What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientSqualane
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Bran Extract
AbrasiveCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
HumectantRetinol
Skin ConditioningKojic Acid
AntioxidantPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningAesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantSucrose
HumectantCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion StabilisingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSorbic Acid
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Squalane, Water, Avena Sativa Bran Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Retinol, Kojic Acid, Phospholipids, Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Tocopherol, Sucrose, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Maltodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolWater. 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 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