What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycereth-26
Humectant
Tuber Magnatum Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Polypropylsilsesquioxane
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Humectant
Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Betaine
Humectant
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Punica Granatum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Glyceryl Glucoside
Humectant
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Masking
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Eclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Xylitylglucoside
Humectant
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
Masking
Anhydroxylitol
Humectant
Artemisia Annua Extract
Masking
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Saccharomyces Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Xylitol
Humectant
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
Cleansing
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMelilotus Officinalis Extract
AstringentOlea Europaea Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Cymbopogon Citratus Extract
Skin ConditioningJasminum Officinale Extract
Masking
Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract
TonicSalvia Officinalis Extract
Antimicrobial
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingGlucose
Humectant
Rose Flower Oil
Masking
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Prunus Serrulata Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Origanum Vulgare Extract
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Water, Isododecane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Tuber Magnatum Extract, Butylene Glycol, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Betaine, Persea Gratissima Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Glyceryl Glucoside, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Adenosine, Saccharide Isomerate, Glycerin, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Anhydroxylitol, Artemisia Annua Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Xylitol, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Melilotus Officinalis Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Cymbopogon Citratus Extract, Jasminum Officinale Extract, Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Glucose, Rose Flower Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Prunus Serrulata Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Origanum Vulgare Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate, Parfum, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
Emollient
Atractylodes Macrocephala Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBupleurum Falcatum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningC12-16 Alcohols
EmollientAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate
EmollientCaesalpinia Spinosa Gum
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingCetearyl Glucoside
Emulsifying
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPunica Granatum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Wine
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Alanyl Glutamine
HumectantArginine
Masking
Oligopeptide-177
Phenylalanine
Masking
Sisymbrium Irio Seed Oil
Masking
Sodium Chloride
MaskingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Squalane, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Atractylodes Macrocephala Root Extract, Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract, C12-16 Alcohols, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Palmitic Acid, Citric Acid, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Maltodextrin, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Wine, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Alanyl Glutamine, Arginine, Oligopeptide-177, Phenylalanine, Sisymbrium Irio Seed Oil, Sodium Chloride, Tocopherol
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
Arginine 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 ArginineCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (tea extract) is one of the most well-researched plant extracts in skincare with an impressive resume.
Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from the Camellia Sinensis plant.
Studies show green tea extract and its catechins (like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)) help your skin cells product energy more efficiently and reducing the number of free-radicals that can damage your skin from the inside.
In lab-grown skin models, this translated to younger, healthier, and stronger skin.
There's also good sun protection data; researchers saw less DNA damage and redness on human skin when green tea was applied before UVB exposure. And the more they applied, the better the protection.
Needless to say, this ingredient shouldn't replace your sunscreen. But it is a great supportive ingredient that you can already find in many sunscreens and antioxidant serums.
A 2009 study found a 2% green tea lotion was effective for mild-to-moderate acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity.
The quality of the extract matters a lot here:
Good extracts contain 50-90% catechins while lower quality ones are mostly there for marketing. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the quality or source of their ingredients.
Human Repeated Insult Patch Testing showed no irritation or sensitization at use concentrations (0.86% in leave-on products and up to 30% as leaf water).
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycerin (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 GlycerinYou might know this ingredient as pomegranate fruit. It has been shown to have antioxidant, skin soothing and anti-aging benefits.
Pomegranates are rich in antioxidant compounds such as polyphenolic compounds such as ellagic acid, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and flavonoids.
Both in-vivo and in-vitro studies show pomegranate fruit helps with:
These benefits offer skin anti-aging and skin soothing benefits.
Fun fact: The name pomegranate comes from two latin words: "pome" or apple, and "granate" or "many seeded".
Pomegranate flower extract is often confused for pomegranate fruit extract, but comes from the flowers of the tree.
Learn more about Punica Granatum Fruit ExtractSodium 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 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
