What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientChrysanthemum Boreale Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningStearyl Alcohol
EmollientStearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientRehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGlutamic Acid
HumectantMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientThuja Orientalis Leaf Extract
AntioxidantArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningMorus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningGleditsia Japonica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLauryl Alcohol
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Cnidium Officinale Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningAcorus Calamus Rhizome Water
Skin ConditioningPEG-10
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningKeratin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingLecithin
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantOxidized Keratin
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingWater, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Chrysanthemum Boreale Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Stearyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Glutamic Acid, Myristyl Alcohol, Thuja Orientalis Leaf Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Gleditsia Japonica Fruit Extract, Lauryl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Lactobacillus, Acorus Calamus Rhizome Water, PEG-10, Glycerin, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Phenyl Trimethicone, Keratin, Panthenol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Citric Acid, Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Oxidized Keratin, Ceramide NP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientChrysanthemum Sibiricum Extract
AntimicrobialStearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantKeratin
Skin ConditioningMorus Alba Root Extract
BleachingPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTrideceth-12
EmulsifyingMenthol
MaskingArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantMagnesium Chloride
Magnesium Nitrate
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningPEG-10
HumectantPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningRehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningThuja Orientalis Leaf Extract
AntioxidantAmodimethicone
Lecithin
EmollientPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeLactobacillus/Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract/Honeysuckle Flower Extract/Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract/Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMethylchloroisothiazolinone
PreservativeMethylisothiazolinone
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Chrysanthemum Sibiricum Extract, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Cetrimonium Chloride, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glutamic Acid, Glycerin, Keratin, Morus Alba Root Extract, Phenyl Trimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Trideceth-12, Menthol, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Butylene Glycol, Ceramide NP, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Silk, Magnesium Chloride, Magnesium Nitrate, Panthenol, PEG-10, Persea Gratissima Oil, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Thuja Orientalis Leaf Extract, Amodimethicone, Lecithin, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Behentrimonium Chloride, Lactobacillus/Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract/Honeysuckle Flower Extract/Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract/Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract Ferment Filtrate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract is more commonly known as the common mugwort. It has strong antioxidant properties and helps soothe irritation.
Antioxidants protect skin from damage and the signs of aging.
This plant contains the compounds saponins, glycosides, flavanoids, protein, triterpenoids.
The common wugwort has been used in traditional Indian, Chinese, and European medicines to treat gastrointestinal diseases.
Learn more about Artemisia Vulgaris ExtractButylene 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 GlycolCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that 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. Just 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.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCeramide 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 NPDicaprylyl Carbonate comes from carbonic acid and caprylyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It is an emollient and gives skin a velvet feel. The sources of Dicaprylyl Carbonate may be synthetic or from animals.
As an emollient, Dicaprylyl Carbonate creates a film on the skin. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeGlutamic Acid is an amino acid that is found in all living organisms. Our bodies use this to help nerve cells in the brain communicate with other cells.
In cosmetics, glutamic acid is a famous humectant. It draws water from the air to your skin, keeping your skin hydrated (like hyaluronic acid).
An in-vitro study from 2024 found glutamic acid to play a role in inhibiting inflammation and thus a potential skin-soothing ingredient.
Other studies show it to be have potential wound healing, skin barrier repair, and hair growth properties.
Glutamic acid has poor solubility in water and other solvents.
Learn more about Glutamic 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 GlycerinHydrolyzed Keratin is derived from keratin. Keratin is a large protein that is naturally found in our hair and skin.
Studies show keratin is able to seal broken hair cuticles, helping to prevent split ends and breakage.
As a humectant, hydrolyzed keratin helps draw moisture from the air to your hair and skin. This helps keep your skin and hair hydrated.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed KeratinKeratin is a protein naturally found in our hair and skin.
In haircare, it has been shown to seal broken cuticles. This can help prevent breakage and split ends.
Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of phospholipids.
Thanks to its amphiphilic structure (water-loving head and oil-loving tail), it is a true multitasker:
It plays well with most ingredients and is typically used at 0.1-1%. However, concentrations up to 50% have been reported in moisturizers.
Learn more about LecithinGinseng root is a well-loved ingredient in Asian skincare for good reason. It hydrates the skin, soothes irritation, and helps even out skin tone.
In traditional East Asian medicine, ginseng has been used for centuries both as food and as a healing remedy, and modern research continues to confirm its skin benefits.
One of the standout features of ginseng is its ability to improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the skin, bringing a fresh supply of nutrients to support overall skin health. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to protect your skin against damage from UV exposure, pollution, and daily stress.
Additionally, studies suggest that ginseng may help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin production.
There are different types of ginseng used in skincare, and while they all share core benefits, their potency can vary.
Most products use fresh or white ginseng because it’s more affordable. However, red ginseng, produced by steaming the root, contains higher levels of ginsenosides, which are compounds with proven anti-aging effects. These ginsenosides help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
Note: All forms of ginseng are listed simply as “Panax ginseng” in ingredient lists. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about which type of ginseng is used in their ingredients.
For general antioxidant benefits, any ginseng extract will do, but for wrinkle care or firmer skin, red or fermented ginseng is often more effective.
In short, ginseng is a powerhouse ingredient that supports hydration, radiance, and resilience.
Learn more about Panax Ginseng Root ExtractPanthenol 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 PanthenolParfum 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 ParfumWe don't have a description for PEG-10 yet.
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.
Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconeWe don't have a description for Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine yet.
Thuja Orientalis Leaf Extract is an antioxidant.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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