What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPropylene Glycol Dibenzoate
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
EmulsifyingMethyl Hydrogenated Rosinate
PerfumingNiacinamide
SmoothingTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientOctyldodecanol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDipentaerythrityl Hexaisostearate
AbrasiveHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantCollagen Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingMagnesium Sulfate
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingStearic Acid
CleansingAlumina
AbrasiveIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Trimethoxycaprylylsilane
SmoothingPhytosterols
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, CI 77891, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Methyl Hydrogenated Rosinate, Niacinamide, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Isododecane, Octyldodecanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipentaerythrityl Hexaisostearate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen Extract, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Stearic Acid, Alumina, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Adenosine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Trimethoxycaprylylsilane, Phytosterols, Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hydroxycitronellal, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Homosalate
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientMentha Aquatica Extract
Tonic1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningAlumina
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientPropanediol
SolventHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantStearic Acid
CleansingPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingPropylene Glycol Dibenzoate
Skin ConditioningPolymethyl Methacrylate
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Tromethamine
BufferingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningMethyl Hydrogenated Rosinate
PerfumingC30-45 Alkyldimethylsilyl Polypropylsilsesquioxane
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantHedera Helix Extract
AntimicrobialCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningThiamine Hcl
MaskingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantBioflavonoids
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCarnitine
CleansingFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningNiacin
SmoothingRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Water, CI 77891, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Homosalate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Mentha Aquatica Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Alumina, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Stearic Acid, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Alcohol Denat., Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Tromethamine, CI 77492, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Disteardimonium Hectorite, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Panthenol, Methyl Hydrogenated Rosinate, C30-45 Alkyldimethylsilyl Polypropylsilsesquioxane, CI 77491, Polysorbate 80, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, CI 77499, Hedera Helix Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Pyridoxine, Thiamine Hcl, Ascorbic Acid, Bioflavonoids, Biotin, Carnitine, Folic Acid, Niacin, Riboflavin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyglutamic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Adenosine, Glutathione
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Adenosine is a purine nucleoside that your body already makes in every cell. In skincare, it acts mainly as a skin conditioning and anti-aging agent.
The way it works is fairly well mapped out:
Your skin has cells called fibroblasts that build collagen (the stuff that keeps skin firm and smooth). Adenosine basically flips a switch on these cells that tells them to get to work making more collagen and other proteins. These cells slow down on their own as skin ages, so Adenosine helps give them a little nudge to keep going.
The clinical backing is pretty solid too.
A blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 126 women aged 45-65 tested a 0.1% cream twice daily and found real improvements in crow's feet and frown lines using a precise 3D skin-mapping technique; these changes showed up by week 3 and held at 2 months.
A later study using Adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches reported gains in wrinkle depth, dermal density, elasticity, and hydration.
On concentrations, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has set 0.04% as the approved functional anti-wrinkle level. You'll typically see this ingredient used somewhere in the 0.04-0.1% range since it works at low doses.
This ingredient has been found safe for cosmetics with the data showing no irritation or sensitization.
Overall, this is a great ingredient for any anti-aging routine and has no photosensitizing effect, so it suits both AM and PM use.
Learn more about AdenosineAlumina (aka aluminum oxide) is an inorganic mineral powder refined from bauxite that works as a quiet workhorse in a formula.
It shows up often as an abrasive, absorbent, anticaking, bulking, and viscosity-controlling agent.
One of its most common jobs is acting as a pigment carrier and dispersant.
Alumina platelets are often blended with inorganic sunscreens like Titanium Dioxide (or with colorants) and then coated with a silicone such as Triethoxycaprylylsilane so the pigment spreads evenly and smoothly.
In makeup, it can also double as a light-diffusing powder or oil absorber to keep formulas from looking greasy.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded alumina to be safe in present practices of use and concentration.
They note it's a stable, oxidized compound and scientific research has failed to establish links to health issues.
Concentrations vary depending on the product:
Learn more about AluminaAluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideCi 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 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) is a lightweight silicone that mostly acts as an emollient and solvent in cosmetics. Its the reason your products feel silky, fast-spreading, and non-greasy.
Since D5 is volatile, it does its thing and then evaporates off the skin quickly.
The safety profile of this ingredient is reassuring; the US CIR Expert Panel concluded D5 is safe as used in cosmetics and Health Canada concluded that D5 is not harmful to human health or the environment as currently used in cosmetics
There's a study that people mention about D5 in a rat study showing tumors. This study is related to long-term inhalation of high D5 levels.
Regulatory bodies have judged this study to be not applicable in topical skincare since skin absorption of D5 is very low and we're not really inhaling huge amounts of D5.
The only restriction for this ingredient is environmental. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) restricted D5 in wash-off cosmetics at or above 0.1% due to their persistence in water.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicone. It has a high refractive index and adds shine to formulations.
According to the safety review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, it is safe for use in cosmetics under the current practices and concentrations.
Glycerin (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 GlycerinHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidMagnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having ‘sulfate’ in the name, it isn’t a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesn’t have the same cleansing or foaming properties (it's simply a type of salt).
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
You can find this ingredient in sea water or mineral deposits.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfateMethyl Hydrogenated Rosinate is a fragrance.
Niacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideWe don't have a description for Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate yet.
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful.
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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water