What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantPvm/Ma Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin ConditioningJojoba Esters
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingCyclomethicone
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Dimethicone
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantArginine
MaskingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientLilium Tigrinum Extract
Skin ConditioningCucurbita Pepo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Extract
PerfumingPsidium Guajava Fruit Extract
AstringentMalpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningSnail Secretion Filtrate
Skin ConditioningLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningMalva Sylvestris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningBuddleja Davidii Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Vera Callus Extract
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Callus Culture Extract
PerfumingChrysanthemum Indicum Callus Culture Extract
AntioxidantBambusa Vulgaris Callus Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingWater, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Jojoba Esters, 1,2-Hexanediol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Cyclomethicone, Polysorbate 60, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sorbitan Stearate, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Arginine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Lilium Tigrinum Extract, Cucurbita Pepo Fruit Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract, Buddleja Davidii Extract, Aloe Vera Callus Extract, Camellia Sinensis Callus Culture Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Callus Culture Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Callus Culture Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientPaeonia Lactiflora Bark/Sap Extract
Skin ConditioningLilium Tigrinum Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningChrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCucurbita Pepo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantOrbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningSea Water
HumectantHoney
HumectantPearl Extract
AntioxidantArginine
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlycereth-26
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingNiacinamide
SmoothingRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientMyrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEuterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialRosa Multiflora Fruit Extract
MaskingGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentLigustrum Japonicum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEcklonia Cava Extract
Skin ConditioningHizikia Fusiforme Extract
Skin ConditioningCodium Tomentosum Extract
Skin ProtectingGelidium Cartilagineum Extract
Skin ProtectingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Leontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningMalva Sylvestris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Callus Culture Extract
PerfumingBambusa Vulgaris Callus Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Bark/Sap Extract, Lilium Tigrinum Extract, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Cucurbita Pepo Fruit Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceramide NP, Sea Water, Honey, Pearl Extract, Arginine, Panthenol, Glycereth-26, Carbomer, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Isononyl Isononanoate, Polysorbate 60, Niacinamide, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Dimethicone, Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Ligustrum Japonicum Fruit Extract, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Codium Tomentosum Extract, Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Camellia Sinensis Callus Culture Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Callus Culture Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum
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.
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
Aloe 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. It’s full of water and has a cooling, calming effect on the skin, especially when it’s 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.
It doesn’t protect you from the sun, but it can help your skin bounce back after too much time in it.
Let’s 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).
It’s also rich in polysaccharides, which are natural sugars that help hydrate the skin by acting like the skin’s 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.
You’ll 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 ExtractArginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of 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.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineWe don't have a description for Bambusa Vulgaris Callus Culture Extract yet.
Butylene 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 Callus Culture Extract comes from the callus of the tea tree plant. A callus is the mass of cells used to cover a plant wound.
This 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 CarbomerCucurbita Pepo Fruit Extract comes from the field pumpkin, including winter squash and the traditional orange pumpkin we see in Autumn.
Studies show pumpkin extract to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties.
Pumpkins are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and Vitamin C, manganese, magnesium, and potassium.
These vitamins and minerals all help hydrate, nourish, and protect skin.
The beta-carotene content provides excellent antioxidant properties. In fact, the antioxidant and nourishing potential of pumpkin has been studied extensively.
According to dermatologists, pumpkin enzyme is an AHA with similar properties to glycolic and lactic acid.
However, further studies are needed to look into just how this enzyme works on human skin.
Fun fact: Pumpkins were first domesticated in Southern Mexico about 10,000 years ago.
Learn more about Cucurbita Pepo Fruit ExtractDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinHydrogenated 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 LecithinHydrolyzed 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.
Lilium Tigrinum Extract comes from the Lily flower native to east Asia. It is more commonly known as "Tiger Lily".
Tiger Lily contains carotenoids, an antioxidant. Carotenoids give plants a distinct orange/yellow/red colors.
Studies show Tiger Lily has anti-inflammation properties.
Learn more about Lilium Tigrinum ExtractWe don't have a description for Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract yet.
Parfum 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 ParfumPolysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.
Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.
In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.
Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.
Learn more about Polysorbate 60Sodium 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