What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventTranexamic Acid
AstringentButylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingAminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantLactic Acid
BufferingErgothioneine
AntioxidantGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCitrus Nobilis Peel Oil
MaskingRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin ConditioningCichorium Intybus Root Extract
MaskingOpuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantifolia Oil
CleansingCyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum
Emulsion StabilisingTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium PCA
HumectantFructooligosaccharides
HumectantBioflavonoids
Skin ConditioningGlycoproteins
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingSqualane
EmollientAscorbyl Methylsilanol Pectinate
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningCystine
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMannitol
HumectantErgosterol
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMethylpropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Carbomer/Papain Crosspolymer
Phytic Acid
Citric Acid
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingAlgin
MaskingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingLimonene
PerfumingCitrus Species Peel Extract
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Propanediol, Tranexamic Acid, Butylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Lactic Acid, Ergothioneine, Glycine Soja Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Cichorium Intybus Root Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Tocopherol, Sodium PCA, Fructooligosaccharides, Bioflavonoids, Glycoproteins, Glycine, Squalane, Ascorbyl Methylsilanol Pectinate, Caprylyl Glycol, Beta-Carotene, Cystine, Pentylene Glycol, Mannitol, Ergosterol, Xanthan Gum, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Carbomer/Papain Crosspolymer, Phytic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Acacia Senegal Gum, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Algin, Disodium Phosphate, Limonene, Citrus Species Peel Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientTrehalose
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingAlcohol
AntimicrobialPCA Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientJojoba Esters
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCnidium Officinale Root Water
MaskingAngelica Acutiloba Root Water
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientLimonene
PerfumingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingCitrus Junos Peel Oil
AstringentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGeraniol
PerfumingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingLinalool
Perfuming3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningFarnesol
PerfumingTocopherol
AntioxidantCymbopogon Martini Oil
MaskingCitrus Junos Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Methyl Trimethicone, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Trehalose, Niacinamide, Alcohol, PCA Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, Jojoba Esters, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Cnidium Officinale Root Water, Angelica Acutiloba Root Water, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Limonene, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Citrus Junos Peel Oil, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Caprylate, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Geraniol, Adenosine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Linalool, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Beta-Carotene, Farnesol, Tocopherol, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Citrus Junos Peel Extract
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Beta-Carotene is a fat-soluble carotenoid pigment. It is the thing responsible for giving carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, and other orange-yellow produce their color.
It is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals (mainly reactive oxygen species) that come at your skin from both the environment and internal processes.
When applied topically, beta-carotene accumulates in your outermost layer of skin and acts as a first-line defense against photo-oxidative stress.
Research has established that carotenoids like beta-carotene boosts your skin's innate resistance against UVB induced erythema. Please know this does not mean beta-carotene can replace your sunscreen.
Newer studies show it can also help inhibit molecular markers of oxidative stress like MMP-1 and MMP-9, enzymes that break down collagen.
In some cases, it can be used as a cosmetic colorant as well (INCI name: CI 40800).
Beta-carotene pairs well with other antioxidants like Vitamin E and Vitamin C for a synergistic effect.
Learn more about Beta-CaroteneButylene 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 GlycolDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract comes from the root commonly known as carrot (the orange kind we eat!).
This extract contains beta-carotene, a pigment responsible for giving plants the orange color. Beta-carotene is a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants may help reduce the signs of aging.
Beta-carotene is the reason we turn orange if we eat too many carrots.
It should be noted coming into contact with the leaves of wild carrots can cause skin irritation. The sap causes phytophotodermatitis, or sensitivity exposed to sunlight.
This ingredient is created using the edible parts of the carrot.
Learn more about Daucus Carota Sativa Root ExtractGlycerin (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 GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilLimonene 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 LimoneneTocopherol (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 TocopherolWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum