What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientSqualane
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Stearate
EmulsifyingVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Bakuchiol
AntimicrobialCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningSoluble Collagen
HumectantHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Skin ProtectingAcetyl Octapeptide-3
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-6
Skin ConditioningHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningNonapeptide-1
Skin ConditioningStearyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate-13
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingDextrin Palmitate/Ethylhexanoate
EmulsifyingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLavandula Oil/Extract
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingOctyldodecanol
EmollientCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking2,3-Butanediol
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventSalvia Officinalis Oil
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
MaskingCamellia Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAstaxanthin
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientRubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract
AstringentVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentSambucus Nigra Fruit Extract
AstringentCholesterol
EmollientMaltodextrin
AbsorbentPersea Gratissima Fruit Extract
EmollientLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Squalane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Methyl Trimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Bakuchiol, Ceramide NP, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide As, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Soluble Collagen, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Oligopeptide-6, Hexapeptide-9, Nonapeptide-1, Stearyl Alcohol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Polyacrylate-13, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Dextrin Palmitate/Ethylhexanoate, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lavandula Oil/Extract, Adenosine, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Disodium EDTA, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Octyldodecanol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, 2,3-Butanediol, Methylpropanediol, Salvia Officinalis Oil, Carbomer, Arginine, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Astaxanthin, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Rubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract, Cholesterol, Maltodextrin, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract, Limonene, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingMethylpropanediol
SolventPropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlyceryl Glucoside
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantArginine
MaskingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingC12-14 Alketh-12
EmulsifyingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Simethicone
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate-13
Disodium EDTA
Cyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningTriethyl Citrate
MaskingBetaine
HumectantPolyisobutene
Glyceryl Stearate
EmollientHydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum
HumectantTranexamic Acid
AstringentAbelmoschus Esculentus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingGlutathione
Fragaria Vesca Fruit Extract
AstringentCastanea Crenata Shell Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Junos Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningBetula Platyphylla Japonica Bark
Skin ConditioningRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingBisabolol
MaskingFerulic Acid
AntimicrobialCymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil
MaskingIllicium Verum Fruit/Seed Oil
MaskingOctyldodecanol
EmollientHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Methylpropanediol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Glucoside, Butylene Glycol, Arginine, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Carbomer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, C12-14 Alketh-12, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Simethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Adenosine, Polyacrylate-13, Disodium EDTA, Cyanocobalamin, Triethyl Citrate, Betaine, Polyisobutene, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum, Tranexamic Acid, Abelmoschus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Panthenol, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Glutathione, Fragaria Vesca Fruit Extract, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Citrus Junos Peel Extract, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Bark, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Bisabolol, Ferulic Acid, Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil, Illicium Verum Fruit/Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alpha-Arbutin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceramide NP, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate
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
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 AdenosineArginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.
As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.
Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineButylene 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 GlycolThis 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 TriglycerideCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract is also known as Ivy Gourd Fruit Extract. It has skin conditioning properties.
Corallina Officinalis Extract is from the red seaweed, Corallina Officinalis. This seaweed is found all over the world but is most common in the rocky shores of Great Britain and Ireland.
Corallina Officinalis Extract contains antioxidant and emollient properties.
Extracted polysaccharides, galactose and xylose, in red algae showed antioxidant activity. Antioxidants help with anti-aging by neutralizing free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules may damage your skin cells and DNA. Galactose is also a PHA.
Corallina Officinalis is structurally similar to coral due to its high calcium content.
Learn more about Corallina Officinalis ExtractDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It is a fatty acid ester.
The fatty acid content of Ethylhexyl Palmitate makes it an emollient. Emollients help soften and hydrate your skin by trapping moisture within.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is also used to help improve the texture of cosmetics. It helps other ingredient dissolve in products and help disperse ingredients more evenly.
You'll likely find this ingredient in sunscreen, as it is often used to mix UV-blocking ingredients such as avobenzone and ethylhexyl triazone.
It can also help stabilize the fragrances in a product as a fragrance fixative.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate can be used to substitute mineral oil.
Due to its high fatty acid content, it may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateEthylhexylglycerin (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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateHydrogenated 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.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract is from the Neem tree. Neem trees originate from India.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
The flowers of this tree are lilac colored.
Learn more about Melia Azadirachta Flower ExtractMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is extract from the neem plant.
The leaves of this tree contain flavonoids and polyphenols. These two compounds are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Further research is needed as to their effects when applied on skin.
Methylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.
As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.
Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.
Learn more about MethylpropanediolNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideOctyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol. It is primarily used to enhance the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, Octyldodecanol helps prevent the oils and waters from separating. It also prevents ingredients from creating foam when shaken.
Octyldodecanol is created by reducing fatty acid to an alcohol.
Due to its high molecular weight, it does not get absorbed into the skin.
Learn more about OctyldodecanolPolyacrylate-13 is a type of acrylate polymer. Acrylate polymers are commonly used as adhesives in cosmetics.
Polyacrylate-13 creates a film to protect the skin. It is also used to thicken and stabilize a product. It works by making water a gel-like consistency. This gel consistency helps suspend particles.
Polyacrylate-13 is a copolymer of acrylic acid, acrylamide, sodium acrylate, sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate monomers
Learn more about Polyacrylate-13Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.
Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateWater. 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