What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingBakuchiol
AntimicrobialCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientRetinol
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningMelissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingRosa Damascena Extract
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Tropolone
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Glycerin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Bakuchiol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Retinol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Water, Butylene Glycol, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Caprylyl Glycol, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Disodium EDTA, Tropolone
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantAzelaic Acid
BufferingHexyl Laurate
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Cetearyl Alcohol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantSorbitol
HumectantSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingPPG-12/Smdi Copolymer
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientGlycosaminoglycans
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDicetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCeteth-10 Phosphate
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingEthyl Linoleate
EmollientHexylresorcinol
AntimicrobialSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentSymphytum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPlantago Ovata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract
AntimicrobialCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientImperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningArctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMalva Sylvestris Extract
AstringentMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPrimula Veris Extract
Skin ConditioningAlchemilla Vulgaris Extract
AstringentVeronica Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningMelissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAchillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingMitracarpus Scaber Extract
Skin ConditioningSambucus Nigra Flower Extract
RefreshingArnica Montana Flower Extract
MaskingParietaria Officinalis Extract
EmollientBakuchiol
AntimicrobialGlutamine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningLeucine
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningPEG-60 Almond Glycerides
EmulsifyingGlycine
BufferingNordihydroguaiaretic Acid
AntioxidantOleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningSyringa Vulgaris Leaf Cell Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePropylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentAlcohol
AntimicrobialEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Azelaic Acid, Hexyl Laurate, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Sorbitan Olivate, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, Niacinamide, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycosaminoglycans, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dicetyl Phosphate, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Ethyl Linoleate, Hexylresorcinol, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Symphytum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract, Plantago Ovata Seed Extract, Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Malva Sylvestris Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Primula Veris Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Veronica Officinalis Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Mitracarpus Scaber Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Parietaria Officinalis Extract, Bakuchiol, Glutamine, Proline, Leucine, Serine, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Glycine, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Oleanolic Acid, Syringa Vulgaris Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Maltodextrin, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived antioxidant (it's vegan!). It is often called the replacement for retinol although it is not part of the same family.
It has similar effects as retinol: skin smoothing, reducing discoloration, and preventing wrinkles. It does not cause as much irritation as traditional retinoids.
Bakuchiol works by breaking down free radicals and stimulating collagen production in skin.
Combining bakuchiol with retinol will not have adverse side effects. Studies show using them will just boost the benefits. Bakuchiol is also found to help stabilize retinol.
While bakuchiol does not make the skin more sun sensitive, we recommend wearing SPF on a daily basis.
Read more about traditional retinol
Learn more about BakuchiolButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCarbomer 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.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
Manufacturers use the name Olivem 1000. This ingredient has been found to preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria. This ingredient is grouped with Sorbitan Olivate under the name Olivem 1000.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisodium 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 EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinLemon balm is a mint-family herb with skin conditioning properties. It contains components such as rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, geraniol, citronellal, and ursolic acid.
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 NiacinamideSodium 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 HyaluronateSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.
Due to its olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateTocopheryl 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 AcetateWater. 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 WaterXanthan 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