What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantPolyglycerin-3
HumectantTapioca Starch
Aframomum Angustifolium Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Tocopheryl Phosphate
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPullulan
Chlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin ConditioningYeast Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Surfactin
CleansingSodium Citrate
BufferingLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Citric Acid
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingTin Oxide
AbrasiveAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Polyglycerin-3, Tapioca Starch, Aframomum Angustifolium Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine, Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Pullulan, Chlorphenesin, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Yeast Ferment Extract, Parfum, CI 77891, Sodium Surfactin, Sodium Citrate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Tin Oxide, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Tocopherol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialPolysilicone-11
Silica
AbrasiveDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningDi-C12-13 Alkyl Malate
EmollientAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantLactic Acid
BufferingLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetic Acid
BufferingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Chlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPolymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice
Skin ConditioningChlorhexidine Digluconate
AntimicrobialPolygonum Fagopyrum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentSalicyloyl Phytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningDimethiconol
EmollientLimonene
PerfumingMannose
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Linalool
PerfumingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingBoron Nitride
AbsorbentAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGeraniol
PerfumingBis-PEG/PPG-16/16 PEG/PPG-16/16 Dimethicone
EmollientCeteareth-20
CleansingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCitronellol
PerfumingAlumina
AbrasiveParfum
MaskingWater, Dimethicone, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Propanediol, Alcohol Denat., Polysilicone-11, Silica, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Di-C12-13 Alkyl Malate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, CI 77891, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Lactic Acid, Lactobacillus, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Citrate, Adenosine, Yeast Extract, Acetic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Chlorphenesin, Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Polygonum Fagopyrum Seed Extract, Maltodextrin, Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Dimethiconol, Limonene, Mannose, Pentylene Glycol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Linalool, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Caprylyl Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Carbomer, Boron Nitride, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Geraniol, Bis-PEG/PPG-16/16 PEG/PPG-16/16 Dimethicone, Ceteareth-20, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Citronellol, Alumina, Parfum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken, emulsify, and improve the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions to give products an elegant feel when applied.
It can also form a thin protective film on skin. One study found that a formula using this polymer helped slow down how quickly other ingredients (like DEET) were absorbed through skin.
A 2024 study of over 1,300 patients confirmed that sensitization to this ingredient is rare. It is also non-mutagenic and has a clean track record.
Learn more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerAdenosine 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 AdenosineCaprylyl 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 GlycolChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinCi 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Glycerin (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 GlycerinParfum 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 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 BenzoateSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideSynthetic Fluorphlogopite is the synthethic version of mica. It consists of fluorine, aluminum and silicate.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is used to add volume to products.
It is considered non-irritating on the skin.
Learn more about Synthetic FluorphlogopiteTocopherol 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 TocopherolTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful.
Water. 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