What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberTerephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingNiacinamide
SmoothingTromethamine
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolysilicone-15
UV FilterDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientInulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventPolyether-1
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantFructan
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningDimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantWater, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Niacinamide, Tromethamine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Polysilicone-15, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Glycerin, Carbomer, Parfum, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Methylpropanediol, Polyether-1, Panthenol, Tocopherol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Fructan, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
Water
Skin ConditioningAcrylates Copolymer
Butylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Olivate
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingMethyl Glucose Sesquistearate
EmollientPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingPrunus Amygdalus Amara Kernel Oil
MaskingHedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract
AntimicrobialAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Stearic Acid
CleansingT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingVanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningJasminum Officinale Flower Water
MaskingGlucose
HumectantMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPropanediol
SolventHyaluronic Acid
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantBrassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientCholesterol
EmollientPhytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMorinda Citrifolia Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingPetroselinum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAureobasidium Pullulans Ferment
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningWater, Acrylates Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, C14-22 Alcohols, Cetearyl Olivate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Prunus Amygdalus Amara Kernel Oil, Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract, Adenosine, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Disodium EDTA, Stearic Acid, T-Butyl Alcohol, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower Water, Glucose, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Hyaluronic Acid, Tocopherol, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Cholesterol, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Phenoxyethanol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceramide NP, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Beta-Glucan, Ethylhexylglycerin, Morinda Citrifolia Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Petroselinum Sativum Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Aureobasidium Pullulans Ferment, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide EOP
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
Adenosine 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 AdenosineYou might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
This ingredient has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. This ingredient works by preventing UV rays from reaching and damaging your skin.
On top of that - it is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.
Tinosorb S is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia. It is close to being approved by the FDA and we'll hopefully get this ingredient in the U.S. by late 2026.
Fun fact: Tinosorb S is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted in the EU.
This ingredient is oil-soluble, so your oil-cleansers will take this right off at night.
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineButylene 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 GlycolCetearyl alcohol is a waxy mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Despite having "alcohol" in its name, it has nothing to do with drying solvent alcohols; the FDA also allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols like this ingredient.
It plays several roles in a formula:
Typical use levels for this ingredient sit around 1-10% and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has affirmed safety at concentrations up to 25% in leave-on products.
Multiple assessments have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing to most people.
However, there have been some cases of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with chronically compromised skin barriers.
Cetearyl alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 and irritancy rating of 1. Both of these numbers come from the 1989 study that used rabbit ears; a "2" means mildly comedogenic and a "1" means low irritancy.
Here's the catch: rabbit skin is more sensitive than human skin and throws a lot of false positives. A 1996 reappraisal found that ingredients rated 1-2 in the rabbit ear tests are generally safe for humans.
Remember comedogenic ratings are unable to assess the entire formula of a product or how it will react on your skin. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure about certain ingredients.
This ingredient is not fungal acne safe. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with chain lengths that fall within the range that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
DHHB is well-liked for:
DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.
This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateEthylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.
It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.
It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinHyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan (basically a long sugar chain) that your skin already makes on its own. In your skin, HA lives in the extracellular matrix and acts as the body's moisture reservoir.
Topically, HA is a humectant that binds water and helps skin look more plump, smooth, and hydrated.
The only catch is that HA isn't a single thing; it actually comes in a wide range of molecular weights (~50 - 2,000+ kDA) and size matters.
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
This is why the best HA serums blend the two sizes together so you get the best of both worlds.
The majority of cosmetic HA is produced by bacterial fermentation, typically using Streptococcus or Bacillus strains. Typical use levels in skincare sit around 0.1-2%.
A clinical study using a 0.2% low-molecular weight HA gel showed improvement in facial seborrheic dermatitis with excellent tolerance.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePropanediol 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 PropanediolTocopherol 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