What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantEquisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantYucca Vera Leaf/Root Extract
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate-13
Polyisobutene
Polysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingPropylene Glycol
HumectantSteareth-20
CleansingN-Hydroxysuccinimide
Skin ConditioningChrysin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTrisodium EDTA
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Diisostearyl Malate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Propolis Extract, Betaine, Trehalose, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Yucca Vera Leaf/Root Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Beeswax, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Carbomer, Potassium Hydroxide, Propylene Glycol, Steareth-20, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Chrysin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trisodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetearyl Olivate
Polypropylsilsesquioxane
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSimethicone
EmollientSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingEthylhexyl Olivate
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Butylene Glycol
HumectantHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-4 Oleate
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCoptis Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingBetaine
HumectantSodium Surfactin
CleansingWater, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Olivate, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Sorbitan Olivate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Simethicone, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Parfum, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Adenosine, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Disodium EDTA, Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Cyanocobalamin, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Cholesterol, Ceramide NP, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Betaine, Sodium Surfactin
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
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-8Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Another name for betaine is trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineButylene 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 GlycolThis 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 TriglycerideCeramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCetearyl 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 OlivateDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is also known as pal-GHK. It is made up of 3 amino acids and palmitic acid, a fatty acid that helps it absorb into skin more easily.
This peptide is as a signal peptide, meaning it tells the skin to produce more collagen. Collagen is the key protein that helps form the skin's structure and keep it plump, firm, and hydrated.
By boosting collagen production, this ingredient supports a stronger skin barrier and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
You'll most likely see this ingredient paired with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 in the well-known Matrixyl 3000 complex. While results from in-house testing should be viewed cautiously, this peptide duo is among the most studied and widely used in modern skincare.
Due to its palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Parfum 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 ParfumSodium 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 OlivateWater. 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