What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningTerminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid 15%
AntioxidantEthoxydiglycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantMethyl Gluceth-20
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningC12-13 Pareth-9
EmulsifyingTromethamine
BufferingAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningTocopherol 1%
AntioxidantPanthenol 1%
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
MaskingPinus Pinaster Bark Extract
AntioxidantFerulic Acid
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningTroxerutin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Oenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventResveratrol
AntioxidantAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
MaskingBuddleja Officinalis Flower Extract
UV FilterAscorbyl Palmitate 0.001%
AntioxidantWater, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Ascorbic Acid 15%, Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, 1,2-Hexanediol, C12-13 Pareth-9, Tromethamine, Acetyl Glucosamine, Tocopherol 1%, Panthenol 1%, Bisabolol, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Ferulic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Troxerutin, Disodium EDTA, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Propanediol, Resveratrol, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate 0.001%
Water
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid 13%
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
Solvent2,3-Butanediol
HumectantDiethyl Sebacate
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientAngelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentIlex Rotunda Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentGlycerin
HumectantGold
Cosmetic ColorantHordeum Vulgare Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningMorus Alba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialEquisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentMadecassoside
AntioxidantAmmonium Glycyrrhizate
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningUbiquinone
AntioxidantHydroxydecyl Ubiquinone
AntioxidantEllagic Acid
Skin ConditioningQuercetin
AntioxidantFullerenes
AntimicrobialFerulic Acid
AntimicrobialXanthophylls
Skin ConditioningResveratrol
AntioxidantGlutathione
Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantGallic Acid
AntioxidantCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingTremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
AntioxidantCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingCocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
EmollientPicea Abies Extract
Skin ConditioningQuercus Acutissima Extract
AntimicrobialOligopeptide-33
Skin ConditioningLycium Chinense Fruit Extract
AntioxidantVaccinium Vitis-Idaea Fruit Extract
AntioxidantInonotus Obliquus Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialMorus Alba Twig Extract
Skin ConditioningCnidium Officinale Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSuperoxide Dismutase
AntioxidantSh-Polypeptide-10
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-2
Skin ConditioningSodium Phosphate
BufferingLecithin
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningOlive Oil PEG-7 Esters
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberSodium Bicarbonate
AbrasivePvp
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether
StabilisingPolyglyceryl-10 Decaoleate
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingOctyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingWater, Ascorbic Acid 13%, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, 2,3-Butanediol, Diethyl Sebacate, Propylene Carbonate, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Ilex Rotunda Leaf Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Glycerin, Gold, Hordeum Vulgare Seed Extract, Morus Alba Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Madecassoside, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Panthenol, Caffeine, Allantoin, Ubiquinone, Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone, Ellagic Acid, Quercetin, Fullerenes, Ferulic Acid, Xanthophylls, Resveratrol, Glutathione, Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Beta-Glucan, Tocopherol, Gallic Acid, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Picea Abies Extract, Quercus Acutissima Extract, Oligopeptide-33, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea Fruit Extract, Inonotus Obliquus Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Morus Alba Twig Extract, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Superoxide Dismutase, Sh-Polypeptide-10, Oligopeptide-1, Oligopeptide-2, Sodium Phosphate, Lecithin, Pentylene Glycol, Adenosine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Pvp, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, PEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether, Polyglyceryl-10 Decaoleate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Octyldodeceth-16, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Parfum
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 AdenosineAscorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.
Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.
Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!
Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.
Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.
The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.
Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidButylene 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 GlycolDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAFerulic Acid is a plant based antioxidant. By fighting free-radicals, ferulic acid can help reduce the formation of fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
When used with Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid has shown to prevent Vitamin C from breaking down. In other words, it acts as a stabilizer.
Ferulic Acid is sometimes used to preserve food. Foods containing Ferulic Acid include: oats, rice, eggplant, citrus.
In medicine, Ferulic Acid is being studied for helping with diabetes, Alzheimer's, and cardiovascular diseases.
Learn more about Ferulic 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 GlycerinPanthenol 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 PanthenolPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPropanediol 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 PropanediolResveratrol is a famous emerging antioxidant. It is a good alternative for sensitive skin types who cannot tolerate retinoids.
This antioxidant is most famous for it's anti-aging benefits. Studies show it combats the signs of aging by:
Besides anti-aging, this ingredient also helps with skin brightening and soothing.
The most effective forms of resveratrol are isobutyrate and butyrate. These have the strongest effect on increasing A1 collagen and reducing inflammation.
A note on it being a retinoid alternative:
Despite it's amazing skin benefits, it is not a replacement for retinoids. However, it is recommended for people with sensitive skin or intolerance to retinoids.
Resveratrol is naturally found in grapes, peanuts, and berries.
Learn more about ResveratrolSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water