What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Cnidium Officinale Root Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Menthol
Masking
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTriethanolamine
BufferingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAcorus Calamus Root Extract
Perfuming
Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract
Antimicrobial
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantPanax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Propylene Glycol, Menthol, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Triethanolamine, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Acorus Calamus Root Extract, Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Glycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Mentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Ganoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin Protecting
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Caffeic Acid
Antioxidant
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialEcklonia Cava Extract
Skin ConditioningUrtica Dioica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningRhodiola Rosea Root Extract
EmollientDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Sophora Flavescens Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Lecithin
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 80
Emulsifying
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Disodium EDTA
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingParfum
Masking
Water, Alcohol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Biotin, Ceramide NP, Panthenol, Propanediol, Adenosine, Mentha Piperita Oil, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Allantoin, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Caffeic Acid, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Urtica Dioica Leaf Extract, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Sophora Flavescens Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Lecithin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 80, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Parfum
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
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholAllantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGinseng 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 PanthenolPeg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil comes from hydrogenated castor oil. It is a solubilizer and emulsifier.
As a solubilizer, it helps dissolve ingredients into a water-based version. It is also an emulsifer. Emulsifier help prevent oils and water from separating. Both these properties help create evenly-spread and uniform products.
Basically, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil helps hold ingredients together.
Learn more about PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor OilWater. 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
