What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantGlycereth-26
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningTrifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningGelidiella Acerosa Extract
Skin ProtectingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingAlgae Extract
EmollientAdansonia Digitata Seed Oil
EmollientHypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingPisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningMannan
Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract
AntioxidantLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientGlucosamine Hcl
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetearyl Olivate
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCommiphora Mukul Resin Extract
Skin ConditioningMicrococcus Lysate
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Rna
Skin ConditioningPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningLinoleic Acid
CleansingLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingMolasses
Skin ConditioningSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningMarrubium Vulgare Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientBambusa Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Campestris Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingDextran
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingLecithin
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
BufferingPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingOleth-3
EmulsifyingC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingCitronellol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Citrate
BufferingTetrasodium EDTA
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Propanediol, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Caffeine, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Algae Extract, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Pisum Sativum Extract, Trehalose, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Mannan, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Squalane, Glucosamine Hcl, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Olivate, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Commiphora Mukul Resin Extract, Micrococcus Lysate, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Sodium Rna, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Linoleic Acid, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Molasses, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Dextran, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Carbomer, Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Citric Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, T-Butyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Oleth-3, C14-22 Alcohols, Parfum, Citronellol, Limonene, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Tocopherol, Sodium Citrate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 19140, CI 15985
Betaine
HumectantPorphyridium Cruentum Extract
Skin ConditioningRubus Idaeus Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCaffeine
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCastanea Sativa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCentaurium Erythraea Extract
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Squalane
EmollientCommiphora Mukul Resin Extract
Skin ConditioningMicrococcus Lysate
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientDehydroxanthan Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingDecarboxy Carnosine Hcl
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Butylene Glycol
HumectantGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
PEG-8
HumectantParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingTocopherol
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantBetaine, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract, Rubus Idaeus Leaf Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Caffeine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Castanea Sativa Seed Extract, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Glycerin, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acetyl Glucosamine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Centaurium Erythraea Extract, Cetearyl Olivate, Squalane, Commiphora Mukul Resin Extract, Micrococcus Lysate, Lecithin, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Sorbitan Olivate, Decarboxy Carnosine Hcl, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, PEG-8, Parfum, Limonene, Tocopherol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Mica, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77499, CI 17200, CI 15985
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, commonly known as Argireline or Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, is a popular peptide in skincare. It’s often referred to as a “Botox-like” ingredient because it helps reduce muscle movement.
By relaxing these micro-movements, Argireline may help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. That said, it’s not as powerful as Botox, and research on its long-term effectiveness is still limited.
Beyond smoothing, Argireline may also support collagen production. Collagen is the protein that helps keep your skin firm, bouncy, and well-hydrated by strengthening the skin barrier.
So while Argireline isn’t a miracle fix, it can be a helpful addition to a routine focused on both prevention and skin health.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Butylene 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 GlycolCaffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and is rich in antioxidants.
While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.
Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.
Learn more about CaffeineThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
Manufacturers use the name Olivem 1000. This ingredient has been found to preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria. This ingredient is grouped with Sorbitan Olivate under the name Olivem 1000.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateCi 15985 is a dye made from petroleum. It is synthetically created and approved by the FDA for use in foods and cosmetics.
The color of this dye is orange/yellow.
This ingredient can be found in makeup, sun care, and skincare.
Learn more about CI 15985We don't have a description for Commiphora Mukul Resin Extract yet.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinWe don't have a description for Hordeum Vulgare Extract yet.
Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.
This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.
As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.
This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Some other names for this ingredient include soy lecithin and deoiled soy lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneWe don't have a description for Micrococcus Lysate yet.
Parfum 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.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract is the extract from dried sweet almond seeds.
Almonds contain healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is a rich source of Vitamin E, a great antioxidant and skin conditioning ingredient. Sweet almond oil contains fatty acids such as linolenic acid and triglycerides.
Prunus amygdalus dulcis is native to Iran.
Learn more about Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed ExtractWe don't have a description for Sigesbeckia Orientalis 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 BenzoateSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.
Due to its olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolTocopheryl 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 AcetateThis ingredient is extracted from the germ part of the wheat plant. The germ of a plant refers to the seed embryo, or part that sprouts into a new plant.
Some studies have found wheat germ to help with wound healing.