What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPropanediol
Solvent
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Polyacrylamide
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Taurine
BufferingC13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Arginine
Masking
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
Lespedeza Capitata Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine
Buffering
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract
TonicCurcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Water, Isononyl Isononanoate, Propanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polyacrylamide, Phenoxyethanol, Taurine, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Arginine, Saccharide Isomerate, Citric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Laureth-7, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Lespedeza Capitata Leaf/Stem Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Phytate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Glycine, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Isododecane
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Propanediol
Solvent
Squalane
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sucrose Stearate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sea Water
HumectantTaurine
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBehenyl Behenate
EmollientArginine
Masking
Tribehenin
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Sulfite
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingGlycine
Buffering
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Sulfate
Water, Glycerin, Isododecane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Propanediol, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Panthenol, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Polysorbate 20, Sucrose Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Sea Water, Taurine, Xanthan Gum, Behenyl Behenate, Arginine, Tribehenin, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Sulfite, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Sulfate
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycine is the smallest amino acid and a key building block of collagen. It's part if your skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
A study from 2022 found that an amino acid complex featuring taurine, arginine, and glycine significantly reduced skin irritation, improved redness, and accelerated the skin repair process.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTaurine is an amino acid that is found in human skin as an osmolyte. An osmolyte is a small molecule that cells use to hold onto water and stay comfortable under stressful conditions.
In skin cell studies, taurine accumulation helps cells maintain hydration in low-humidity environments. Some dermatology research on osmolytes also link taurine to barrier support. Research also suggests that osomolyte systems can be disrupted in photoaged skin.
One animal study reported tropical taurine improved barrier function and collagen signaling, while another one found oral taurine can lessen UVB-related damage. It is important to note that evidence for taurine in skincare is mostly preclinical, meaning further studies are needed.
Learn more about TaurineTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolTocopheryl 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
