What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventNiacinamide
SmoothingGlycerin
HumectantSqualane
EmollientPersea Gratissima Fruit Extract
EmollientActinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract
EmollientCordyceps Sinensis Extract
AntioxidantTerminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
AntioxidantLycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
AstringentLepidium Meyenii Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPhyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract
HumectantEuterpe Oleracea Sterols
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Oil
PerfumingPleiogynium Timoriense Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGrifola Frondosa Extract
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningPodocarpus Elatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningInonotus Obliquus Extract
Skin ConditioningPerilla Frutescens Extract
Skin ConditioningWithania Somnifera Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAsparagus Racemosus Root Extract
AntimicrobialRhodiola Rosea Root Extract
EmollientHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientZingiber Officinale Root Oil
MaskingCymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
MaskingSesamum Indicum Seed Oil
EmollientLinoleic Acid
CleansingLinolenic Acid
CleansingOleic Acid
EmollientLecithin
EmollientLysolecithin
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingBeta-Sitosterol
Emulsion StabilisingPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningSphingolipids
EmollientColloidal Oatmeal
AbsorbentCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantLactic Acid
BufferingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialPhytic Acid
Cyclodextrin
AbsorbentCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate-13
Polyisobutene
Polysorbate 20
EmulsifyingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Squalane, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract, Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Sterols, Curcuma Longa Root Oil, Pleiogynium Timoriense Fruit Extract, Grifola Frondosa Extract, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Podocarpus Elatus Fruit Extract, Inonotus Obliquus Extract, Perilla Frutescens Extract, Withania Somnifera Root Extract, Asparagus Racemosus Root Extract, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Zingiber Officinale Root Oil, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Oleic Acid, Lecithin, Lysolecithin, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Beta-Sitosterol, Phospholipids, Sphingolipids, Colloidal Oatmeal, Ceramide Ng, Adenosine, Sodium PCA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Panthenol, Allantoin, Tocopherol, Lactic Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Phytic Acid, Cyclodextrin, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Maltodextrin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingPropanediol
SolventSodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingDisteareth-75 Ipdi
Glycereth-7 Caprylate/Caprate
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingMandelic Acid
AntimicrobialGlycolic Acid
BufferingSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentPhytic Acid
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingFarnesol
PerfumingBarosma Betulina Leaf Extract
PerfumingSodium PCA
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
MaskingHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventAlcohol
AntimicrobialSodium Phytate
Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract
MaskingVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
MaskingEugenia Caryophyllus Flower Extract
AstringentPolyglyceryl-3 Laurate
EmulsifyingPEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingBenzoic Acid
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Propanediol, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Disteareth-75 Ipdi, Glycereth-7 Caprylate/Caprate, Sodium Chloride, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Mandelic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Phytic Acid, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Citric Acid, Farnesol, Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Bisabolol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Alcohol, Sodium Phytate, Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol
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 AcidGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Phytic Acid is a gentle AHA and antioxidant. AHAs are chemical exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells. Phytic Acid has a slight and mild exfoliating effect.
The chemical makeup makes it classified as an AHA, much like lactic acid.
In some cases, it is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water, helping to stabilize the ingredients in a product.
An interesting fact about phytic acid is that it is considered an antinutrient. People do not have the enzyme needed to properly breakdown and digest phytic acid. When ingested, phytic acid binds to minerals and prevents them from being absorbed.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Phytic AcidPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 PropanediolSodium 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 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 HydroxideSodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid. It is naturally occurring in our skin's natural moisturizing factors where it works to maintain hydration.
The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.
This ingredient has skin conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.
Learn more about Sodium PCAWater. 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