What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventTranexamic Acid
AstringentNiacinamide
SmoothingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Stearate
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingStearyl Alcohol
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Palmitic Acid
EmollientBetaine
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTocopherol
AntioxidantPolyisobutene
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantEctoin
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantTerminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
AntioxidantHamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMyrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningChrysanthellum Indicum Extract
Skin ConditioningAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
MaskingNelumbo Nucifera Extract
Skin ConditioningPerilla Frutescens Leaf Extract
MaskingCastanea Crenata Shell Extract
Skin ConditioningDextrin
AbsorbentPhytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningPolylysine
Arachidic Acid
CleansingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningMyristic Acid
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantOleic Acid
EmollientGlutathione
Lecithin
EmollientAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTranexamoyl Dipeptide-23
BleachingHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientDecapeptide-40
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide, Dipropylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Polyacrylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Stearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Palmitic Acid, Betaine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Adenosine, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Tocopherol, Polyisobutene, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, Panthenol, Trehalose, Ectoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Dextrin, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Polylysine, Arachidic Acid, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sorbitan Oleate, Ceramide NP, Myristic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Oleic Acid, Glutathione, Lecithin, Acetyl Glucosamine, Caprylyl Glycol, Tranexamoyl Dipeptide-23, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Decapeptide-40
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Niacinamide
SmoothingBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingPropanediol
SolventButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningSimethicone
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlycosyl Trehalose
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingHydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion Stabilising4-Terpineol
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Sorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingRhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingMadecassoside
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate
Asiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Panthenol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Niacinamide, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbitan Olivate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Propanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Simethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycosyl Trehalose, Hydroxyacetophenone, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, 4-Terpineol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitan Isostearate, Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside, Tocopherol, Sodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid
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 also known as shea butter. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.
Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. It does this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
Shea butter is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may harm the body. It is also full of fatty acids including stearic acid and linoleic acid. These acids help replenish the skin and keep skin moisturized.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
Shea butter may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterThis 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 TriglycerideCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholDicaprylyl Carbonate comes from carbonic acid and caprylyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It is an emollient and gives skin a velvet feel. The sources of Dicaprylyl Carbonate may be synthetic or from animals.
As an emollient, Dicaprylyl Carbonate creates a film on the skin. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, antiâinflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.
Learn more about Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the âgoodâ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene 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 EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (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 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 PanthenolPhenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconeSodium 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 skinâs 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