What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingDisodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate
CleansingGlycerin
Humectant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Parfum
Masking
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Cleansing
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin Conditioning
Yeast Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Inulin
Skin Conditioning
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water
Masking
Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCaffeine
Skin Conditioning
Melissa Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Water
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Paeonia Suffruticosa Branch/Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingArtemisia Annua Extract
Masking
Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract
MaskingCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningArginine
Masking
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Aspartic Acid
Masking
Polylysine
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Ganoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin Protecting
PCA
Humectant
Serine
Masking
Glycine
Buffering
Alanine
Masking
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPhellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingDehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin Conditioning
Threonine
Histidine
Humectant
Phenylalanine
Masking
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract
AstringentVinegar
Zea Mays Starch
Absorbent
Dextrin
AbsorbentPEG-Crosspolymer
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Di-C12-13 Alkyl Malate
EmollientPolyquaternium-7
Microcrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentCocamide Mea
Emulsifying
Coco-Glucoside
Cleansing
Glyceryl Oleate
Emollient
Menthol
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Coconut Acid
Cleansing
Niacinamide
Smoothing
PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether
SolventMannitol
Humectant
CI 77289
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Isethionate
CleansingTetrasodium EDTA
Methylpropanediol
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningChlorophyllin-Copper Complex
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Lactate
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Parfum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Yeast Extract, Beta-Glucan, Inulin, Maltodextrin, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Biotin, Caffeine, Melissa Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Water, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Branch/Flower/Leaf Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Artemisia Annua Extract, Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Leaf/Stem Extract, Arginine, Benzyl Alcohol, Aspartic Acid, Polylysine, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, PCA, Serine, Glycine, Alanine, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Valine, Dehydroacetic Acid, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Sodium PCA, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Vinegar, Zea Mays Starch, Dextrin, PEG-Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Di-C12-13 Alkyl Malate, Polyquaternium-7, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cocamide Mea, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Menthol, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Coconut Acid, Niacinamide, PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether, Mannitol, CI 77289, Sodium Isethionate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylpropanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex, Citric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Pentylene Glycol, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Lactate, Potassium Sorbate, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Skin Protecting
Larix Europaea Wood Extract
HumectantPisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Germ Extract
EmollientTrifolium Pratense Flower Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Apigenin
Antioxidant
Oleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningArginine
Masking
Glycine
Buffering
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantZinc Chloride
AntimicrobialLactic Acid
Buffering
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Dextran
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
PPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Water, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caffeine, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Larix Europaea Wood Extract, Pisum Sativum Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Glycine Soja Germ Extract, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Apigenin, Oleanolic Acid, Arginine, Glycine, Calcium Gluconate, Zinc Chloride, Lactic Acid, Gluconolactone, Dextran, Maltodextrin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Polysorbate 20, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineButylene 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 GlycolCaffeine is a naturally occurring plant compound found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa pods, and guarana.
As an antioxidant, caffeine protects your skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and envionrmnetal stressors.
Early research also shows that caffeine can help calm redness, soothe irritated skin, and support hair growth by stimulating microcirculation in the scalp.
You might have seen eye creams marketing caffeine as a depuffing ingredient. This is because it is a vasoconstrictor meaning it can temporarily constrict blood vessels, though clinical evidence for this specific use is still limited.
Most skincare products contain this ingredient at concentrations between 1-6%. It is able to penetrate skin easily regardless of skin type or thickness.
Just so you know, a very small number of case reports describe caffeine-induced allergy. This ingredient is generally well-tolerated, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for the majority of people.
Learn more about CaffeineCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (tea extract) is one of the most well-researched plant extracts in skincare with an impressive resume.
Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from the Camellia Sinensis plant.
Studies show green tea extract and its catechins (like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)) help your skin cells product energy more efficiently and reducing the number of free-radicals that can damage your skin from the inside.
In lab-grown skin models, this translated to younger, healthier, and stronger skin.
There's also good sun protection data; researchers saw less DNA damage and redness on human skin when green tea was applied before UVB exposure. And the more they applied, the better the protection.
Needless to say, this ingredient shouldn't replace your sunscreen. But it is a great supportive ingredient that you can already find in many sunscreens and antioxidant serums.
A 2009 study found a 2% green tea lotion was effective for mild-to-moderate acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity.
The quality of the extract matters a lot here:
Good extracts contain 50-90% catechins while lower quality ones are mostly there for marketing. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the quality or source of their ingredients.
Human Repeated Insult Patch Testing showed no irritation or sensitization at use concentrations (0.86% in leave-on products and up to 30% as leaf water).
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractGlycerin (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 GlycerinGlycine is the smallest amino acid and a key building block of collagen. It's part if your skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
A study from 2022 found that an amino acid complex featuring taurine, arginine, and glycine significantly reduced skin irritation, improved redness, and accelerated the skin repair process.
Maltodextrin is a plant-derived carbohydrate made by breaking down starch (usually from corn, potato, or rice). In cosmetic formulas, it's a multitasking absorbent, emulsion stabilizer, and skin conditioner.
This ingredient is mostly used to stabilize emulsions and improve the powdery, non-greasy feel of products (like dry shampoos).
Safety-wise, this ingredient is pretty solid; it's even recognized as a food additive. Both animal and clinical studies found no adverse effects at the levels used in cosmetics.
Industry data shows this ingredient is used up to 45.7% in spray products and up to 33% in powder products.
Learn more about MaltodextrinPentylene Glycol (1,2-pentanediol) is a multitasking little diol with three main roles in a formula:
Research on alkanediols (the family pentylene glycol belongs to) show they work by disrupting microbial cell membranes. This disruption helps the primary preservative system in a product work more effectively at lower doses.
On the safety side, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded this ingredient to be safe as used in current cosmetic practices + concentrations.
Typical use levels in a formula run about 1-5%.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolSodium 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 BenzoateWater. 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
