What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Tranexamic Acid
AstringentTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBrassica Campestris Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantHydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein
Skin ConditioningTheanine
EmollientAngelica Archangelica Extract
Skin ConditioningPerilla Frutescens Extract
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantSqualane
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientTrimethylpyrazine
PerfumingPEG-8 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientIsodecyl Acrylate
Myristyl Myristate
EmollientAcrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Ethylamine Oxide Methacrylate Copolymer
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPolyethylene
AbrasiveStearyl Alcohol
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientPEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingCopernicia Cerifera Wax
Glycol Stearate
EmollientGlyceryl Isostearate
EmollientTrehalose
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantSodium Metaphosphate
Buffering2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningButtermilk Extract Powder
AntioxidantCentaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
AstringentPalmitoyl Olive Leaf Extract
AntioxidantIris Pallida Root Extract
MaskingHornet Extract
AntimicrobialGlycine
BufferingTuna Extract
Skin ConditioningInositol
HumectantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSerine
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPotentilla Erecta Extract
AstringentPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTranexamic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Brassica Campestris Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Theanine, Angelica Archangelica Extract, Perilla Frutescens Extract, Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Trimethylpyrazine, PEG-8 Dimethicone, Alcohol Denat., Behenyl Alcohol, Isodecyl Acrylate, Myristyl Myristate, Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Ethylamine Oxide Methacrylate Copolymer, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Polyethylene, Stearyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Beeswax, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Glycol Stearate, Glyceryl Isostearate, Trehalose, Disodium EDTA, Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer, Potassium Hydroxide, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Metaphosphate, 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Buttermilk Extract Powder, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Palmitoyl Olive Leaf Extract, Iris Pallida Root Extract, Hornet Extract, Glycine, Tuna Extract, Inositol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Serine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potentilla Erecta Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, CI 77492, CI 77491
Retinyl Acetate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Methoxysalicylate
BleachingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantWater
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-3 Glyceryl Triisostearate
EmollientSqualane
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientTrimethylpyrazine
PerfumingMaltitol
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantIsodecyl Acrylate
Petrolatum
EmollientPEG-8 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingParaffinum Liquidum
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyoxymethylene Melamine
Polyethylene
AbrasiveMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingJojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Phytosteryl Esters
Myristyl Myristate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveMethacrylic Acid/Sodium Acrylamidomethyl Propane Sulfonate Copolymer
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlyceryl Adipate
EmollientTrisodium EDTA
Polyvinyl Alcohol
Alcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialSodium Citrate
BufferingAlcohol
Antimicrobial2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningDi-T-Butylhydroquinone
AntioxidantHydrogenated Egg Oil
Skin ConditioningHydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningSodium Metaphosphate
BufferingSucrose
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantCalcium Chloride
AstringentSerine
MaskingLidocaine Hcl
Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGardenia Taitensis Callus Extract
AntioxidantSalvia Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialInositol
HumectantLac Extract
Skin ConditioningIsostearic Acid
CleansingBehenamidopropyl Dimethylamine Lactate
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantRetinyl Acetate, Potassium Methoxysalicylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Water, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, PEG-3 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Squalane, Behenyl Alcohol, Trimethylpyrazine, Maltitol, Trehalose, Isodecyl Acrylate, Petrolatum, PEG-8 Dimethicone, Paraffinum Liquidum, Stearyl Alcohol, Polyoxymethylene Melamine, Polyethylene, Microcrystalline Wax, Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Phytosteryl Esters, Myristyl Myristate, Silica, Methacrylic Acid/Sodium Acrylamidomethyl Propane Sulfonate Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Adipate, Trisodium EDTA, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Alcohol Denat., Sodium Citrate, Alcohol, 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Di-T-Butylhydroquinone, Hydrogenated Egg Oil, Hydroxyproline, Sodium Metaphosphate, Sucrose, Citric Acid, Sodium Metabisulfite, Calcium Chloride, Serine, Lidocaine Hcl, Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract, Gardenia Taitensis Callus Extract, Salvia Officinalis Extract, Inositol, Lac Extract, Isostearic Acid, Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine Lactate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77492, CI 77491
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is derived from vitamin C.
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying - mostly due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue, constricting pores and leaving your skin dried out.
However, alcohol denat. is not all that bad.
Due to its low molecular weight, alcohol denat. tends to evaporate quickly. One study on pig skin found half of applied alcohol evaporated in 10 seconds and less than 3% stayed on skin.
This also helps other ingredients become better absorbed upon application.
Studies are conflicted about whether this ingredient causes skin dehydration. One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased skin dryness and irritation. Another study found irritation only occurs if your skin is already damaged.
Small amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated by oily skin or people who live in humid environments.
The rule of thumb is if this alcohol is near the end of an ingredients list, it will probably not affect your skin much.
Also...
This ingredient has antimicrobial and solvent properties.
The antimicrobial property helps preserve products and increase their shelf life. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.Behenyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol (these are different from the drying, solvent alcohols).
Fatty Alcohols have hydrating properties and are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils; behenyl alcohol is derived from the fats of vegetable oils.
Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.
In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.
Learn more about Behenyl AlcoholButylene 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 GlycolCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491Ci 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Glycerin 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 GlycerinInositol is a sugar alcohol naturally found in the human body. Our bodies use this ingredient in the process of growing new cells.
Studies show inositol to be a key component for keratinocyte growth.
Keratinocytes make up the majority of the outermost layer of skin. These cells protect our skin from UV exposure, infection, and help keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient is also considered a humectant. Humectants help hydrate the skin by drawing moisture to it.
Learn more about InositolWe don't have a description for Isodecyl Acrylate yet.
Myristyl Myristate is created from the fatty acids of myristyl alcohol and myristic acid. In skincare, it is an emollient and texture enhancer.
On its own, this ingredient has a comedogenicity index of 5/5. This means it has the potential to clog pores. When diluted with cetyl alcohol or propylene glycol, the comedogenicity will decrease.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Nutmeg, palm kernel oil, and coconut oil all contain this ingredient naturally.
Learn more about Myristyl MyristatePeg-8 Dimethicone is a water-soluble silicone. It reduces tackiness, boosts moisture, and enhances the spreadability of products.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Polyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.
It is also typically used within product formulations to help bind solid ingredients together and thicken oil-based ingredients. When added to balms and emulsions, it helps increase the melting point temperature.
Serine is an amino acid naturally found in our body. Our bodies use amino acids to create protein.
Amino-acids help give keep our skin hydrated. They play an important role in the skin barrier, which keeps the skin plump and firm.
Serine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning we don't need to obtain it from eating foods.
Learn more about SerineSodium metabisulfite is also known as Sodium Pyrosulfite. It is a preservative, antioxidant, and disinfectant.
As a preservative, it helps stabilize cosmetic formulas without affecting their color or scent.
We don't have a description for Sodium Metaphosphate yet.
Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneStearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients.
Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent alcohols. FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Stearyl AlcoholTocopheryl 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 AcetateTrehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseTrimethylpyrazine is a fragrance.
Water. 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