What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantEthoxydiglycol
HumectantBakuchiol
AntimicrobialRetinol
Skin ConditioningNephelium Lappaceum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningFerulic Acid
AntimicrobialUbiquinone
AntioxidantQuercetin
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentSalicylic Acid
MaskingArctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMorus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingPotassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
BufferingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantTetrapeptide-21
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialMandelic Acid
AntimicrobialPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentPvm/Ma Decadiene Crosspolymer
Polysorbate 20
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeIron Oxides
Water, Propylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Bakuchiol, Retinol, Nephelium Lappaceum Leaf Extract, Ferulic Acid, Ubiquinone, Quercetin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Saccharide Isomerate, Phospholipids, Centella Asiatica Extract, Caffeine, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Salicylic Acid, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Glycolic Acid, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Tetrapeptide-21, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Mandelic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Maltodextrin, Pvm/Ma Decadiene Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 20, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Iron Oxides
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water