What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventNiacinamide
SmoothingGlycerin
HumectantBiotinoyl Tripeptide-1
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantPisum Sativum Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
HumectantUrea
BufferingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCitric Acid
BufferingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingTilia Tomentosa Bud Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingMethyl Aminomethylcyclohexane Carboxamide Hcl
Skin ConditioningMethyl Diisopropyl Propionamide
MaskingPropylene Glycol
HumectantWater, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Panthenol, Trehalose, Pisum Sativum Sprout Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Gluconolactone, Sodium PCA, Urea, Disodium Phosphate, Biotin, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, Tilia Tomentosa Bud Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Gluconate, Allantoin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Methyl Aminomethylcyclohexane Carboxamide Hcl, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Propylene Glycol
Water
Skin ConditioningC13-15 Alkane
SolventCoconut Alkanes
EmollientPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientKeratin
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingSqualane
EmollientQuercus Petraea Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-34
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Dipeptide-52
Skin ConditioningCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPanthenol
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningLinum Usitatissimum Seed Extract
PerfumingQuaternium-95
UV AbsorberHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract
Lauryl Glucoside
CleansingJojoba Esters
EmollientPolyglyceryl-6 Laurate
EmulsifyingShea Butter Ethyl Esters
EmollientHydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientMyristyl Glucoside
CleansingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientTremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide
Emulsion StabilisingOryza Sativa Bran Water
MaskingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Rice Protein/Siloxysilicate
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Linseed Seed
HumectantSodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantPopulus Tremuloides Bark Extract
AntiseborrhoeicTocopherol
AntioxidantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningItaconic Acid
AntimicrobialSodium Phytate
Oryza Sativa Seed Protein
AntioxidantXylitol
HumectantPhytic Acid
Citric Acid
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningCalcium Gluconate
HumectantCaprylic Acid
CleansingParfum
MaskingGalactoarabinan
Gluconolactone
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantMaltodextrin
AbsorbentLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Phosphate
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingCoumarin
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, C13-15 Alkane, Coconut Alkanes, Propanediol, Glycerin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Keratin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Squalane, Quercus Petraea Fruit Extract, Copper Tripeptide-34, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-52, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Panthenol, Arginine, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Extract, Quaternium-95, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Oryza Sativa Extract, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract, Lauryl Glucoside, Jojoba Esters, Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Myristyl Glucoside, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Oryza Sativa Bran Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Rice Protein/Siloxysilicate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Phospholipids, Hydrolyzed Linseed Seed, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract, Tocopherol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Itaconic Acid, Sodium Phytate, Oryza Sativa Seed Protein, Xylitol, Phytic Acid, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Calcium Gluconate, Caprylic Acid, Parfum, Galactoarabinan, Gluconolactone, Trehalose, Maltodextrin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Phosphate, Potassium Sorbate, Benzyl Salicylate, Coumarin, Limonene, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Gluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneGlycerin 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 GlycerinPanthenol 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 PanthenolPhenoxyethanol 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 SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.
While Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil can be volatile due to its fragrant properties, the fragrance components are usually removed in the leaf extract.
Rosemary Leaf Extract contains many antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid. Rosemarinic acid, a compound found in rosemary leaf, has been found to help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf ExtractSodium 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 BenzoateTrehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water