What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Pectin
Emulsion StabilisingGlucose
Humectant
Equisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Coco-Glucoside
Cleansing
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Xanthan Gum, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Pectin, Glucose, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Coco-Glucoside, Maltodextrin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citric Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningPectin
Emulsion StabilisingCocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking
Althaea Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract
EmollientAgave Americana Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningEquisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentUrtica Dioica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingChondrus Crispus Powder
Abrasive
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Cyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Water, Pectin, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Althaea Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract, Agave Americana Leaf Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Urtica Dioica Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Xanthan Gum, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Polysorbate 20, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cyanocobalamin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is the filtered, stabilized liquid pressed from the inner gel of the aloe vera leaf.
In cosmetics, it shows up as either soothing active or a water-replacement base. It is roughly 98-99% water and the last 1-2% is an interesting mix of polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
The polysaccharides do most of the work: they bind water at the skin surface for a light, non-greasy hydration boost. And one of the polysaccharides, glycomannan, is linked to fibroblast stimulation + collagen synthesis. This is also why aloe has such a long track record in wound and burn healing.
This ingredient is also calming with anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity, making it a great pick for sensitive, irritated, or post-sun skin.
Realistic expectations matter though; the solid evidence is mostly limited to hydration, soothing, and wound support. Deeper claims about anti-aging or sun protection are not well backed, and science reviews note it does not prevent radiation-induced skin injury.
Because it plays well with almost everything, it's commonly used as a base alongside other actives like niacinamide or vitamin C.
Typical usage concentrations range from 0.5% (where hydration benefits already show up) all the way to 90%+ (where it replaces water as the main base).
The safety for this ingredient is well-establish as well. Overall, this is a great supporting ingredient for those who want a boost in hydration.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceThis botanical extract is also known as horsetail extract. It mainly acts as an emollient, skin soother, and astringent.
A study from 2023 found compounds in Equisetum Arvense showed significant anti-inflammatory effects in irritated keratinocytes (the main cell in your outermost layer of skin).
Another study using a cream with horsetail and soybean extract found 80% of participants showed at least a 26% improvement in forehead wrinkles after 8 weeks.
Animal research has shown topical Equisetum Arvense stimulated skin and tissue growth in mice.
The research so far is encouraging, but still in its early days. But it's a lovely supporting ingredient and can be a welcome addition to any routine.
Learn more about Equisetum Arvense ExtractPectin is a fiber naturally found in the cell walls of plants.
It is commonly used a thickening agent in both food and cosmetics. In skincare, it prevents ingredients from separating.
Tocopheryl Acetate is a stable, shelf-friendly form of vitamin E.
Formulators love it because plain vitamin E oxidizes quickly once it hits air. This acetate version stays stable and resists going off, helping to extend a product's shelf life.
It's actually inactive on its own and works like a slow-release "storage" form; the enzymes in your skin called esterases gradually convert it into active vitamin E over time.
One in vivo study showed 5% of the acetate in the living layer of the epidermis converted to vitamin E after 5 days of application. This study also found the skin gained protection against UV damage even though the conversion was slow and small.
Once converted, vitamin E acts as a skin's main fat-soluble antioxidant that fights free radicals to protect skin from damage.
Topical vitamin E generally boosts the skin's photoprotection, and it reduced UV-damage in animal models.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
Overall, it has a pretty solid safety profile and has been found to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic. Allergic reactions may happen but stay rare due to how widely the ingredient gets used.
The concentration will vary depending on the formula; industry data shows 0.1% in baby lotions, 3% in lipsticks, and 5% in foot powders. You can also find this ingredient at 100% in a pure vitamin E oil.
Most leave-on skincare keeps it at the lower end, often between 0.5-1%.
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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum
