What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
Absorbent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingSodium Silicate
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningArbutin
AntioxidantGlutathione
Hydrolyzed Sponge
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAdansonia Digitata Seed Oil
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningTranexamoyl Dipeptide-23
BleachingCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningWater, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Sodium Silicate, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Arbutin, Glutathione, Hydrolyzed Sponge, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceramide NP, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceramide As, Ceramide Ns, Tranexamoyl Dipeptide-23, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sh-Oligopeptide-1
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientMyrothamnus Flabellifolia Callus Culture Extract
AntioxidantSilk Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantRetinol
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGold
Cosmetic ColorantBenzyl Glycol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientPalmitic Acid
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyisobutene
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningStearyl Alcohol
EmollientArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientXanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCoptis Chinensis Root Extract
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingAgar
MaskingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingMalt Extract
Skin ProtectingCalcium Alginate
MaskingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Elastin
EmollientHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningEthyl Hexanediol
SolventDioscorea Villosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingMica
Cosmetic ColorantMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin ConditioningAbelmoschus Esculentus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCorchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen Extract
Skin ProtectingSilk Amino Acids
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningDimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Ceramide NP
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantTin Oxide
AbrasiveCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCaffeoyl Hexapeptide-65
AntimicrobialCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningOphiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingGlutamic Acid
HumectantLeucine
Skin ConditioningMethionine
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingSerine
MaskingAspartic Acid
MaskingAlanine
MaskingArginine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantTaurine
BufferingOrnithine
Skin ConditioningCollagen Extract
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSh-Oligopeptide-2
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-11
Ceramide EOP
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, Caprylyl Methicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Sorbitan Olivate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Callus Culture Extract, Silk Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Retinol, Panthenol, Gold, Benzyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Stearyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Coptis Chinensis Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Sorbitan Oleate, Agar, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Malt Extract, Calcium Alginate, Allantoin, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Ethyl Hexanediol, Dioscorea Villosa Root Extract, Polysorbate 20, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Mica, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Abelmoschus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Titanium Dioxide, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, CI 77491, Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen Extract, Silk Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglutamic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Tin Oxide, Copper Tripeptide-1, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Caffeoyl Hexapeptide-65, Ceramide Ng, Ceramide Ns, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Ceramide As, Ceramide AP, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Glycine, Glutamic Acid, Leucine, Methionine, Valine, Serine, Aspartic Acid, Alanine, Arginine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Histidine, Taurine, Ornithine, Collagen Extract, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Polypeptide-11, Ceramide EOP
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 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 GlycolThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCeramide AP is formally known as Ceramide 6.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.
They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide NP
Ceramide EOP
Ceramide AS is formally known as Ceramides 4 and 5.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramide EOP is formally known as Ceramide 1 and Ceramide 1 A.
EOP stands for a linked Ester fatty acid, a linked Omega hydroxy fatty acid, and the Phytosphingosine base.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin. They bind dead skin cells together to create a barrier. The ceramides in our skin have the ability to hold water to keep our skin hydrated.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A strong skin barrier helps with:
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Learn more about Ceramide EOPCeramide NP is a type of ceramide and formally known as ceramide 3.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Ceramide NS is formally known as Ceramide 2. It is one of the major ceramides in the stratum corneum (outermost layer of skin) plays a role in forming a protective barrier.
Due to its structure, skin lipids can be packed tightly and in turn, this strengthens the barrier and reduces water loss.
Studies show conditions like atopic dermatitis can worsen when ceramide NS levels are low.
Learn more about Ceramide NsEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Niacinamide 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 Niacinamidesh-Oligopeptide-1 is a peptide found naturally in our bodies. Peptides are the building blocks for collagen and elastin in our skin.
In cosmetics, this ingredient is bioengineered to be identical to a human gene that codes for epidermal growth factor (EGF). EGF are signal molecules that simulate cell growth and healing.
Studies find EGF help with:
In South Korea and China, EGF is considered a controversial ingredient. The South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has cracked down on companies with products including EGF due to false advertisement claims.
According to Dr. Zoe Draelos, growth factors have some drawbacks:
There is also controversy surrounding growth factors. The controversy is due to their mitogenic activity, or their ability to increase the number of cells. It is best to avoid using growth factors if you have psoriasis or are at risk of skin cancer. However, it should be noted EGF are not mutagenic - meaning they will not cause cancer.
Learn more about Sh-Oligopeptide-1Sodium 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 HyaluronateWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum