What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningSteartrimonium Chloride
PreservativeAlcohol
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingTriethylhexanoin
MaskingCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingNiacinamide
SmoothingMethylpropanediol
SolventMaltodextrin
AbsorbentAnthemis Nobilis Flower Water
MaskingMelissa Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Water
Skin ConditioningInulin
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialPEG-Crosspolymer
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicCaffeine
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientVinegar
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingPaeonia Suffruticosa Branch/Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingArtemisia Annua Extract
MaskingAzadirachta Indica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSodium PCA
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingMentha Arvensis Leaf Extract
MaskingCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingAspartic Acid
MaskingDextrin
AbsorbentPolylysine
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingGanoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingPCA
HumectantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingGlycine
BufferingAlanine
MaskingAlthaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingChamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingValine
MaskingBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Histidine
HumectantPhenylalanine
MaskingAlchemilla Vulgaris Extract
AstringentLimonene
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingBenzyl PCA
HumectantButylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Myristyl Alcohol, Water, Steartrimonium Chloride, Alcohol, Parfum, Triethylhexanoin, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Methylpropanediol, Maltodextrin, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Melissa Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Water, Inulin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, PEG-Crosspolymer, Biotin, Caffeine, Pentylene Glycol, Yeast Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Vinegar, 1,2-Hexanediol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Paeonia Suffruticosa Branch/Flower/Leaf Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Artemisia Annua Extract, Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Panax Ginseng Leaf/Stem Extract, Arginine, Caprylyl Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Aspartic Acid, Dextrin, Polylysine, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, PCA, Beta-Glucan, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Glycine, Alanine, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Serine, Valine, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citral, Geraniol, Linalool, Citronellol, Benzyl PCA
Water
Skin ConditioningDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingLauryl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantCocamide Methyl Mea
Sodium Chloride
MaskingClimbazole
AntimicrobialGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningDisodium Cocoamphodiacetate
CleansingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil
MaskingPEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
MaskingPolyquaternium-22
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingPPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide
EmulsifyingNiacinamide
SmoothingButylene Glycol
HumectantMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingJuniperus Mexicana Oil
MaskingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicSodium Citrate
BufferingJuniperus Communis Fruit Extract
PerfumingFragaria Vesca Fruit Extract
AstringentMorus Alba Root Extract
BleachingRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentSodium Benzoate
MaskingCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningWater, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Glycerin, Cocamide Methyl Mea, Sodium Chloride, Climbazole, Gluconolactone, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Panthenol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Citric Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Salicylic Acid, Polyquaternium-22, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Mentha Piperita Oil, Hexylene Glycol, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Biotin, Sodium Citrate, Juniperus Communis Fruit Extract, Fragaria Vesca Fruit Extract, Morus Alba Root Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Ceramide AP
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Biotin is a B vitamin that is naturally produced by our bodies. It is also called Vitamin H.
Our bodies use biotin in the metabolism process. It also helps our bodies use enzymes and move nutrients around. A biotin deficiency can lead to brittle hair and nails.
More research is needed on applying biotin topically. However, taking biotin orally has been shown to help nourish the skin, hair, and nails. They play a role in forming skin-hydrating fatty acids.
Biotin is water-soluble. It can be found in foods such as fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, and meat. Vitamin H stands for "haar" and "haut". These are the German words for hair and skin.
Learn more about BiotinButylene 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 GlycolCitric 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 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 NiacinamidePanthenol 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 PanthenolSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSodium 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water