What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialIsoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantTerephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantNiacinamide
SmoothingTromethamine
BufferingDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientHydrogenated Poly(C6-20 Olefin)
AbrasiveHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDrometrizole Trisiloxane
UV AbsorberPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingUltramarines
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Citric Acid
BufferingParfum
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAlumina
AbrasiveEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientAmylodextrin
AbsorbentLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSambucus Nigra Fruit Extract
AstringentViola Mandshurica Flower Extract
AntioxidantMaltodextrin
AbsorbentCalcium Pantothenate
Butylene Glycol
HumectantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantWater, Dibutyl Adipate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Glycerin, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Titanium Dioxide, Niacinamide, Tromethamine, Diisostearyl Malate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-20 Olefin), Hydroxyacetophenone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ultramarines, Dipropylene Glycol, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Citric Acid, Parfum, Caprylyl Glycol, Alumina, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Adenosine, Dimethicone, Amylodextrin, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, Maltodextrin, Calcium Pantothenate, Butylene Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pyridoxine Hcl, Silica, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Water
Skin ConditioningIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberDibutyl Adipate
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterNiacinamide
SmoothingDrometrizole Trisiloxane
UV AbsorberMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV Filter1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningDimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantTrehalose
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientDecyl Glucoside
CleansingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientGlycereth-26
HumectantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-6 Distearate
EmulsifyingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCandelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
EmulsifyingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingDextrin
AbsorbentTromethamine
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHamamelis Virginiana Extract
AntiseborrhoeicPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
MaskingMalachite Extract
AntioxidantWater, Isononyl Isononanoate, Propanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Dibutyl Adipate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Allantoin, Glycerin, Adenosine, Ceramide NP, Tocopherol, Trehalose, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Decyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Methicone, Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Carbomer, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Glycereth-26, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Dextrin, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Malachite Extract
Reviews
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
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
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 GlycolDibutyl Adipate is an emollient and solvent. It is created from butyl alcohol and adipic acid.
As a solvent, Dibutyl Adipate helps mix and disperse ingredients evenly.
Dibutyl Adipate is soluble in water and organic solvents. It does not absorb UV rays.
Learn more about Dibutyl AdipateDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
DHHB is well-liked for:
DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.
This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateDrometrizole Trisiloxane is a UV filter that provides both UV-A (344 nm) and UV-B (303 nm) protection.
This ingredient is photostable and studies show it to be generally safe and effective. The compound Meroxyl XL is owned by L'Oreal while Drometrizole trisiloxane can be found in other sunscreen brands.
It is currently approved for use in the EU, Canada, Australia, and Japan. However, it is not yet approved for use in the US.
This ingredient is often used with other sunscreen ingredients, such as Ecamsule.
Learn more about Drometrizole TrisiloxaneEthylhexylglycerin (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 GlycerinHyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.
This ingredient helps hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin.
What makes hyaluronic acid so hydrating? It has the capacity to bind or hold large amounts of water.
Fun fact: It is already naturally found in our bodies, such as the fluids of our eyes and our joints.
Studies find this ingredient to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This can help speed up wound-healing.
Hyaluronic acid can be irritating if the molecule has a low-molecular weight, or if the molecules are small.
One study found low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be pro-inflammatory, meaning some people may experience irritation. This is because our bodies use hyaluronic acid in the wound-healing process to signal to our bodies, via irritation, that something needs healing.
The same study found high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be anti-inflammatory.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.
Low molecular weight HA has been shown to hydrate and increase elasticity of the skin. Increasing elasticity is also associated with reduction of wrinkle depth.
One study found topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid may be considered for the treatment of rosacea in the adult population. However, we always recommend speaking with a professional about your skin concerns.
Hyaluronic acids are a humectant. This means they draw moisture from the air. Hyaluronic acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read more about other common forms of hyaluronic acid:
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidThis ingredient is created by putting sodium hyaluronate through hydrolysis.
You might know this as 'mini' or 'ultra low-molecular weight' hyaluronic acid. The small molecule size means it is able to travel deeper in the skin.
According to studies, low molecular-weight hyaluronic acid can:
One study from 2011 found ultra-low weight HA to show pro-inflammatory properties. Another study from 2022 found it to downregulate UV-B induced inflammation.
Hydrolysis is a process of changing a molecule using water or enzymes.
This ingredient is water-soluble.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Sodium HyaluronateThis form of hyaluronic acid is produced through fermentation.
According to a manufacturer, it has a positive charge by ionic binding to help moisturize and give hair a smooth feel. This is why you'll find this ingredient in shampoos and body washes.
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 NiacinamidePotassium hyaluronate (PH) is a salt form of hyaluronic acid and has similar skin hydrating benefits.
Similar to hyaluronic acid, PH is able to draw and hold moisture to your skin. This helps keep skin soft and hydrated.
Fun fact: PH is used in eye drops and injectable treatments for joint disorders. It has lubricating and tissue-repair properties.
Learn more about Potassium HyaluronateSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate is a type of Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic Acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read about common types of Hyaluronic Acid here:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid
Sodium 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 HyaluronateSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is a type of hyaluronic acid. In fact, it is modified version of hyaluronic acid.
The structure of Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer allows it to stay in the skin's top layer for a longer period of time. This allows for even more hydration and humectant action than hyaluronic acid.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerTromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineWater. 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