What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin ConditioningNasturtium Officinale Leaf Extract
MaskingVitex Agnus-Castus Fruit Oil
MaskingBetula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingMagnesium Sulfate
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Retinoxytrimethylsilane
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin ConditioningLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningBeta-Sitosterol
Emulsion StabilisingPhytosterols
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantFructooligosaccharides
HumectantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSoy Acid
EmollientWater, Zinc Oxide, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Panthenol, Propanediol, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Isododecane, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Nasturtium Officinale Leaf Extract, Vitex Agnus-Castus Fruit Oil, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Magnesium Sulfate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Retinoxytrimethylsilane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Allantoin, Beta-Sitosterol, Phytosterols, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Fructooligosaccharides, Beta-Glucan, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Soy Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventPropylheptyl Caprylate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterButylene Glycol
HumectantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingPolypropylsilsesquioxane
Behenyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Stearate
CleansingEthyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningZea Mays Oil
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Allantoin
Skin ConditioningOzothamnus Diosmifolius Extract
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningBetula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Skin ConditioningSea Water
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientDioscorea Villosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningViola Odorata Flower Extract
MaskingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningWater, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Propylheptyl Caprylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Butylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Behenyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearate, Ethyl Glutamate, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Tromethamine, Decyl Glucoside, Carbomer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Zea Mays Oil, Glycerin, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, Ozothamnus Diosmifolius Extract, Panthenol, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Sea Water, Tocopherol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Dioscorea Villosa Root Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Viola Odorata Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside, Potassium Hyaluronate
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
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinBetula Platyphylla Japonica Juice is the sap of the Asian White Birch tree. Birch juice has antioxidant, hydrating, and soothing properties.
The high content of amino acids, sugars, and minerals provide the skin with moisture. On top of that, it contains Vitamins C and B (niacinamide). These two superstar ingredients protect your skin while reducing dark spots.
This white birch is currently being studied for potential anti-cancer properties. It has been used in traditional Asian medicine to help treat infections.
Learn more about Betula Platyphylla Japonica JuiceButylene 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 GlycolEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidThis ingredient comes from a brown kelp called Macrocystis pyrifera. It is rich in antioxidants and can help hydrate skin.
Brown kelp are rich in unsaturated fatty acids and phlorotannins. Phlorotannins have been found to help with inhibiting melanin production and helping reduce the signs of aging due to their high antioxidant activity.
One study suggests phlorotannins may even have some sun protection factor due to their antioxidant activity. However, this ingredient should not replace your sunscreen.
Macrocystis pyrifera is made up of about: 60% carbohydrates, 10% protein, and 1.50% lipid content. The last 30% is kelp ash.
This kelp can be found in the southern hemisphere and north Pacific.
Learn more about Macrocystis Pyrifera ExtractPanthenol 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 PanthenolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolWe don't have a description for Propylheptyl Caprylate yet.
Tocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
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 Water