What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
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
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingAmmonium Lauryl Sulfate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingParfum
MaskingCocamide Mea
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingDimethiconol
EmollientAlcohol
AntimicrobialTea-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
CleansingChrysanthemum Boreale Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningRehmannia Chinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingSalicylic Acid
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMenthol
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Tetrasodium EDTA
Niacinamide
SmoothingBiota Orientalis Leaf Extract
HumectantMorus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPinus Sylvestris Cone Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingLauramine Oxide
CleansingArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientGanoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialSalvia Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialCoptis Japonica Extract
AntimicrobialAloe Ferox Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMalus Domestica Fruit Extract
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingCalendula Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningCoix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeLimonene
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialWater, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Parfum, Cocamide Mea, Sodium Chloride, Dimethiconol, Alcohol, Tea-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Chrysanthemum Boreale Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, Sodium Citrate, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Glycerin, Menthol, Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Niacinamide, Biota Orientalis Leaf Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Pinus Sylvestris Cone Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Lauramine Oxide, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Salvia Officinalis Extract, Coptis Japonica Extract, Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Benzoate
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
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate is a type of sulfate. It can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, and worsen rosacea.
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 Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, a compound with two amino groups.
This ingredient is a surfactant and cleanser. It helps gather the dirt, pollutants, and other impurities in your skin to be washed away. It also helps thicken a product and make the texture more creamy.
Being created from coconut oil means Cocamidopropyl Betaine is hydrating for the skin.
While Cocamidopropyl Betaine was believed to be an allergen, a study from 2012 disproved this. It found two compounds in unpure Cocamidopropyl Betaine to be the irritants: aminoamide and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. High-grade and pure Cocamidopropyl Betaine did not induce allergic reactions during this study.
Learn more about Cocamidopropyl BetaineDisodium 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 EDTAGlycerin (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 GlycerinHouttuynia 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 ExtractLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolWe don't have a description for Morus Alba Bark Extract yet.
Niacinamide 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 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.
This plant derived ingredient has skin conditioning and antioxidant properties.
You may see his ingredient in hair and scalp products because some research suggests it may support hair growth. However, strong human clinical evidence is limited.
We don't have a description for Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract yet.
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a foaming, cleansing, and emulsifying ingredient. It is created from palm kernel oil or coconut oil. SLES is not the same as sodium lauryl sulfate. It is much milder and less likely to irritate.
SLES helps create foam in personal products. It also prevents ingredients from separating, helping to elongate the shelf life.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a type of sulfate. It can be drying. We recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient if you have concerns.
Learn more about Sodium Laureth SulfateWater. 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 WaterWe don't have a description for Chrysanthemum Boreale Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract yet.