What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Pyrus Malus Juice
Skin ConditioningMalus Domestica Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Vitis Vinifera Juice
Antioxidant
Vitis Vinifera
MaskingHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil
Skin Protecting
Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil
Masking
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Masking
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Achillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingTrifolium Pratense Flower Extract
AstringentEchinacea Purpurea Root Extract
MoisturisingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGlycerin
Humectant
Heptyl Glucoside
SurfactantVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Punica Granatum Seed Oil
Emollient
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
Emollient
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPhyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract
HumectantAdansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Emollient
Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Cocos Nucifera Water
Masking
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Astringent
Tapioca Starch
Thioctic Acid
Antioxidant
Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Pyrus Malus Juice, Malus Domestica Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Juice, Vitis Vinifera, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Heptyl Glucoside, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Glycine Soja Oil, Retinol, Squalane, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Cocos Nucifera Water, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Tapioca Starch, Thioctic Acid
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Emblica Officinalis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningArnica Montana Flower
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Limon Peel Extract
EmollientArctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract
Masking
Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
Cleansing
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Sempervivum Tectorum Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Glycine Soja Germ Extract
EmollientRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialChlorella Pyrenoidosa Extract
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Rosa Canina Seed Oil
Emollient
Curcuma Longa Root Powder
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Malpighia Glabra Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAdansonia Digitata Fruit Extract
EmollientMyrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Astringent
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingGlycerin
Humectant
Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Emblica Officinalis Fruit Extract, Arnica Montana Flower, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Citrus Limon Peel Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Sempervivum Tectorum Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycine Soja Germ Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Chlorella Pyrenoidosa Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol, Rosa Canina Seed Oil, Curcuma Longa Root Powder, Parfum, Persea Gratissima Oil, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Malpighia Glabra Fruit Extract, Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract, Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Maltodextrin, Acacia Senegal Gum, Glycerin, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf 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.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is the filtered, stabilized liquid pressed from the inner gel of the aloe vera leaf.
In cosmetics, it shows up as either soothing active or a water-replacement base. It is roughly 98-99% water and the last 1-2% is an interesting mix of polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
The polysaccharides do most of the work: they bind water at the skin surface for a light, non-greasy hydration boost. And one of the polysaccharides, glycomannan, is linked to fibroblast stimulation + collagen synthesis. This is also why aloe has such a long track record in wound and burn healing.
This ingredient is also calming with anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity, making it a great pick for sensitive, irritated, or post-sun skin.
Realistic expectations matter though; the solid evidence is mostly limited to hydration, soothing, and wound support. Deeper claims about anti-aging or sun protection are not well backed, and science reviews note it does not prevent radiation-induced skin injury.
Because it plays well with almost everything, it's commonly used as a base alongside other actives like niacinamide or vitamin C.
Typical usage concentrations range from 0.5% (where hydration benefits already show up) all the way to 90%+ (where it replaces water as the main base).
The safety for this ingredient is well-establish as well. Overall, this is a great supporting ingredient for those who want a boost in hydration.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract comes from the marigold flower and has been used on skin for centuries for its calming effect.
In the lab, its active compounds appear to calm inflammation and support the early "healing" phase of minor wounds.
This is why Europe's medicines regulator has approved calendula extracts as a traditional remedy for minor skin inflammation and healing small wounds.
The stronger human evidence is around would/ulcer care rather than everyday cosmetic claims; a review that pulled together 14 studies found that calendula helped calm the early, inflamed stage of a wound and helped new skin tissue form faster.
Two studies also showed it shrank leg ulcers (the kind caused by poor circulation). Results were mixed for burns and for the skin irritation people get from radiation treatment, so it's not a sure thing there.
In cosmetics, it's mostly a skin conditioning and soothing agent.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel concluded that calendula-derived ingredients are safe as used and that the ingredients are not irritating, sensitizing, or photosensitizing in clinical tests (though they may be mild eye irritants).
Typical use levels are quite low; industry data reported it used at under 0.5% (one supplier noted a 10-25% extract blend used at 1-10% in the finished product). Historical use goes up to 10%.
The only thing to keep in mind is if you have daisy/ragweed allergies. Calendula is in the same family and one patch-test study found 2% of dermatitis patients reacted to marigold. Be sure to patch test if you have sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
Learn more about Calendula Officinalis Flower ExtractDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract comes from the root commonly known as carrot (the orange kind we eat!).
This extract contains beta-carotene, a pigment responsible for giving plants the orange color. Beta-carotene is a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants may help reduce the signs of aging.
Beta-carotene is the reason we turn orange if we eat too many carrots.
It should be noted coming into contact with the leaves of wild carrots can cause skin irritation. The sap causes phytophotodermatitis, or sensitivity exposed to sunlight.
This ingredient is created using the edible parts of the carrot.
Learn more about Daucus Carota Sativa Root ExtractThis extract comes from the Cabbage Palm, AKA the Açaí berry! It has skin soothing and antioxidant properties.
Acai berries are rich in antioxidants, including ferulic acid (The famous vitamin C stabilizer). Antioxidants protect your skin against damaging free-radical molecules.
You can also find carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, minerals, vitamin A, and Vitamin C in these berries.
Learn more about Euterpe Oleracea Fruit ExtractGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilLycium Barbarum Fruit Extract comes from the Goji Berry. Goji berries are native to China and can be found across Eurasia.
Goji berries contain polysaccharides, carotenoids and flavonoids. Antioxidants help your body fight off free-radical molecules. These molecules are unstable and may damage your skin. By making free-radicals more stable, antioxidants can help with anti-aging.
Polysaccharides help hydrate the top layer of skin due to its ability to mimic natural carbohydrates.
Learn more about Lycium Barbarum Fruit ExtractThis extract comes from the camu camu berry and is known for its exceptionally high vitamin C content.
This ingredient is also known as olive oil. It has been used in skincare for centuries and science largely backs up its reputation as a nourishing emollient.
The main components of olive oil are oleic acid (55-83%), linoleic acid (3.5-20%), and palmitic acid (7-20%). Oleic acid promotes skin regeneration and helps regulate inflammatory responses.
Squalene is also naturally present in olive oil and exhibits moisturizing and antioxidant properties.
The polyphenols in olive oil also show anti-aging promise; one clinical study found a measurable improvement in skin appearance after 30 days of topical serum use.
Just be aware that applying olive oil directly to skin can weaken the barrier and cause redness. One study with volunteers found even people without sensitive skin experienced a significant reduction in stratum corneum integrity and induced mild erythema.
It's best to use this ingredient as part of a carefully crafted formula (instead of putting it on skin directly from the bottle).
Because it has a 2-3 on the comedogenic scale, it is a moderate risk for acne-prone skin. However, the overall formulation of a product matters more than a few ingredients with comedogenic ratings.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because of the oleic and palmitic acid content. These fall within the C11-24 fatty acid range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize to grow.
Overall, olive oil is a well-studied and nourishing skincare ingredient.
Learn more about Olea Europaea Fruit OilThis is a botanical extract from the rosemary plant (the same one you cook with). In skincare, it mostly works as a skin conditioning agent.
Its activity comes from a handful of polyphenols, carnosic acid, carnosol, and rosmarinic acid. Almost 90% of the antioxidant activity of this ingredient can be attributed to canosol and carnosic acid.
These compounds protect your skin two ways:
1) They fight off free radicals, or the unstable molecules from things like sun and pollution that age and damage skin.
2) They help calm inflammation by switching off the chemical signals that tell skin to get red and irritated.
Lab studies also suggest that rosmarinic acid may help protect collagen and slow sugar-related damage to it.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review has concluded rosemary-derived ingredients to be safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing.
Rosemary can occasionally cause allergic contact dermatitis (due to carnosol), so be sure to patch test if you have reactive or fragrance-sensitive skin.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
