What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant2,3-Butanediol
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventNiacinamide
SmoothingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantCynanchum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningSarcosine
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningTroxerutin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningYeast
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientArginine
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantSerine
MaskingCarnitine
CleansingArginine/Lysine Polypeptide
Skin ConditioningTrisodium EDTA
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingLilium Speciosum Flower Oil
MaskingPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingSodium Citrate
BufferingHydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningSuccinic Acid
BufferingGlutamic Acid
HumectantChlorogenic Acids
AntioxidantAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantCoptis Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbic Acid
PreservativeGinkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Butylene Glycol, 2,3-Butanediol, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Trehalose, Glycerin, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Sarcosine, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Allantoin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Propolis Extract, Troxerutin, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Yeast, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Dimethicone, Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Serine, Carnitine, Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide, Trisodium EDTA, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Lilium Speciosum Flower Oil, Polyglutamic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Succinic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Chlorogenic Acids, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Sorbic Acid, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Madecassoside, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycereth-26
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantBetaine
HumectantSophora Angustifolia Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer
SolventSucrose Stearate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingCholesterol
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningLauryl Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer
CleansingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientLinoleic Acid
CleansingPalmitic Acid
EmollientPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingDextrin
AbsorbentTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantCoptis Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHoney Extract
HumectantHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningGinkgo Biloba Nut Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantMadecassoside
AntioxidantCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Panthenol, Glycerin, Betaine, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Sucrose Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, Propolis Extract, Serine, Cholesterol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Ceramide NP, Tocopherol, Polyquaternium-51, Lauryl Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glycine Soja Oil, Linoleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Honey Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Nut Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Madecassoside, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Betaine is a humectant. Like hyaluronic acid, it helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. It’s known for being gentle and for helping the skin maintain balanced hydration.
Betaine is mainly used to improve hydration and support calmer skin. It helps skin cells regulate water balance because it functions as an osmolyte.
Some studies suggest betaine may support making skin tone more even.
Fun fact: Betaine naturally exists in the skin and the body. In cosmetic products, it can be either plant-derived (most commonly from sugar beets) or synthetically produced for consistency and stability.
Betaine is also known as trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineButylene 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 GlycolCitronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolCoptis Japonica Root Extract, also known as Japanese Goldthread, is a traditional East Asian herb. It is prized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
That’s not all - research in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that its active compound, berberine, may help reduce fat accumulation and slow down fat cell development.
This makes it a promising ingredient for slimming and anti-cellulite products!
Learn more about Coptis Japonica Root ExtractDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolGlycerin (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 GlycerinHouttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.
The components found in Heart Leaf give it antioxidant, hydrating, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Heart Leaf is rich in flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, and more. It also contains polysaccharides, the most common type of carbs in food.
Flavonoids have been shown to be effective antioxidants. They help neutralize free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are unstable molecules that may damage our skin cells and DNA. The flavonoids in Heart Leaf also help soothe the skin.
Polysaccharides are naturally found in our skin. They play a role in hydrating and repairing the top layer of skin. The polysaccharides in Heart Leaf help moisturize our skin.
Studies show decanoyl acetaldehyde, a component of Heart Leaf oil, is effective at killing bacteria.
The name 'Fish Mint' comes from the herb's natural fishy smell. Is is native to southeast Asia and used throughout the continent for traditional cooking and medicine.
Learn more about Houttuynia Cordata ExtractHydrogenated Lecithin is a more stable version of lecithin.
It's made by taking lecithin (a phospholipid commonly found in soybeans and egg yolks) and hydrogenating it. This just means the unsaturated fatty acids are turned into saturated ones so they don't go bad as easily.
This ingredient is an emollient, emulsifier, and penetration enhancer. As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Hydrogenated Lecithin can form tiny spherical structures made of phospholipid bilayers called liposomes. These liposomes are able to capture compounds inside their structure and deliver them through the skin barrier.
Because phospholipids are a natural component of our cell membranes, this ingredient is inherently compatible with skin.
A 2021 study found lecithin-based surfactants were less harsh and more tolerable comared to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
Learn more about Hydrogenated LecithinLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolMadecassoside is one of four active compounds found in Centella asiatica and is one of the main reasons Centella is so effective at calming irritated skin and supporting the moisture barrier.
There's a solid body of peer-reviewed research backing Madecassoside for several skin benefits. Studies have found:
Madecassoside pairs well with other hydrating or antioxidant ingredients like Ascorbic Acid or Hyaluronic Acid.
Learn more about MadecassosideNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPropolis Extract is a natural ingredient derived from propolis (also known as bee glue). Bees make propolis by mixing their saliva and beeswax with resins collected from tree buds and plants.
This ingredient is packed with bioactive compounds like flavonoids, phenolic acids, and amino acids that give it antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Research shows it can help:
It also pairs nicely with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides.
Just so you know, Propolis Extract is recognized as a contact allergen. In patch tests done in the EU, roughly 1-6% of patients react to it. Be sure to steer clear of this ingredient if you have a known allergy to bee products.
Since it is an animal-derived product, this ingredient is not considered vegan. For vegan alternatives, check out Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate or Centella Asiatica Extract.
Learn more about Propolis ExtractSerine is a non-essential amino acid (your body makes it on its own!). It is a major player in your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
Serine is one of your NMF's most abundant components that works as a skin-identical humectant. Its hydroxyl group grabs onto water molecules to boost hydration without any heaviness or occlusion.
Research on a hydrogel with serine confirmed this serine got delivered to your stratum corneum and demonstrated enhanced skin moisturization.
Interestingly serine also helps your skin produce filaggrin, a protein that keeps your skin barrier strong and used to create collagen.
Learn more about SerineSodium 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 HyaluronateWater. 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