What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin Conditioning3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid 5%
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPanthenol 1.01%
Skin ConditioningPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingBisabolol
MaskingSilica
AbrasiveMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin ConditioningChrysanthemum Balsamita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingFructooligosaccharides
HumectantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTocopherol 0.01%
AntioxidantMorus Alba Flower Extract
Morus Alba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGlutathione 0.001%
Ceramide NP
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientPinus Pinaster Bark Extract
AntioxidantLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCoral Extract
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid 0%
AntioxidantNiacinamide 0%
SmoothingMadecassoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid 5%, Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Methyl Trimethicone, Panthenol 1.01%, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Bisabolol, Silica, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Chrysanthemum Balsamita Leaf Extract, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sorbitan Isostearate, T-Butyl Alcohol, Fructooligosaccharides, Beta-Glucan, Adenosine, Tocopherol 0.01%, Morus Alba Flower Extract, Morus Alba Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Glutathione 0.001%, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Centella Asiatica Extract, Coral Extract, Ascorbic Acid 0%, Niacinamide 0%, Madecassoside, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid
Citrus Tangerina Extract
TonicDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingCananga Odorata Flower Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
PerfumingCynanchum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantAlthaea Rosea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialVinyldimethicone
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantTromethamine
BufferingDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientGlucose
HumectantFructooligosaccharides
HumectantFructose
HumectantDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Agar
MaskingSilica
AbrasiveDextrin
AbsorbentXanthophylls
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitrus Tangerina Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Water, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Acacia Senegal Gum, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Vinyldimethicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Panthenol, Trehalose, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tromethamine, Diisostearyl Malate, Glucose, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Adenosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Phytate, Agar, Silica, Dextrin, Xanthophylls, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Limonene, Linalool
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
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 AdenosineButylene 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 GlycolCurcuma Longa Root Extract is from the spice, turmeric. Besides being a healthy and delicious spice, turmeric also has plenty of skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties.
Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant. Antioxidants help neutralize unstable free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules may damage your skin's cells and DNA. Curcumin may help with anti-aging.
Curcumin also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe skin and reduce irritation. On top of that, curcumin has been shown to help prevent hyperpigmentation from sun damage.
The anti-microbial property of turmeric can make it effective in treating acne. This property has also been shown to help regulate the production of sebum.
Learn more about Curcuma Longa Root ExtractEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Fructooligosaccharides is an alternative sweetener. It is often derived from the blue agave plant.
This ingredient is a prebiotic and helps to hydrate the skin. Emerging studies are also showing fructooligosaccharides to have antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, Fructooligosaccharides helps draw moisture to the skin, helping to hydrate the skin.
Bananas, onions, garlic, asparagus, jícama, and leeks also contain fructooligosaccharides.
Learn more about FructooligosaccharidesGlycerin 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 GlycerinNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract comes from the Holy Basil plant. Holy Basil is native to India.
Holy Basil is rich in antioxidants due to its high romarinic acid, ferulic acid, and rutin content. This gives it skin brightening and soothing properties.
While Holy Basil has many claims to help fight acne, more research is needed.
One thing to note is the presence of tannins; tannins are naturally found in nature. However, this compound may be skin-sensitizing.
Learn more about Ocimum Sanctum Leaf ExtractPanthenol 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 PanthenolSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaWater. 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