What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDibutyl Adipate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPolysilicone-15
UV FilterDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterNiacinamide
SmoothingEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningVp/Eicosene Copolymer
Methylpropanediol
SolventCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Caprate
EmulsifyingOrange Roughy Oil
Skin ConditioningSucrose Stearate
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientAlumina
AbrasiveHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Stearic Acid
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningIron Oxides
Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil
MaskingInulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Polyether-1
Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
MaskingT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingTocopherol
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantRosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningEpilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningRhododendron Ferrugineum Extract
MaskingTuber Magnatum Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientPrunus Mume Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSaponaria Pumila Callus Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Persica Fruit Extract
AbrasivePrunus Persica Flower Extract
MoisturisingCitric Acid
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDisodium Phosphate
BufferingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantLimonene
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Titanium Dioxide, Polysilicone-15, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Methylpropanediol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate, Orange Roughy Oil, Sucrose Stearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Alumina, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Iron Oxides, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Squalane, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyether-1, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, T-Butyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Allantoin, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Extract, Tuber Magnatum Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Prunus Mume Flower Extract, Saponaria Pumila Callus Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Prunus Persica Flower Extract, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, CI 77491, Limonene, Citral, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPropanediol
SolventIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningCedrus Atlantica Bark Oil
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingArtemisia Vulgaris Oil
PerfumingSalvia Sclarea Oil
MaskingJuniperus Communis Fruit Oil
MaskingFerula Galbaniflua Resin Oil
AntimicrobialHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolysilicone-15
UV FilterTerephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingTromethamine
BufferingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingStearic Acid
CleansingIsododecane
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentButylene Glycol
HumectantHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Erythritol
HumectantSorbitol
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientDisodium EDTA
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dibutyl Adipate, Dipropylene Glycol, CI 77891, Propanediol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Methyl Trimethicone, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Artemisia Vulgaris Oil, Salvia Sclarea Oil, Juniperus Communis Fruit Oil, Ferula Galbaniflua Resin Oil, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Pentylene Glycol, Polysilicone-15, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Tromethamine, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Isododecane, Octyldodecanol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Erythritol, Sorbitol, Tocopherol, Panthenol, Glutathione, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Behenyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, CI 77492, CI 77491
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.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 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 GlycolCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is a lightweight ester created from coconut oil fatty acids, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is an emollient that helps soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). What sets it apart from heavier emollients is its ultralight, non-greasy feel.
Once applied, this ingredient dries down quickly and leaves a dry, silky finish behind. This also helps improve spreadability and texture.
This ingredient has an excellent safety-record and is non-irritating.
Typical concentrations for cosmetics range from 0.5-62%.
Research on Malassezia growth found no growth on fatty acid esters with chain lengths shorter than 12 carbons (it prefers C11-24).
Since Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is built on C8 and C10 fatty acids, it is out of the range that Malassezia metabolizes, and therefore safe for fungal acne.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateDibutyl Adipate is an emollient and solvent. It is created from butyl alcohol and adipic acid.
As a solvent, Dibutyl Adipate helps mix and disperse ingredients evenly.
Dibutyl Adipate is soluble in water and organic solvents. It does not absorb UV rays.
Learn more about Dibutyl AdipateDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
DHHB is well-liked for:
DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.
This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateEthylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.
It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.
It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinHouttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.
The components found in Heart Leaf give it antioxidant, hydrating, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Heart Leaf is rich in flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, and more. It also contains polysaccharides, the most common type of carbs in food.
Flavonoids have been shown to be effective antioxidants. They help neutralize free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are unstable molecules that may damage our skin cells and DNA. The flavonoids in Heart Leaf also help soothe the skin.
Polysaccharides are naturally found in our skin. They play a role in hydrating and repairing the top layer of skin. The polysaccharides in Heart Leaf help moisturize our skin.
Studies show decanoyl acetaldehyde, a component of Heart Leaf oil, is effective at killing bacteria.
The name 'Fish Mint' comes from the herb's natural fishy smell. Is is native to southeast Asia and used throughout the continent for traditional cooking and medicine.
Learn more about Houttuynia Cordata ExtractHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidWe don't have a description for Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether yet.
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 NiacinamidePentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPolyhydroxystearic Acid is a vegetable-derived soft wax made from castor oil. It's an emulsion stabilizer, thickener, and film former.
You'll likely see it in sunscreens because it helps disperse pigments and UV-reflecting minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide evenly.
Depending on the concentration, it can drastically change the texture of a product from pasty solid (like lipstick) to sprayable liquid.
The CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety has concluded this ingredient to be safe in cosmetics. The highest reported use concentration is 14.2% in lipsticks.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidPolysilicone-15 is a chemical UV filter that absorbs UV-B rays.
It is a photostable ingredient used to boost SPF factor and protect products from UV-induced deterioration.
This ingredient is not water-soluble.
Learn more about Polysilicone-15Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium 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 HyaluronateStearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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