What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingRetinol
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Meal Extract
SoothingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPhaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBHT
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBHA
AntioxidantMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Tetrasodium EDTA
Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, Cellulose Gum, Retinol, Avena Sativa Meal Extract, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, BHT, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cholesterol, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, BHA, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Tetrasodium EDTA
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventNiacinamide
SmoothingGlycerin
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthoxydiglycol
HumectantMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientC15-19 Alkane
SolventTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantBHT
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantRetinol
Skin ConditioningAcer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningC10-16 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPeucedanum Graveolens Extract
TonicEruca Sativa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSucrose Stearate
EmollientBHA
AntioxidantSodium Benzoate
MaskingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningGlycosphingolipids
EmollientWater, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Trehalose, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ethoxydiglycol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Panthenol, Dimethicone, C15-19 Alkane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Retinol, Acer Saccharum Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Centella Asiatica Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Peucedanum Graveolens Extract, Eruca Sativa Leaf Extract, Sucrose Stearate, BHA, Sodium Benzoate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide As, Ceramide Ng, Glycosphingolipids
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizingg properties. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Studies show higher concentrations of this ingredient can promote wound healing.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinThe ingredient "BHA" stands for butylated hydroxyanisole. If you are looking for the beta-hydroxy acid, aka as Salicylic Acid, click here.
In cosmetics, butylated hydroxyanisole is used as a perservative. It also has antioxidant properties. The concentrations usually used in skincare are low and do not penetrate through skin.
It is only considered a carcinogen when ingested.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole is a synthetic and waxy petrochemical. It is used as a preservative in foods and cosmetics.
Learn more about BHABHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTThis 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 TriglycerideEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Panthenol 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 PanthenolPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Polysorbate 80 is a surfactant and emulsifier. It is used to keep ingredients together, and prevent oils and waters from separating.
It is made from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid. This ingredient can be found in cosmetics, foods, and medicine. It is water-soluble.
Polysorbate 80 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 80Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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