What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
Smoothing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Dna
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningKappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantPolyglyceryl-4 Laurate
EmulsifyingNicotinamide Mononucleotide
AntioxidantPvm/Ma Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingPrunella Vulgaris Extract
AntioxidantOpuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningFucus Vesiculosus Extract
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingDisodium EDTA
Acetyl Hexapeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantOctyldodecanol
EmollientAstaxanthin
Skin ConditioningWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Dna, Arginine, Carbomer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Adenosine, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Sodium Phytate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Prunella Vulgaris Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Disodium EDTA, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ascorbic Acid, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Octyldodecanol, Astaxanthin
Collagen Water 62.94%
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycereth-26
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide 5%
SmoothingGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantPEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether
StabilisingDiethoxyethyl Succinate
SolventInositol
HumectantPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningOctyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingSodium Dna 0.05%
Skin ConditioningRosa Damascena Flower Extract 0.05%
MaskingMethyl Diisopropyl Propionamide
MaskingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Lecithin
EmollientPotassium Laurate
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantBenzyl Glycol
SolventCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientResveratrol
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantPolylactic Acid
AbrasiveAcetyl Hexapeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantTripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-2
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantAcetyl Octapeptide-3
HumectantPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningRaspberry Ketone
MaskingSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-11
Sh-Polypeptide-22
Skin ConditioningCollagen Water 62.94%, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Water, Niacinamide 5%, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trehalose, PEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Inositol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Octyldodeceth-16, Sodium Dna 0.05%, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract 0.05%, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Adenosine, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Octyldodecanol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Cyanocobalamin, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Lecithin, Potassium Laurate, Tocopherol, Benzyl Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Resveratrol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Polylactic Acid, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Silica, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-2, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Raspberry Ketone, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-11, Sh-Polypeptide-22
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 peptide is a lab-made "messenger peptide" that differs from other peptides; it's mostly known for nudging skin pigmentation upward rather than smoothing wrinkles like other peptides.
It works by mimicing parts of the alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone signaling pathway by telling pigment making cells (melanocytes) to make more melanin.
Our bodies produce melanin in response to UV so this peptide is marketed for supporting tanning and has also been explored in hypopigmentation contexts like vitiligo.
Though there is some human data, it's doesn't have the best "single-ingredient" evidence.
For example, an 8 week clinical study in middle-aged Chinese women found using an essence with 0.02% acetyl hexapeptide-1 + retinol improved photoaging related measures. Since it was a combo product, you can't attribute the results to the peptide alone.
In vitiligo research a topical cream with acetyl hexapeptide-1 plus other actives was reported to support repigmentation in some areas. Again, this was a combo product so it's not a pure “acetyl hexapeptide-1 did this” conclusion.
If you're trying to fade hyperpigmentation like melasma and sun spots, this may not be the ingredient for you. Again, its generally positioned as a pro-pigment / tanning support peptide.
Peptides are usually well tolerated but be sure to patch test if you're cautious or have extra sensitive skin.
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-1Acetyl 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-8Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineButylene 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, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolDisodium 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 EDTAEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is a more stable version of lecithin.
It's made by taking lecithin (a phospholipid commonly found in soybeans and egg yolks) and hydrogenating it. This just means the unsaturated fatty acids are turned into saturated ones so they don't go bad as easily.
This ingredient is an emollient, emulsifier, and penetration enhancer. As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Hydrogenated Lecithin can form tiny spherical structures made of phospholipid bilayers called liposomes. These liposomes are able to capture compounds inside their structure and deliver them through the skin barrier.
Because phospholipids are a natural component of our cell membranes, this ingredient is inherently compatible with skin.
A 2021 study found lecithin-based surfactants were less harsh and more tolerable comared to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
Learn more about Hydrogenated LecithinNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideOctyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a texture enhancer and pH adjuster.
It is be used to thicken water-based products and create a gel-texture with a velvet feel.
One manufacturer claims this ingredient to have a pH range of 2-8 and to be biodegradable.
This ingredient is also known as Sepimax Zen.
Learn more about Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) is a water-soluble form of Vitamin C. It is the salt of ascorbic acid.
This ingredient is commonly used in skincare because it's more formulation-stable while still offering the same benefits as pure ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is notorious for breaking down when exposed to sunlight and oxygen whereas SAP has been shown to be more stable.
Studies show SAP has anti-acne and antioxidant benefits. One study found 5% of SAP lotion to be an effective ingredient for treating acne vulgaris. This is because research shows that SAP may help control acne by reducing acne-causing bacteria and slowing the oxidation of skin oils caused by UV exposure.
In addition to acne, vitamin C is important for skin structure. Lab studies suggest SAP may support collagen production in skin cells, making it a great ingredient in anti-aging routines.
Vitamin C has many benefits: it helps reduce redness, improve skin texture, fade the appearance of dark spots, and brighten the skin.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateSodium DNA is an emerging anti-aging ingredient.
It is created by taking deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and purifying it with sodium hydroxide.
The DNA is extracted from several different animal sources, including: calf thymus, the gonadic tissue of a male sturgeon, or herring / salmon sperm.
You have probably seen this ingredient in anti-aging skincare. But what is it?
DNA is composed of nucleotides, or chemical building blocks. Nucleotides include adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). Talk about a flashback to biology! Nucleosides are formed from these nucleotides.
The science behind Sodium DNA is based on an ingredient called Polydeoxyribonucleotide or PDRN.
PDRN are DNA fragments mainly extracted from the sperm cells of trout or salmon. Meaning, PDRN can be derived from Sodium DNA.
PDRN consists of chains of nucleotides and nucleosides mentioned above. They can range anywhere from 80 - 2000 pairs.
Studies show PDRN has the following properties:
Most of the research on PDRN has been done using injectable forms. That’s important, because PDRN is a large molecule and doesn’t absorb well through the skin. So if you’re applying it topically, the effects are likely to be much milder.
Still, topical Sodium DNA is emerging as a trendy anti-aging ingredient. It’s generally well-tolerated and offers good biocompatibility with human skin, making it a low-risk addition to most routines.
Further studies are needed to truly confirm this ingredients anti-aging ability (Remember, retinol has decades of research!).
Sodium DNA may be sourced from fish, animal tissue, or plants. Since this isn’t always disclosed, we recommend asking the brand directly if the ingredient’s origin is important to you.
Learn more about Sodium DnaWater. 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