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 ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBetaine
HumectantHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantBroussonetia Kazinoki Callus Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantGlycyrrhiza Uralensis Extract
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingSucrose Cocoate
EmulsifyingCysteine
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantCarnitine
CleansingTranexamic Acid
AstringentAletris Farinosa Root Extract
AntioxidantBiota Orientalis Leaf Extract
HumectantZanthoxylum Schinifolium Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantHamamelis Virginiana Extract
AntiseborrhoeicMorus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningPhyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract
HumectantTrichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract
Skin ProtectingVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantArginine
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSh-Oligopeptide-2
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-3
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-16
Skin ProtectingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Parfum
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventWater, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Betaine, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Beeswax, Alpha-Arbutin, Broussonetia Kazinoki Callus Culture Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Extract, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Stearate, Sucrose Cocoate, Cysteine, Ascorbic Acid, Carnitine, Tranexamic Acid, Aletris Farinosa Root Extract, Biota Orientalis Leaf Extract, Zanthoxylum Schinifolium Leaf Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ozokerite, Tocopheryl Acetate, Arginine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-3, Sh-Polypeptide-16, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Propanediol
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 AdenosineBetaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Another name for betaine is trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineButylene 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 TriglycerideCetearyl 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 AlcoholDisodium 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideSodium 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 HyaluronateTranexamic Acid is best used for treating hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and melasma. It can also help build a stronger skin barrier.
Once applied, Tranexamic Acid starts decreasing inflammation from UV exposure. Tranexamic Acid also prevents our skin cells from meeting the pigment production cells.
Its brightening property makes it great at reducing the appearance of acne scars and marks.
Fun fact: Tranexamic Acid is also a medication used to reduce heavy bleeding.
This acid is derived from lysine, an amino acid.
Learn more about Tranexamic AcidWater. 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