What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientStearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingBrassica Napus Seed Oil
EmollientGlutamic Acid
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAmodimethicone
Niacinamide
SmoothingGanoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingButylene Glycol
HumectantGinkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialCyclotetrasiloxane
EmollientLavandula Angustifolia Flower Water
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantTrideceth-12
EmulsifyingCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPinus Sylvestris Cone Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientCoix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialSalvia Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Parfum, Brassica Napus Seed Oil, Glutamic Acid, Dimethicone, Persea Gratissima Oil, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Amodimethicone, Niacinamide, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Butylene Glycol, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Water, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Trideceth-12, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Pinus Sylvestris Cone Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Alcohol, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Salvia Officinalis Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningChrysanthemum Boreale Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingAmmonium Lauryl Sulfate
CleansingHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientPEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
EmulsifyingPPG-3 Caprylyl Ether
SolventParfum
MaskingRehmannia Chinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSilkworm Cocoon Extract
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientPlukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil
EmollientMorus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Gigas Root Extract
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCrinum Asiaticum Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantPolyquaternium-73
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingTea-Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-7
Disodium EDTA
Laureth-23
CleansingLaureth-3
EmulsifyingMica
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPvp
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientLinalool
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingWater, Chrysanthemum Boreale Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether, Parfum, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Silkworm Cocoon Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Niacinamide, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Crinum Asiaticum Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Polyquaternium-73, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate, Trihydroxystearin, Polyquaternium-7, Disodium EDTA, Laureth-23, Laureth-3, Mica, Butylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77491, Xanthan Gum, Pvp, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is a botanical extract pulled from the leaves of aloe vera and one of the most studied plant ingredients in cosmetics.
The inner leaf gel it comes from is mostly water (~99-99.5%) and the remaining fraction is made up of pretty good stuff: polysaccharides, vitamins, phenolics, and enzymes.
Its headline job is hydration.
The star polysaccharide in aloe, acemannan, is a humectant that retains moisture and helps reduce trans-epidermal water loss.
Aloe also has real soothing credentials; it contains anti-inflammatory compounds like bradykinase and C-glucosyl chromone that help calm irritation and redness.
On the repair side, lab work shows that acemannan wakes up your skin's repair cells (fibroblasts), prompting them to multiply and speed up healing.
There's some human data for cosmetic benefit too: a cream containing 10% Aloe Barbadensis leaf extract improved skin hydration and elasticity in a real-use study.
Safety-wise, this ingredient is well-regarded with just one rare downside; there have been some case reports of acute eczema, contact urticaria, and dermatitis in people who applied aloe-derived ingredients topically. Those with a known aloe or Liliaceae sensitivity should patch test.
Typical use levels range widely, from under 1% up to 90%+ depending on the format and the effect you are after.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf 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 GlycolDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisodium 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 EDTAHouttuynia 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 ExtractNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideGinseng 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 ParfumPhenoxyethanol is one of the most widely used preservatives in skincare (and for good reason!).
It has a large spectrum of antimicrobial activity and especially effective bacteria, yeast, and mold while only having a weak effect on your skin's natural microbiome.
On a cellular level, it disrupts the cell membranes of microbes by poking holes that make the cell leak. This shuts down the chemical reactions the microbe needs to make energy so it can no longer survive.
Another perk of this ingredient is that it stays functional across a wide pH range (3-10).
You'll often see it paired with boosters like Ethylhexylglycerin; one study showed that a 1:9 ratio of Ethylhexylglycerin to Phenoxyethanol damages bacterial membranes as effectively as doubling the Phenoxyethanol concentration on its own.
Typical use concentrations range from 0.3-1% depending on the formula, and this ingredient is capped at 1% int the EU.
Safety-wise, the fear mongering does not hold up to the evidence. The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and FDA consider it safe as a preservative at up to 1%, including for children of all ages.
Adverse systemic effects only showed up in animal studies at exposures roughly 200x higher than what people get from cosmetics. And despite its very widespread use, this ingredient is a rare sensitizer and allergic reactions are uncommon.
Learn more about PhenoxyethanolTocopheryl Acetate is a stable, shelf-friendly form of vitamin E.
Formulators love it because plain vitamin E oxidizes quickly once it hits air. This acetate version stays stable and resists going off, helping to extend a product's shelf life.
It's actually inactive on its own and works like a slow-release "storage" form; the enzymes in your skin called esterases gradually convert it into active vitamin E over time.
One in vivo study showed 5% of the acetate in the living layer of the epidermis converted to vitamin E after 5 days of application. This study also found the skin gained protection against UV damage even though the conversion was slow and small.
Once converted, vitamin E acts as a skin's main fat-soluble antioxidant that fights free radicals to protect skin from damage.
Topical vitamin E generally boosts the skin's photoprotection, and it reduced UV-damage in animal models.
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.
Overall, it has a pretty solid safety profile and has been found to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic. Allergic reactions may happen but stay rare due to how widely the ingredient gets used.
The concentration will vary depending on the formula; industry data shows 0.1% in baby lotions, 3% in lipsticks, and 5% in foot powders. You can also find this ingredient at 100% in a pure vitamin E oil.
Most leave-on skincare keeps it at the lower end, often between 0.5-1%.
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