What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Snail Secretion Filtrate
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningOlivoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
CleansingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Oleate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingGlycerin
HumectantOrbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientPEG-90m
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone
EmollientTriethanolamine
BufferingBetaine
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSesamum Indicum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Berry Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSolanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantPaeonia Lactiflora Bark/Sap Extract
Skin ConditioningLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningBuddleja Davidii Extract
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Extract
PerfumingAloe Vera Callus Extract
AntioxidantPanax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningBambusa Vulgaris Callus Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningMyrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEuterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Parfum
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSnail Secretion Filtrate, Water, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Olivoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Oleate, Glyceryl Stearate, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Polydecene, PEG-90m, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Triethanolamine, Betaine, Xanthan Gum, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Adenosine, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Copper Tripeptide-1, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Bark/Sap Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Buddleja Davidii Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Aloe Vera Callus Extract, Panax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Callus Culture Extract, Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin
Snail Secretion Filtrate
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningOlivoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
CleansingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Oleate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlycereth-26
HumectantBetaine
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingOrbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientVinyldimethicone
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientMethyl Glucose Sesquistearate
EmollientArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingArginine
MaskingPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHoney Extract
HumectantRosa Multiflora Fruit Extract
MaskingGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentAcanthopanax Senticosus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPunica Granatum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Extract
PerfumingHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSesamum Indicum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPEG-90m
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitrus Nobilis Peel Extract
MaskingCupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningHedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract
AntimicrobialCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingLitsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
MaskingRibes Nigrum Leaf Extract
PerfumingSnail Secretion Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, Adenosine, Olivoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Oleate, Glyceryl Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycereth-26, Betaine, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Vinyldimethicone, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Arachidyl Glucoside, Lecithin, Stearic Acid, Arginine, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Honey Extract, Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Acanthopanax Senticosus Root Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Copper Tripeptide-1, PEG-90m, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Nobilis Peel Extract, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract, Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Ribes Nigrum Leaf Extract
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
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineBetaine 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 GlycolThis ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCarbomer is a high-molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid. It is used to form gels and thicken formulas.
Due to its large molecular size, carbomer has minimal skin penetration and is considered an inert ingredient.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Learn more about CarbomerCetearyl alcohol is a waxy mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Despite having "alcohol" in its name, it has nothing to do with drying solvent alcohols; the FDA also allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols like this ingredient.
It plays several roles in a formula:
Typical use levels for this ingredient sit around 1-10% and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has affirmed safety at concentrations up to 25% in leave-on products.
Multiple assessments have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing to most people.
However, there have been some cases of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with chronically compromised skin barriers.
Cetearyl alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 and irritancy rating of 1. Both of these numbers come from the 1989 study that used rabbit ears; a "2" means mildly comedogenic and a "1" means low irritancy.
Here's the catch: rabbit skin is more sensitive than human skin and throws a lot of false positives. A 1996 reappraisal found that ingredients rated 1-2 in the rabbit ear tests are generally safe for humans.
Remember comedogenic ratings are unable to assess the entire formula of a product or how it will react on your skin. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure about certain ingredients.
This ingredient is not fungal acne safe. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with chain lengths that fall within the range that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCopper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is a skin repairing ingredient known for its ability to boost collagen, improve firmness, and support skin regeneration.
It is a complex made up of a naturally occurring peptide (glycine-histidine-lysine) and copper, an essential trace element.
While studying wound healing, researchers noticed GHK-Cu stimulated hair follicle enlargement and growth by keeping hair in its active growth phase longer. This has made it a promising ingredient for hair regrowth treatments.
Some people have reported increased facial hair. While GHK-Cu can make your hair follicles bigger, it usually doesn’t turn soft, barely-visible facial hairs into thick, dark ones.
Anecdotal reports suggest that overusing copper peptides might lead to premature aging due to excess free copper or enzyme imbalances. This claim isn’t backed by large-scale studies.
Unfortunately, there are limited human studies for this ingredient. While early results are promising, many studies are either small, in-vitro, or not rigorously controlled.
For example, there is a 1998 study that explored the effects of copper tripeptide, vitamin C, tretinoin, and melatonin on skin repair and collagen synthesis.
After one month, increased procollagen production was seen in 7 out of 10 participants using copper tripeptide (more than those using vitamin C, melatonin, or tretinoin.
While the study was exploratory, it offers early evidence that copper tripeptide may support collagen production. Larger, well-designed trials are still needed to confirm its potential and understand individual responses.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Copper Tripeptide-1Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlyceryl Oleate is the ester of glycerin and oleic acid. This ingredient is mainly an emollient and emulsifier.
Emollients soften and hydrate the skin by creating a thin film on top to trap in moisture. As an emulsifier, glyceryl oleate helps stabilize formulations by preventing ingredients such as oil and water from separating. According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps helps thicken water-in-oil formulations, shower gels, and hair shampoos.
In some products, this ingredient may be used as a fragrance / perfuming ingredient. The scent of this ingredient is described to be "waxy".
Glyceryl oleate is created from oils rich in oleic acid, such as peanut oil and olive oil.
This ingredient may not be malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Glyceryl OleateGlyceryl Stearate is made by reacting glycerin with stearic acid (typically sourced from plant oils like palm or coconut). It's an emulsifier, emollient, and mild occlusive.
Emulsifiers help ingredients like oil and water stay mixed so your formula stays nicely blended and uniform in texture.
This ingredient is typically used in concentrations between 1-10%. Studies have found it to be non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic, and non-photoallergenic.
A close cousin of this ingredient is Glyceryl Stearate SE ("self-emulsifying"). This just has a small amount of sodium or potassium stearate added so it can emulsify without a co-emulsifier.
Since this ingredient is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, it may not be fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast can potentially metabolize within the C11-C24 range.
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateGlycine Soja Seed Extract comes from the seed of the wild soybean plant. Wild soybean extract contains fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, linolenic), vitamin E, and antioxidants.
The wild soybean contains soyasaponins, a bioactive compound. Soyasaponins have inflammatory, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial properties. Soyasaponin has also been found to inhibit the melanin-creation process.
Two powerful components found in the wild soybean include genistein and diadzein. These two isoflavones are potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Genistein in particular has been found to prevent redness caused by UV exposure.
One study from South Korea found wild soybean extract to help promote hair growth at the cellular level.
The wild soybean plant is a cousin to the famous soybean that gives us tofu, soy milk, and soy sauce.
Learn more about Glycine Soja Seed ExtractHydrogenated Polydecene is a synthetic emollient. It forms a non-occlusive film on the skin's surface to provide a silky feel without being greasy.
In vivo studies in volunteers with atopic and dry skin showed no irritation or intolerance. The volunteers also saw a positive effect in dryness, scaling, and roughness after 28 days of use.
Concentrations up to 100% in guinea pig tests found it to be non-sensitizing and completely safe for use in cosmetics.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolydeceneHydrolyzed collagen has a misleading name because it is actually a mixture of various proteins/peptides. This ingredient has skin hydrating properties.
Collagen is the most abundant type of structural protein found in your body. In your skin, it is responsible for keeping it firm and youthful.
Hydrolyzed Collagen is created by breaking up proteins into smaller peptide bonds. These peptides act as humectants and emollients.
Humectants are great at holding onto water, keeping skin hydrated. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
There is ongoing debate about whether hydrolyzed collagen works because it increases skin hydration. Skin hydration is also linked to elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.
Collagen or peptide ingredients can be used in the morning or night. They will not increase sun sensitivity, but you should always wear sunscreen during the day.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is a great hair conditioner as well.
This ingredient can be extracted from different sources, including:
Vegan collagen is derived from yeast, bacteria, or plant sources. Vegan collagen would go by a different INCI name, such as hydrolyzed soy protein.
The results are varied.
A study from 2021 found hydrolyzed collagen increased elasticity and improved wrinkles in 1,125 participants between age 20 and 70. Another study found increased skin thickness in participants between the ages of 45 to 59.
However, It is difficult to prove that oral collagen will end up working on your skin. Many of the studies using hydrolyzed collagen also add several vitamins and nutrients into the test mixture as well.
Further studies are needed at this time.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed CollagenWe don't have a description for Leontopodium Alpinum Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Olivoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein yet.
Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil is from the seed of the Babassu palm plant. This plant is native to Brazil.
Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil contains many fatty acids with the most being lauric acid.
Like other plant oils, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil is hydrating and can help soften skin.
It is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off damage from free-radical molecules.
One study found this oil might contain anti-inflammatory properties, but more research is needed.
Learn more about Orbignya Oleifera Seed OilOryza Sativa Extract comes from the rice grain, Oryza sativa. Rice extract has wound healing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties.
Rice grains contain numerous antioxidants which may help with anti-aging, such as vitamin E. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radical molecules. Unstable free-radical molecules may damage your skin cells and accelerate signs of aging.
A study from 2002 found rice to help increase the rate of wound healing. The same study found an improvement of skin barrier function in the patients after taking rice baths.
Numerous in-vitro studies have found rice water to help decrease sun damage by increasing collagen production and inhibiting the process of tyrosinase.
Long story short- tyrosinase is an enzyme that controls melanin production. Our bodies start producing melanin (AKA tanning) when exposed to UV radiation to protect against damage. Rice water is found to partially block this process.
Though more research is needed on rice's ability to help with UV protection, recent studies seem promising.
Wondering why rice is hydrating? The protein in rice have emollient properties. Emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in, keeping your skin moisturized.
Some rice extract may have mildly-exfoliating properties. These are mainly limited to Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran and Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Powder.
This rice was first cultivated in China over 10,000 years ago. Many cultures throughout Asia have used rice water on skin and hair for centuries.
Learn more about Oryza Sativa ExtractWe don't have a description for PEG-90m yet.
Rosehip Oil is a non-fragrant plant oil. Rosehips are a fruit from a rose bush and are edible. This oil has skin conditioning and hydrating properties.
Rosehip contains Vitamin C, Vitamin E, fatty acids and linolenic acids. These nourish your skin barrier. Having hydrated skin may help reduce the appearance of fine-lines and wrinkles.
Another great component of Rosehip Oil is Vitamin A, or retinol. Vitamin A encourages your skin to create more collagen.
Rosehip oil may help with reducing pigmentation. The lycopene and beta-carotene have skin-lightening properties. However, more studies are needed to confirm this.
Learn more about Rosa Canina Fruit OilSesamum Indicum Seed Extract can be good for oily skin.
Snail Secretion Filtrate is the excretion from snails. It is an effective moisturizer and promotes collagen production.
A popular nickname for this ingredient is 'Snail Mucin'.
Snail mucin has numerous skin benefits:
On top of this, Snail Secretion Filtrate contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. These include copper peptides, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E. Vitamins A and E are antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals that damage skin cells.
Being cruelty-free means a brand does not experiment on animals.
If you're worried about the well-being of the snails, we recommend looking more into the company of the product. Many brands have developed humane methods to collect snail mucin.
There is much debate on this subject. On one hand, this ingredient comes from an animal. On the other hand, many will argue the ingredient is naturally secreted (like a natural by-product) and therefore vegan. If you have reservations, you can look into Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate or Centella Asiatica Extract as alternatives.
Learn more about Snail Secretion FiltrateThis ingredient comes form the common thyme plant. It has skin conditioning and perfuming ingredients.
In-vitro studies show strong antioxidant activity due to the high phenolic content of thyme.
Studies also demonstrate it has antimicrobial activity against acne-related bacteria. A 2017 study found this extract exhibited anti-inflammatory effects.
However, this ingredient does have sensitization potential due to its terpene content. Terpenes are among the most common causes of contact dermatitis.
This is kind of a double-edged sword situation where the same compounds that give it antimicrobial power can also irritate reactive skin.
Learn more about Thymus Vulgaris Extract