, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Psilanthus Bengalensis Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carbomer, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rubus Idaeus Leaf Cell Culture, Nicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture, Acetyl Hexapeptide-38, N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Algae Extract
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Trisiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate
Skin Conditioning
Isododecane
EmollientMaris Sal
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Isostearate
Emollient
Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil
Emollient
Medicago Sativa Seed Powder
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seedcake
Abrasive
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal
Abrasive
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningCopper Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantMagnesium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningZinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Succinate
Antioxidant
Niacin
SmoothingSesamum Indicum Seed Powder
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPorphyridium Cruentum Extract
Skin ConditioningIsohexadecane
EmollientAspergillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningFaex Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract
Cleansing
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Thermus Thermophillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningLens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Phoenix Dactylifera Fruit Extract
EmollientPullulan
Hordeum Distichon Extract
Skin ProtectingBrassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
Buffering
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingGold
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Prunus Persica Flower Extract
MoisturisingPeat Extract
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-14
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
PEG-8
HumectantHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPropylene Carbonate
SolventAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
CI 77120
Cosmetic ColorantSilica
Abrasive
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPolysilicone-11
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
BHT
Antioxidant
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Algae Extract, Methyl Trimethicone, Trisiloxane, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Isododecane, Maris Sal, Isopropyl Isostearate, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Medicago Sativa Seed Powder, Helianthus Annuus Seedcake, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Sodium Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Magnesium Gluconate, Zinc Gluconate, Tocopheryl Succinate, Niacin, Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract, Isohexadecane, Aspergillus Ferment, Faex Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract, Caffeine, Squalane, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Phoenix Dactylifera Fruit Extract, Pullulan, Hordeum Distichon Extract, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Sodium Lactate, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Sodium PCA, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Gold, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Prunus Persica Flower Extract, Peat Extract, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-14, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, PEG-8, Hexylene Glycol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Propylene Carbonate, Alcohol Denat., CI 77120, Silica, Polyethylene, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polysilicone-11, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Parfum, Limonene, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Geraniol, Citronellol, Benzyl Salicylate, Tocopherol, BHT, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Mica, CI 19140, CI 14700, CI 17200
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (also known as Argireline) is a synthetic hexapeptide that is often called a "topical Botox alternative".
It works by mimicking how Botox relaxes muscles; it interferes with the signaling process that tells your facial muscles to contract. This can help soften expression lines like forehead wrinkles or crow's feet over time.
The comparison to Botox does have limits because the molecule is water-loving and relatively large.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 has a hard time absorbing deeply enough through the skin's outer barrier to actually reach the muscles.
So whether it truly works the way Botox does at a biological level is still up for debate, but early clinical outcomes are fairly encouraging.
A 12 week human study of a multi-ingredient regimen containing this ingredient saw:
While some studies have observed improvements in wrinkle appearance, it is important to note that more consistent results are seen in multi-ingredient formulations (vs just Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 alone).
Some research studies also used higher concentrations (up to 10%) while this ingredient is usually found in concentrations up to 0.005% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Butylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl 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 GlycolCitronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolGlycerin (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 GlycerinThis ingredient is a semi-synthetic polymer created from cellulose. In case you need a refresher, cellulose is the main component of plant cell walls.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose has many uses:
- emulsifier
- create a gel-like texture
- boost foam
Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolPhenoxyethanol is one of the most widely used preservatives in skincare (and for good reason!).
It has a large spectrum of antimicrobial activity and especially effective bacteria, yeast, and mold while only having a weak effect on your skin's natural microbiome.
On a cellular level, it disrupts the cell membranes of microbes by poking holes that make the cell leak. This shuts down the chemical reactions the microbe needs to make energy so it can no longer survive.
Another perk of this ingredient is that it stays functional across a wide pH range (3-10).
You'll often see it paired with boosters like Ethylhexylglycerin; one study showed that a 1:9 ratio of Ethylhexylglycerin to Phenoxyethanol damages bacterial membranes as effectively as doubling the Phenoxyethanol concentration on its own.
Typical use concentrations range from 0.3-1% depending on the formula, and this ingredient is capped at 1% int the EU.
Safety-wise, the fear mongering does not hold up to the evidence. The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and FDA consider it safe as a preservative at up to 1%, including for children of all ages.
Adverse systemic effects only showed up in animal studies at exposures roughly 200x higher than what people get from cosmetics. And despite its very widespread use, this ingredient is a rare sensitizer and allergic reactions are uncommon.
Learn more about PhenoxyethanolWe don't have a description for Porphyridium Cruentum Extract yet.
Pullulan is a low viscosity polysaccharide (a long chain carbohydrate) with binding and film forming properties when dissolved in water. It is used to create a "silicone-like" or silky feel in cosmetics without adding viscosity.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient's ability to easily dissolves makes it a great carrier for active ingredients.
Due to it being edible and tasteless, you'll likely find this ingredient in breath freshener strips. This ingredient is produced from the starch of the fungus, Aureobasidium pullulans.
Pullulan is stable over a broad-range of pH.
Learn more about PullulanSodium 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 HyaluronateWater. 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
