What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventPropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingGlycereth-26
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantBetaine
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Glucoside
HumectantDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycosyl Trehalose
Emulsion StabilisingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantRaffinose
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingLecithin
EmollientParfum
MaskingAmaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningArctium Lappa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningFructan
Skin ConditioningPhellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingOctyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingTromethamine
BufferingBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantWater, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Glycereth-26, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Glucoside, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Glycosyl Trehalose, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Raffinose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Cellulose Gum, Lecithin, Parfum, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Fructan, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Centella Asiatica Extract, Octyldodeceth-16, Tromethamine, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Water
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Water
MaskingBetaine
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialOcimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract
TonicAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
MaskingFoeniculum Vulgare Fruit Extract
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingFicus Carica Fruit Extract
HumectantDiospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
EmollientEclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPhellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningCordyceps Sinensis Extract
AntioxidantSparassis Crispa Extract
Emulsion StabilisingUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAmaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCamellia Sinensis Leaf Water
MaskingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantDiphenyl Dimethicone
EmollientTriethylhexanoin
MaskingTromethamine
BufferingButylene Glycol
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientSqualane
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin ConditioningIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin ConditioningFructooligosaccharides
HumectantLecithin
EmollientCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantInulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Pyrus Malus Fruit Water, Betaine, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methylpropanediol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Foeniculum Vulgare Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Algae Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Sparassis Crispa Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Carbomer, Dipropylene Glycol, Diphenyl Dimethicone, Triethylhexanoin, Tromethamine, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Tocopheryl Acetate, Beta-Glucan, Dimethicone, Squalane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Disodium EDTA, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Fructooligosaccharides, Lecithin, Cellulose Gum, Ceramide NP, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Polysorbate 20, Parfum, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin
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.
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
This ingredient comes from the seed of the velvet flower. It has skin hydrating, nourishing, and antioxidant properties.
This seed is rich in peptides, fatty acids, squalene, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
According to manufacturer, this ingredient is great for adding softness and shine to hair.
Learn more about Amaranthus Caudatus Seed ExtractBetaine is a humectant. Like hyaluronic acid, it helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. It’s known for being gentle and for helping the skin maintain balanced hydration.
Betaine is mainly used to improve hydration and support calmer skin. It helps skin cells regulate water balance because it functions as an osmolyte.
Some studies suggest betaine may support making skin tone more even.
Fun fact: Betaine naturally exists in the skin and the body. In cosmetic products, it can be either plant-derived (most commonly from sugar beets) or synthetically produced for consistency and stability.
Betaine is also known as trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineBiosaccharide Gum-1 is a sugar created by fermenting sorbitol (which usually comes from potato starch!). It is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties.
Manufacturer tests show this ingredient helped reduce irritation from lactic acid by almost half and kept skin hydrated long-term as a humectant
Beyond hydration, Biosaccharide Gum-1 gives formulas a silky, non-sticky feel.
This ingredient is gentle, versatile, and suitable for all skin types.
Fun fact: Similar sugars can be found naturally in fruits like apples and pears.
Learn more about Biosaccharide Gum-1Butylene 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 GlycolCellulose Gum is a water-soluble polymer that comes from cellulose. It is used to change the texture of a product and to help stabilize emulsions.
As an emulsifier, cellulose gum specifically thicken the texture of water-based products.
This ingredient is considered hypoallergenic and non-toxic. Cellulose Gum can be found in cosmetics, food, and other household goods such as paper products.
Learn more about Cellulose GumCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractEthylhexylglycerin 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 AcidHydrolyzed 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 AcidLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of phospholipids.
Thanks to its amphiphilic structure (water-loving head and oil-loving tail), it is a true multitasker:
It plays well with most ingredients and is typically used at 0.1-1%. However, concentrations up to 50% have been reported in moisturizers.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that causes fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinMethylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.
As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.
Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.
Learn more about MethylpropanediolPanthenol 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 PanthenolParfum 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 ParfumWe don't have a description for Phellinus Linteus Extract yet.
Sodium 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 Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is a crosslinked version of sodium hyaluronate. This just means it's linked into a 3D mesh network that lets it be more stable and sit on skin as a cohesive, gel-like film rather than sinking into skin.
A 2016 human skin study found crosslinked HA increased epidermal water content by 7.6% over the control group and reduced transepidermal water loss by 27.8%.
A follow-up clinical trial found that a topical crosslinked HA serum applied after fillers, microneedling, or chemical peels was well-tolerated and enhanced skin quality at 14 / 28 days.
More recent research suggests that concentrations as low as 0.03% can act as a penetration enhancer for other skincare actives.
Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerTromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. 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.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineThis tree is also known as the David Elm. It contains the ingredient bakuchiol.
Other great compounds found in this ingredient include galactose, glucose, and phenolics. The sugar content gives it great skin hydrating properties. Phenolics are potent antioxidants commonly found in fruits and veggies.
A 2020 study found the phenolics of this root to have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Fun fact: This ingredient is used in traditional Asian medicine.
Learn more about Ulmus Davidiana Root ExtractWater. 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