Versus

Updated on June 28, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 28 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, peptides, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain oils and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Fresh Pressed Clinical™ Daily + Overnight Boosters with Pure Vitamin C 10% + A (Retinol)

Water

Skin Conditioning

Ascorbic Acid

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Dipropylene Glycol

Masking

Acetyl Glucosamine

Skin Conditioning

Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract

Emollient

Hordeum Vulgare Extract

Emollient

Morus Nigra Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Saccharum Officinarum Extract

Moisturising

Laminaria Digitata Extract

Skin Protecting

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

Astringent

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Humectant
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Algae Extract

Emollient
May worsen Oily Skin Icon

Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Alcaligenes Polysaccharides

Emollient

Caffeine

Skin Conditioning

Sucrose

Humectant

Lactis Proteinum

Skin Conditioning

Betaine

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Salicylic Acid

Masking
BHA IconPreservative IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Glycine Soja Protein

Emulsifying

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract

Skin Conditioning

Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane

Emollient

Propylene Glycol Dicaprate

Emollient

Helianthus Annuus Seedcake

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Carbomer

Emulsion Stabilising
1 / 0

Glyceryl Polymethacrylate

Tromethamine

Buffering

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

PEG-8

Humectant

Polysorbate 20

Emulsifying
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sodium Citrate

Buffering

Disodium EDTA

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Glycine Soja Oil

Emollient
3 / 0 Oil IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer

Methyl Trimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Polysilicone-11

Methyl Gluceth-20

Humectant

Retinol

Skin Conditioning
Retinoid IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract

Astringent

Laminaria Saccharina Extract

Skin Protecting

Gelidiella Acerosa Extract

Skin Protecting

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Salvia Sclarea Extract

Antiseborrhoeic

Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Plankton Extract

Skin Conditioning

Glycine Soja Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Micrococcus Lysate

Skin Conditioning

Hypnea Musciformis Extract

Skin Protecting

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Sodium Hydroxide

Buffering

Calcium Chloride

Astringent

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer

Lecithin

Emollient

BHT

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Sodium Benzoate

Masking
Preservative Icon
The Revitalizing Hydrating Serum

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Algae Extract

Emollient
May worsen Oily Skin Icon

Bis-PEG-12 Dimethicone

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Emulsifying

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking

Sucrose

Humectant

Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil

Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil

Emollient
1-3 / 0 Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Medicago Sativa Seed Powder

Skin Conditioning

Helianthus Annuus Seedcake

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil

Perfuming
Fragrance IconOil IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Sodium Gluconate

Skin Conditioning

Copper Gluconate

Skin Conditioning

Calcium Gluconate

Humectant

Magnesium Gluconate

Skin Conditioning

Zinc Gluconate

Skin Conditioning
Helps fight Acne Icon

Tocopheryl Succinate

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Niacin

Smoothing
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder

Skin Conditioning

Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract

Cleansing
Fragrance Icon

Commiphora Mukul Resin Extract

Skin Conditioning

Codium Tomentosum Extract

Skin Protecting

Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant Icon

Humulus Lupulus Extract

Antimicrobial

Citrus Reticulata Peel Extract

Skin Conditioning

Asparagopsis Armata Extract

Skin Protecting

Salicornia Herbacea Extract

Skin Conditioning

Alcaligenes Polysaccharides

Emollient

Glucose

Humectant

Porphyridium Cruentum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract

Skin Conditioning

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Caffeine

Skin Conditioning

Undaria Pinnatifida Extract

Skin Conditioning

Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Laminaria Digitata Extract

Skin Protecting

Maris Sal

Skin Conditioning

Castanea Sativa Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Plankton Extract

Skin Conditioning

Glycine Soja Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Humectant
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Trehalose

Humectant

Lactoperoxidase

Stabilising

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Lecithin

Emollient

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

Humectant
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Glycine Soja Protein

Emulsifying

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial

Punica Granatum Fruit Juice

Masking

Glucose Oxidase

Stabilising

Linolenic Acid

Cleansing
Fragrance IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydrolyzed Rice Extract

Skin Conditioning

Laminaria Saccharina Extract

Skin Protecting

Yeast Extract

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Acetyl Glucosamine

Skin Conditioning

Bisabolol

Masking
Helps reduce irritation Icon

Glycosaminoglycans

Emollient

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Sodium PCA

Humectant
0 / 0

Tourmaline

Linoleic Acid

Cleansing
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sorbitol

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Urea

Buffering
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Polyquaternium-51

Skin Conditioning

Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin

Masking

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Sodium Hydroxide

Buffering

Alcohol Denat.

Antimicrobial
Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Carbomer

Emulsion Stabilising
1 / 0

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Disodium EDTA

BHT

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Amyl Cinnamal

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Hexyl Cinnamal

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Benzyl Benzoate

Antimicrobial
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Citronellol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Limonene

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Coumarin

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Linalool

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

CI 42090

Cosmetic Colorant

CI 14700

Cosmetic Colorant
2 / 1

Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Algae Extract, Bis-PEG-12 Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sucrose, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, 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, Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract, Commiphora Mukul Resin Extract, Codium Tomentosum Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Humulus Lupulus Extract, Citrus Reticulata Peel Extract, Asparagopsis Armata Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Alcaligenes Polysaccharides, Glucose, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Squalane, Cholesterol, Caffeine, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Maris Sal, Castanea Sativa Seed Extract, Plankton Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Trehalose, Lactoperoxidase, Dimethicone, Lecithin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glycine Soja Protein, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Juice, Glucose Oxidase, Linolenic Acid, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Yeast Extract, Acetyl Glucosamine, Bisabolol, Glycosaminoglycans, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium PCA, Tourmaline, Linoleic Acid, Sorbitol, Urea, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyquaternium-51, Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Alcohol Denat., Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Amyl Cinnamal, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Benzoate, Citronellol, Limonene, Coumarin, Linalool, CI 42090, CI 14700

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin 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 Glycerin
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.

What it does:

Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:

Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.

Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.

This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.

Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.

Learn more about Dimethicone
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

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".

Learn more about Squalane
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Skin Conditioning

Acetyl Glucosamine is an antioxidant and humectant. It is an amino acid sugar and is naturally found in our skin.

The cool thing about this ingredient? It helps the skin produce hyaluronic acid and boost hydration. It also has antioxidant benefits to protect skin cells.

When paired with niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine has been shown to be effective at reducing discoloration.

Learn more about Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Protecting

Laminaria Digitata Extract comes from the dark brown seaweed, Laminaria Digitata. It is a potent antioxidant, which also provides soothing and hydrating benefits.

Many studies show the antioxidant components of Laminaria Digitata to help with anti-inflammation.

This ingredient is rich in amino acids, proteins, sugars, and vitamins. Small amounts of minerals such as phosphorous, iron, potassium, and copper are also found the seaweed.

These components help hydrate and nourish your skin's natural barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier leads to more youthful looking skin and may help reduce the signs of aging.

Laminaria Digitata is found in the northern Atlantic Ocean.

What's the difference between algae and seaweed? Algae is a broad term that includes seaweed. Not all algae is seaweed.

Learn more about Laminaria Digitata Extract
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is a peptide. A common name for this peptide is Argireline.

Argireline has a similar function to botox; it prevents muscle movement and contractions slightly. By preventing muscles from moving, argireline also prohibits the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. However, research is lacking in proving this ingredient to be as effective as botox.

On the other hand, argireline tells our body to create more collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.

Read more about other common types of peptides here:

Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Emollient, Humectant, Masking

Algae Extract is a confusing name. This is because algae is an informal term for a group of 30,000 aquatic organisms that can photosynthesize.

The term 'algae extract' can refer to any one, or a blend of, the 30,000 types.

Algae is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

Algae can also help with soothing and hydrating skin.

Many different types of algae have different benefits.

Learn more about Algae Extract
Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising, Humectant

We don't have a description for Alcaligenes Polysaccharides yet.

Skin Conditioning

Caffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and is rich in antioxidants.

While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.

Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.

Learn more about Caffeine
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Soothing

Sucrose is a natural sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It is the main constituent of white sugar.

In skincare, sucrose is a humectant and can be a mild exfoliant.

Sucrose is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water. This makes it an effective humectant and helps hydrate the skin.

Studies show sugars may worsen acne-prone skin due to it disrupting the skin's natural biome. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.

In some products such as body scrubs, sucrose is used as an gentle exfoliant.

The term 'sucrose' comes from the french word for sugar, 'sucre'.

Learn more about Sucrose
Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Glycine Soja Protein comes from the soybean. It is an emulsifer and helps to condition skin. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as water and oils.

Learn more about Glycine Soja Oil.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning, Tonic

We don't have a description for Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract yet.

Helianthus Annuus Seedcake is an exfoliant and isn't fungal acne safe.

Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.

A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.

Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan 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
Preservative

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.

This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.

Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.

You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.

Learn more about Potassium Sorbate

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA
Preservative

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.

We don't have a description for Laminaria Saccharina Extract yet.

Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.

Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.

Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.

Learn more about Cholesterol
Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Plankton Extract yet.

Skin Conditioning

Glycine Soja Seed Extract comes from the seed of the wild soybean plant. Wild soybean extract contains fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, linolenic), vitamin E, and antioxidants.

The wild soybean contains soyasaponins, a bioactive compound. Soyasaponins have inflammatory, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial properties. Soyasaponin has also been found to inhibit the melanin-creation process.

Two powerful components found in the wild soybean include genistein and diadzein. These two isoflavones are potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Genistein in particular has been found to prevent redness caused by UV exposure.

One study from South Korea found wild soybean extract to help promote hair growth at the cellular level.

The wild soybean plant is a cousin to the famous soybean that gives us tofu, soy milk, and soy sauce.

Learn more about Glycine Soja Seed Extract
Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Tocopheryl 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 Acetate
Buffering

Sodium 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 Hydroxide
Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.

This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.

As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.

As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.

This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.

Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.

We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.

Learn more about Lecithin
BHT
Antioxidant, Masking

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.

As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.

As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.

The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.

However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.

Learn more about BHT

When to use

8 Routines
50% use in am
50% use in pm
100% use every day
2 Routines
0% use in am
100% use in pm
50% use every day