What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Glycerin
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningRicinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Sucrose Stearate
EmollientEthylhexyl Stearate
Emollient
Olus Oil
Emollient
Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate
EmulsifyingHydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides
EmollientC20-40 Alcohols
EmulsifyingIsodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Microcrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentCera Alba
Emollient
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
Masking
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
PEG-8
HumectantCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
Antioxidant
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Daphne Odora Callus Extract
Skin ProtectingAscorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Nicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture
Skin ConditioningPlumeria Rubra Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantUbiquinone
Antioxidant
Lecithin
Emollient
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
CI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Antioxidant
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Benzyl Benzoate
Antimicrobial
Linalool
Perfuming
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Cinnamyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Eugenol
Perfuming
Glycerin, Water, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sucrose Stearate, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Olus Oil, Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate, Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides, C20-40 Alcohols, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cera Alba, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Cellulose Gum, Parfum, CI 77891, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Squalane, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, PEG-8, Caramel, Tocopherol, Retinol, Daphne Odora Callus Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Nicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture, Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract, CI 15985, Ubiquinone, Lecithin, CI 19140, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, CI 17200, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Benzoic Acid, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Benzoate, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Eugenol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSebacic Acid
BufferingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Phytic Acid
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Retinal
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Octadecenedioic Acid
Emulsifying
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Olive Glycerides
Emulsifying
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid
Skin Conditioning1,10-Decanediol
SolventTriethanolamine
BufferingCyclohexane
SolventButylene Glycol
Humectant
Methylparaben
Preservative
Propylparaben
Preservative
BHT
Antioxidant
BHA
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Carbomer, Sebacic Acid, Niacinamide, Retinol, Phytic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Allantoin, Alpha-Arbutin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Retinal, Ascorbic Acid, Ceramide NP, Octadecenedioic Acid, Phospholipids, Ferulic Acid, Olive Glycerides, Salicylic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid, 1,10-Decanediol, Triethanolamine, Cyclohexane, Butylene Glycol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, BHT, BHA, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.
Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.
Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!
Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.
Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.
The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.
Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidButylene 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 GlycolThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideGlycerin 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 GlycerinPolysorbate 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
