What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butylene Glycol
HumectantGlycereth-26
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantBetaine
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Lactiflora Extract
AstringentPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantVolcanic Rock
AbrasiveEuterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Cucurbita Pepo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingSophora Flavescens Root Extract
AntioxidantPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientStyrene/Vp Copolymer
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingNelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Althaea Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantGlycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantMyrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
Emulsion StabilisingChrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingBetaine Salicylate
AntimicrobialPunica Granatum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantLactic Acid
BufferingLilium Tigrinum Extract
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Extract
AntiseborrhoeicPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantButylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Glycerin, Betaine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Water, Allantoin, Paeonia Lactiflora Extract, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Volcanic Rock, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Cucurbita Pepo Fruit Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Styrene/Vp Copolymer, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Centella Asiatica Extract, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Althaea Officinalis Leaf Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Limonene, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Parfum, Betaine Salicylate, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Lactic Acid, Lilium Tigrinum Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium EDTA, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBetaine Salicylate
AntimicrobialArginine
MaskingPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientHoney
HumectantRosa Multiflora Fruit Extract
MaskingGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentLigustrum Japonicum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAcanthopanax Senticosus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPunica Granatum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Extract
PerfumingMalva Sylvestris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningBambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract
HumectantSnail Secretion Filtrate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Betaine Salicylate, Arginine, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Honey, Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Ligustrum Japonicum Fruit Extract, Acanthopanax Senticosus Root Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Betaine, Allantoin, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum
Alternatives
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
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizingg properties. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Studies show higher concentrations of this ingredient can promote wound healing.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.
Aloe is one of the most well-known natural soothing ingredients, and for good reason. Itâs full of water and has a cooling, calming effect on the skin, especially when itâs sunburned, itchy, or irritated. Aloe also helps your skin stay hydrated and smooth by mimicking what healthy skin naturally produces. On top of that, it contains vitamins and nutrients that support skin recovery.Â
It doesnât protect you from the sun, but it can help your skin bounce back after too much time in it.
Letâs get into the details:
Aloe contains antioxidant Vitamins A, C, and E, which help fight off free radicals (unstable molecules from things like pollution that can damage your skin).
Itâs also rich in polysaccharides, which are natural sugars that help hydrate the skin by acting like the skinâs own moisturizing agents. These, along with other sugars like monosaccharides, help form a protective barrier that locks in moisture.
Aloe works as both a humectant and an emollient. That means it draws water into the skin (humectant) and helps trap it there (emollient), making it an effective natural moisturizer.
Youâll also find a mix of other skin-supporting ingredients in aloe, including folic acid, choline, calcium, amino acids, fatty acids, and even Vitamin B12.
Out of the 420+ species of aloe, Aloe barbadensis is the most widely used in skincare products thanks to its gentle yet effective properties.
There are over 420 species of aloe but Aloe Barbadensis is the most commonly used for topical products.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractBetaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Another name for betaine is trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineBetaine Salicylate is considered a salicylic acid alternative.
Limited studies exist proving this ingredient to be a complete alternative to salicylic acid. Based on existing research, this ingredient does not penetrate as deeply and is not shown to be as effective.
However, this makes it a great choice for those with sensitive skin or need gentle BHA action.
This ingredient is created using betaine and salicylic acid.
This ingredient is oil-soluble and is most effective at a pH range of 3.8-4.2.
Learn more about Betaine SalicylateButylene 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 GlycolCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
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 GlycerinGinseng root is a well-loved ingredient in Asian skincare for good reason. It hydrates the skin, soothes irritation, and helps even out skin tone.
In traditional East Asian medicine, ginseng has been used for centuries both as food and as a healing remedy, and modern research continues to confirm its skin benefits.
One of the standout features of ginseng is its ability to improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the skin, bringing a fresh supply of nutrients to support overall skin health. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to protect your skin against damage from UV exposure, pollution, and daily stress.
Additionally, studies suggest that ginseng may help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin production.
There are different types of ginseng used in skincare, and while they all share core benefits, their potency can vary.
Most products use fresh or white ginseng because itâs more affordable. However, red ginseng, produced by steaming the root, contains higher levels of ginsenosides, which are compounds with proven anti-aging effects. These ginsenosides help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
Note: All forms of ginseng are listed simply as âPanax ginsengâ in ingredient lists. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about which type of ginseng is used in their ingredients.
For general antioxidant benefits, any ginseng extract will do, but for wrinkle care or firmer skin, red or fermented ginseng is often more effective.
In short, ginseng is a powerhouse ingredient that supports hydration, radiance, and resilience.
Learn more about Panax Ginseng Root ExtractParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of âFRAGRANCEâ or âPARFUMâ according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumYou might know this ingredient as pomegranate fruit. It has been shown to have antioxidant, skin soothing and anti-aging benefits.
Pomegranates are rich in antioxidant compounds such as polyphenolic compounds such as ellagic acid, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and flavonoids.
Both in-vivo and in-vitro studies show pomegranate fruit helps with:
These benefits offer skin anti-aging and skin soothing benefits.
Fun fact: The name pomegranate comes from two latin words: "pome" or apple, and "granate" or "many seeded".
Pomegranate flower extract is often confused for pomegranate fruit extract, but comes from the flowers of the tree.
Learn more about Punica Granatum Fruit ExtractSodium 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 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water