What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Physostegia Virginiana Leaf/Stem Extract
AntiseborrhoeicAloe Barbadensis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Betaine
Humectant
Proline
Skin ConditioningDimethyl Sulfone
Solvent
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Arginine
Masking
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Water, Tocopheryl Acetate, Physostegia Virginiana Leaf/Stem Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Glycerin, Betaine, Proline, Dimethyl Sulfone, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arginine, Retinol, Carbomer, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethyl Sulfone
Solvent
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Squalane
Emollient
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Emollient
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningLecithin
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Lavandula Officinalis Flower Oil
Perfuming
Cananga Odorata Flower Oil
Masking
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Potassium Phosphate
BufferingCaesalpinia Spinosa Gum
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Geranium Maculatum Extract
TonicEquisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentTaraxacum Officinale Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Dimethyl Sulfone, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Niacinamide, Squalane, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Salicylic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Lecithin, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Lavandula Officinalis Flower Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alcohol, Tocopherol, Potassium Phosphate, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Geranium Maculatum Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Taraxacum Officinale Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Dimethyl Sulfone is an organic compound that naturally contains sulfur. It is used as a solvent due to its stability. Solvents help mix and stabilize other ingredients.
Studies show taking Dimethyl Sulfone (also known as methylsulfonylmethane) orally may help reduce the depth of wrinkles. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any questions or concerns about this ingredient.
Ethylhexylglycerin (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 GlycerinRetinol 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 RetinolSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a form of Vitamin C. It is the salt of ascorbic acid.
This ingredient is more gentle than ascorbic acid. It is also more stable when exposed to light and oxygen.
Vitamin C helps reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.
Your skin uses Vitamin C to produce collagen and collagen production plays a role in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. As an antioxidant, this ingredient also helps reduce the signs of aging such as fine-lines and wrinkles.
VItamin C helps brighten skin by blocking the process of skin darkening.
In a 2011 study, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate was found to have antibacterial properties. This may help treat acne.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateWater. 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
