What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitol
Humectant
Arginine
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Lactate
Buffering
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Extract
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAlgin
Masking
Carica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhytic Acid
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Humectant
Disodium Succinate
MaskingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate
StabilisingPantolactone
Humectant
Glutamic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Fructose
Humectant
Glycine
Buffering
Inositol
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Urea
Buffering
Water, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract, Panthenol, Sorbitol, Arginine, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Phosphate, Carbomer, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Algin, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Phytic Acid, Alcohol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Disodium Succinate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate, Pantolactone, Glutamic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Fructose, Glycine, Inositol, Lactic Acid, Niacinamide, Urea
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Betaine
Humectant
Quaternium-22
Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Cetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPvp
Emulsion StabilisingGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningFurcellaria Lumbricalis Extract
Skin ConditioningPelvetia Canaliculata Extract
Skin ProtectingXylitylglucoside
Humectant
Polyquaternium-44
Anhydroxylitol
Humectant
Maltitol
HumectantCitric Acid
Buffering
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Xylitol
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSorbic Acid
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Citral
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Water, Propanediol, Betaine, Quaternium-22, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Panthenol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Pvp, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Furcellaria Lumbricalis Extract, Pelvetia Canaliculata Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Polyquaternium-44, Anhydroxylitol, Maltitol, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Xylitol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Citral, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric 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 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 EthylhexylglycerinPanthenol 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.
Sodium 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 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 HydroxideWater. 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
