What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning2,3-Butanediol
HumectantPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin ConditioningAlumina
AbrasiveCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
MaskingHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil
Skin ProtectingPropylene Carbonate
SolventGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitrus Nobilis Peel Oil
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantLitsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingWater, Cyclohexasiloxane, Isododecane, Butyloctyl Salicylate, 2,3-Butanediol, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Caprylyl Methicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Alumina, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil, Propylene Carbonate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Panthenol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract
Collagen Water
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberHomosalate
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterSilica
AbrasivePanthenol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberNiacinamide
SmoothingBenzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberWater
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
MaskingCastor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCanola Oil
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCitrus Nobilis Peel Oil
MaskingLitsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
MaskingDaucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientGlucose
HumectantMannose
HumectantArginine
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAmodimethicone
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantTuber Magnatum Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingDimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantMadecassoside
AntioxidantAsiaticoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningSodium Dna
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Ascorbic Acid
AntioxidantLimonene
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingCollagen Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Homosalate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Silica, Panthenol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Niacinamide, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Methicone, Pentylene Glycol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Canola Oil, Tromethamine, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Glucose, Mannose, Arginine, Carbomer, Amodimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Beta-Carotene, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Ceramide NP, Tocopherol, Tuber Magnatum Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Sodium Dna, Glutathione, Ascorbic Acid, Limonene, Citral
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
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 GlycolCaprylyl Methicone is a synthetic and lightweight silicone fluid. It gives products a silky, dry-touch finish without the heaviness of pure oils.
Though the EU CosIng Database lists this ingredient as a skin conditioner, it is also used for sensory reasons. It spreads easily, cuts greasiness, and reduces tackiness.
This ingredient is volatile which means it will mostly evaporate (but it evaporates slower than older cyclomethicones, like Cyclotetrasiloxane).
Typical concentration ranges from 1-30% depending on if it's being used to tweak the feel of a product or acting as the main emollient.
Learn more about Caprylyl MethiconeCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractCeramide NP (formerly known as Ceramide 3) is one of the skin's naturally occurring lipids.
Since ceramides are the major lipid components of the skin, they are crucial for maintaining skin barrier and hydration. Ceramide NP most closely mirrors the dominant kind in human skin amongst ceramide subtypes.
This ceramide works by slotting into gaps within the stratum corneum's lipid matrix to limit trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and shield the skin against external irritants.
A study with 312 patients found that using a ceramide-containing routine for 4 weeks reduced the severity of atopic dermatitis by over 61%.
Another clinical study in subjects aged 60 and older found that a ceramide body wash and moisturizer improved skin dryness and itchy skin in 15 days.
Overall, ceramides are considered non-irritating and safety tests have found little to no observable adverse effects from using this ingredient.
Ceramide NP is usually sourced from plants (like soybean or rice bran), or produced synthetically.
Learn more about Ceramide NPCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil comes from the bitter orange, an orange native to Southeast Asia.
This orange is commonly used in cosmetics and food. It is a common ingredient for marmalade.
Citrus peels are often made up of mainly limonene, a fragrance with a citrus scent. They also contain flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Dulcis OilMandarin peel oil is an essential oil made by distilling the peel of mandarin oranges. It is primarily used for fragrance but has some secondary skin conditioning effects.
This ingredient is rich in limonene and is generally considered milder than some other citrus oils (like lemon or bergamot). It is not strongly phototoxic because it contains little to no furocoumarins when properly produced.
Like other essential oils, this ingredient can be a fragrance allergen.
Learn more about Citrus Nobilis Peel OilEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinThis ingredient is created by putting sodium hyaluronate through hydrolysis.
You might know this as 'mini' or 'ultra low-molecular weight' hyaluronic acid. The small molecule size means it is able to travel deeper in the skin.
According to studies, low molecular-weight hyaluronic acid can:
One study from 2011 found ultra-low weight HA to show pro-inflammatory properties. Another study from 2022 found it to downregulate UV-B induced inflammation.
Hydrolysis is a process of changing a molecule using water or enzymes.
This ingredient is water-soluble.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Sodium HyaluronateLitsea Cubeba Fruit Oil is also known as May Chang essential oil. It is mostly used as a fragrance ingredient and has a bright, sweet, and lemony scent.
The main fragrance compounds in this ingredient are citral (~70-85%) and limonene.
Citral has documented antimicrobial activity against acne bacteria (which is where the marketing claims about it being good for acne-prone skin originate), but real formulas use it at fragrance-level concentrations under 1%.
The main thing worth knowing is that citral is a known EU fragrance allergen so people with known fragrance sensitivities may want to skip it.
Unlike citrus oils, May Chang doesn't contain furocoumarins and therefore isn't phototoxic.
Learn more about Litsea Cubeba Fruit OilPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPolymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneSodium 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 HyaluronateTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
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