What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantNiacinamide
Smoothing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientCyclomethicone
EmollientPEG/PPG-18/4 Copolymer
SolventSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingIsohexadecane
EmollientPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientTri-C14-15 Alkyl Citrate
EmollientMyrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMalpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantArginine
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantLilium Tigrinum Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract
AntimicrobialChrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientAcanthopanax Senticosus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPunica Granatum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMalva Sylvestris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningBuddleja Davidii Extract
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Extract
PerfumingCamellia Sinensis Callus Culture Extract
PerfumingPhaseolus Radiatus Meristem Cell Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Methyl Gluceth-20, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Diisostearyl Malate, Cyclomethicone, PEG/PPG-18/4 Copolymer, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Adenosine, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Copper Tripeptide-1, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Tri-C14-15 Alkyl Citrate, Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Arginine, Carbomer, Panthenol, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract, Lilium Tigrinum Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Acanthopanax Senticosus Root Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Xanthan Gum, Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract, Buddleja Davidii Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Camellia Sinensis Callus Culture Extract, Phaseolus Radiatus Meristem Cell Culture Extract, Panax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingDipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientPolyacrylate-13
Polyisobutene
Polysorbate 20
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingC14-28 Alkyl Acid
Stearyl Alcohol
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingStearic Acid
CleansingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHippophae Rhamnoides Oil
EmollientArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningRaphanus Sativus Leaf Extract
HumectantOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningCucurbitaceae Extract
Skin ConditioningOrchid Extract
Skin ConditioningHoney Extract
HumectantPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCeteareth-20
CleansingGlyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Hydrogenated Lecithin, C14-28 Alkyl Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Adenosine, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ceramide NP, Trehalose, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Raphanus Sativus Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Cucurbitaceae Extract, Orchid Extract, Honey Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Phytosphingosine, Ceteareth-20, Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate, 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.
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 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 AdenosineButylene 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 silicone used to improve the texture of products and absorb oil. It does not get absorbed into the skin.
Like other silicones, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer helps condition the skin by creating a barrier. In this sense, it can act as an emollient and trap moisture in.
This ingredient is a type of elastomer.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerGlycerin 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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
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 NiacinamideGinseng 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 it’s 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 “Panax ginseng” 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 “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” 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 ParfumTocopheryl 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