What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Isododecane
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Polysilicone-11
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Squalane
Emollient
Hypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingGelidiella Acerosa Extract
Skin ProtectingSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Lactis Proteinum
Skin ConditioningIsohexadecane
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
PEG-8
HumectantYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG-6
HumectantDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Phosphate
BufferingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingTin Oxide
Abrasive
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Polysilicone-11, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Squalane, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Caffeine, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Lactis Proteinum, Isohexadecane, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Cholesterol, PEG-8, Yeast Extract, PEG-6, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Phosphate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Polysorbate 80, Carbomer, Hexylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Potassium Hydroxide, Tin Oxide, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Isocetyl Stearate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Hydrogenated Coconut Oil
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Mannitol
Humectant
Lecithin
Emollient
Lauryl Glucoside
CleansingPolyglyceryl-6 Laurate
Emulsifying
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingParfum
Masking
Sucrose Dilaurate
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Myristyl Glucoside
CleansingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSucrose Palmitate
EmollientGlycogen
HumectantPullulan
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Cleansing
Isohexadecane
EmollientLysolecithin
EmulsifyingAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Linoleate
Emollient
Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Pisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingBorago Officinalis Seed Oil
Emollient
Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Hexamidine Diisethionate
Emollient
Oenothera Biennis Oil
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Trihydroxystearin
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Glucose
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
BHT
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Chloride
Beta-Sitosterol
Emulsion Stabilising
Phytic Acid
Squalene
Emollient
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Calcium Chloride
AstringentBHA
Antioxidant
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11
Skin Conditioning
Magnesium Sulfate
Glutamine
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Phosphate
BufferingCI 15510
Cosmetic ColorantAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Sodium Acetate
BufferingLysine Hcl
Skin Conditioning
Arginine Hcl
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Alanine
Masking
Histidine Hcl
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingLeucine
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningTryptophan
MaskingPhenylalanine
Masking
Tyrosine
MaskingGlycine
Buffering
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Glucomannan
Skin ConditioningSerine
Masking
Cystine
MaskingCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Asparagine
MaskingAspartic Acid
Masking
Ornithine Hcl
Skin ConditioningGlutamic Acid
Humectant
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin Conditioning
CI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantMethionine
Skin ConditioningTaurine
BufferingHydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningGlucosamine Hcl
Coenzyme A
Skin ConditioningSodium Glucuronate
HumectantThiamine Diphosphate
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Acetate
Skin Conditioning
Inositol
Humectant
Niacin
SmoothingPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCalcium Pantothenate
Riboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Tocopheryl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Thiamine Hcl
MaskingFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Propanediol, Isocetyl Stearate, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Maltodextrin, Pentylene Glycol, Mannitol, Lecithin, Lauryl Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate, Lauroyl Lysine, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Sucrose Dilaurate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Myristyl Glucoside, Sclerotium Gum, Sucrose Palmitate, Glycogen, Pullulan, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Isohexadecane, Lysolecithin, Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Retinol, Glyceryl Linoleate, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Pisum Sativum Extract, Sodium Chloride, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Hexamidine Diisethionate, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Silica, Trihydroxystearin, Niacinamide, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Lactobacillus Ferment, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Polysorbate 60, Ceramide NP, Potassium Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Glucose, Phenoxyethanol, Bisabolol, BHT, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Potassium Chloride, Beta-Sitosterol, Phytic Acid, Squalene, Potassium Sorbate, Calcium Chloride, BHA, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Magnesium Sulfate, Glutamine, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Sodium Phosphate, CI 15510, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Acetate, Lysine Hcl, Arginine Hcl, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Alanine, Histidine Hcl, Valine, Leucine, Threonine, Isoleucine, Tryptophan, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Glycine, Polysorbate 80, Glucomannan, Serine, Cystine, Cyanocobalamin, Glutathione, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Ornithine Hcl, Glutamic Acid, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Proline, CI 17200, Methionine, Taurine, Hydroxyproline, Glucosamine Hcl, Coenzyme A, Sodium Glucuronate, Thiamine Diphosphate, Retinyl Acetate, Inositol, Niacin, Pyridoxine Hcl, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate, Thiamine Hcl, Folic Acid
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylyl 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 or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycerin (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 GlycerinIsohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.
Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.
Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.
Learn more about IsohexadecanePhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Polysorbate 80 is a surfactant and emulsifier. It is used to keep ingredients together, and prevent oils and waters from separating.
It is made from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid. This ingredient can be found in cosmetics, foods, and medicine. It is water-soluble.
Polysorbate 80 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 80Potassium 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 SorbateSodium 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 HyaluronateSodium Phosphate is is behind-the-scenes formulation helper. Its main job is buffering, or locking in the product's pH.
This helps ensure the formula stays at its intended acidity through manufacturing, shipping, and sitting on your shelf. Many active ingredients like vitamin C or retinoids are pH sensitive so maintaining their happy pH range matters.
It is synthetic and reported use concentrations are very low (up to 0.086% in face powders).
Learn more about Sodium PhosphateWater. 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
