Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex Versus AHC Beauty Ten Revolution Real Eye Cream For Face
This barrier-repair eye moisturizer is formulated around Bifida Ferment Lysate and Caffeine to strengthen the skin barrier and soften the look of wrinkles.
This anti-aging eye moisturizer is formulated around Hydrolyzed Collagen Extract and Bifida Ferment Lysate to soften the look of wrinkles and hydrate skin.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Sucrose
Humectant
Petrolatum
Emollient
Polysorbate 40
Emulsifying
Trehalose
Humectant
Algae Extract
Emollient
Morus Bombycis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBetula Alba Bark Extract
Masking
Hydrolyzed Algin
Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract
AstringentJojoba Alcohol
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Isopropyl Jojobate
EmollientJojoba Esters
Emollient
Isohexadecane
EmollientFaex Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Cholesterol
Emollient
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Rna
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Potassium Sulfate
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTripeptide-32
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Tromethamine
BufferingDisodium EDTA
ChelatingBHT
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantMethyl Trimethicone, Water, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Propanediol, Sucrose, Petrolatum, Polysorbate 40, Trehalose, Algae Extract, Morus Bombycis Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Betula Alba Bark Extract, Hydrolyzed Algin, Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract, Jojoba Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Isopropyl Jojobate, Jojoba Esters, Isohexadecane, Faex Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Cholesterol, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Rna, Caffeine, Polysorbate 80, Caprylyl Glycol, Phytosphingosine, Squalane, Potassium Sulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tripeptide-32, Butylene Glycol, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Hydrolyzed Collagen Extract
Skin Protecting
Glycerin
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Pentaerythrityl Stearate/Caprate/Caprylate/Adipate
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Betaine
Humectant
Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Lycium Chinense Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Ficus Carica Fruit Extract
Humectant
Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Oryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Collagen Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Humectant
Acmella Oleracea Extract
Skin ProtectingGossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract
EmollientLepidium Meyenii Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningCinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract
Antimicrobial
Bacillus/Folic Acid Ferment Filtrate Extract
Antioxidant
Pancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingNymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTriticum Aestivum Peptide
Skin Conditioning
Phaseolus Lunatus Seed Extract
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Soluble Collagen
Humectant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water
Masking
Oryza Sativa Germ Oil
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Methylpropanediol
SolventPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Polyacrylate-13
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-10 Distearate
Emulsifying
Vinyldimethicone
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Glycosyl Trehalose
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Raffinose
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
ChelatingMicrococcus Lysate
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Lecithin
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Polyquaternium-51
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Laurate
CleansingInulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingLauric Acid
Cleansing
Cyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingHuman Stem Cell Conditioned Media
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Collagen Water
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Humectant
Xylitylglucoside
Humectant
Schizosaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
Humectant
Anhydroxylitol
Humectant
Xylitol
Humectant
Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen
Cleansing
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Emollient
Glycolipids
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Laurate
Emulsifying
Glucose
Humectant
Sodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningCapryloyl Glycine
CleansingPotassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen
Skin Conditioning
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSqualane
Emollient
Ascorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingHydrolyzed Lupine Protein
Skin ConditioningCollagen
Moisturising
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Crithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate
Skin ProtectingTetrahydropiperine
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid Polypeptide
Antioxidant
Collagen Amino Acids
Moisturising
Mannitol
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Sarcosine
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Skin Conditioning
Saccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningCetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingDipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin Conditioning
Rutin
Antioxidant
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientLactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Alanine
Masking
Arginine
Masking
Asparagine
MaskingAspartic Acid
Masking
Citrulline
Skin ConditioningCysteine
Antioxidant
Glutamic Acid
Humectant
Glutamine
Skin ConditioningGlycine
Buffering
Histidine
Humectant
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningLeucine
Skin ConditioningLysine
Skin ConditioningMethionine
Skin ConditioningOrnithine
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
Masking
Proline
Skin Conditioning
Serine
Masking
Taurine
BufferingThreonine
Tryptophan
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingValine
MaskingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
3-Ascorbyl Carbonyl Dipeptide-17
Skin Conditioning
Capryloyl Dipeptide-17
Emollient
Acetyl Glutamine
Skin ConditioningHeptasodium Hexacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
Dipotassium Phosphate
BufferingHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPantothenic Acid
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Gluconolactone
Chelating
Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate
Skin ConditioningPalmitic Acid
Emollient
Glycine Soja Peptide
Skin Conditioning
Saccharomyces Polypeptides
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantStearic Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Atelocollagen
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Capryloyl Sh-Nonapeptide-6
Skin Conditioning
Rh-Polypeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Avena Sativa Peptide
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Max Polypeptide
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Humectant
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11
Skin Conditioning
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantDipeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Copper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Skin Protecting
Acetyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Nonapeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5
Humectant
Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Hexapeptide-2
Bleaching
Hexapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Tripeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Dipeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Pentapeptide-3
Skin Conditioning
Tripeptide-3
Skin Conditioning
Alanine/Histidine/Lysine Polypeptide Copper Hcl
Skin Conditioning
Dipeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Oligopeptide-6
Skin Conditioning
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Riboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantThiamine Hcl
MaskingFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningMenadione
MaskingMyristic Acid
Cleansing
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Oligopeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-3
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-4
Antioxidant
Sh-Polypeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-11
Sh-Polypeptide-14
Skin Protecting
Sh-Polypeptide-16
Skin Protecting
Sh-Polypeptide-22
Skin Conditioning
Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Hydrolyzed Collagen Extract, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Cyclohexasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Water, Niacinamide, Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Pentaerythrityl Stearate/Caprate/Caprylate/Adipate, Cetyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Betaine, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lycium Chinense Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Collagen Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Acmella Oleracea Extract, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract, Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Bacillus/Folic Acid Ferment Filtrate Extract, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Triticum Aestivum Peptide, Phaseolus Lunatus Seed Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Soluble Collagen, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Oryza Sativa Germ Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Methylpropanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyacrylate-13, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Behenyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-10 Distearate, Vinyldimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Allantoin, Glycosyl Trehalose, Panthenol, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Raffinose, Cholesterol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Disodium EDTA, Micrococcus Lysate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Lecithin, Propanediol, Ceramide NP, Polyquaternium-51, Sodium Laurate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Lauric Acid, Cyanocobalamin, Tromethamine, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Human Stem Cell Conditioned Media, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Collagen Water, Tocopheryl Acetate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Xylitylglucoside, Schizosaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Glycolipids, Sorbitan Laurate, Glucose, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Capryloyl Glycine, Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, Maltodextrin, Hexylene Glycol, Squalane, Ascorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Collagen, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Crithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate, Tetrahydropiperine, Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide, Collagen Amino Acids, Mannitol, Lactic Acid, Sarcosine, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Rutin, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Citrulline, Cysteine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Ornithine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Taurine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Valine, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, 3-Ascorbyl Carbonyl Dipeptide-17, Capryloyl Dipeptide-17, Acetyl Glutamine, Heptasodium Hexacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12, Dipotassium Phosphate, Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Pantothenic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Gluconolactone, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Palmitic Acid, Glycine Soja Peptide, Saccharomyces Polypeptides, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Stearic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Atelocollagen, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Capryloyl Sh-Nonapeptide-6, Rh-Polypeptide-1, Avena Sativa Peptide, Glycine Max Polypeptide, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Calcium Gluconate, Dipeptide-2, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Acetyl Tripeptide-1, Nonapeptide-1, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Tripeptide-1, Hexapeptide-2, Hexapeptide-9, Tripeptide-2, Dipeptide-1, Pentapeptide-3, Tripeptide-3, Alanine/Histidine/Lysine Polypeptide Copper Hcl, Dipeptide-4, Oligopeptide-6, Retinyl Palmitate, Biotin, Ascorbic Acid, Riboflavin, Thiamine Hcl, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine, Menadione, Myristic Acid, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Polypeptide-3, Sh-Polypeptide-4, Sh-Polypeptide-9, Sh-Polypeptide-11, Sh-Polypeptide-14, Sh-Polypeptide-16, Sh-Polypeptide-22, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Polysorbate 80, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Bifida Ferment Lysate is a postbiotic ingredient made by fermenting Bifidobacterium to extract a nutrient-rich mix of peptides, amino acids, vitamins, organic acids, and polysaccharides.
These components are basically the building blocks that your skin already uses to stay hydrated, repair itself, and maintain its barrier. That's why this ingredient helps your skin hold onto moisture and stay resilient against irritation.
One in-vitro study found that this ingredient tells your skin cells to produce more of the proteins (filaggrin, loricrin, and involucrin) for building a strong and healthy barrier. This study also found this ingredient to be a solid antioxidant that helped neutralize damage against UV and pollution.
A study with people from 2010 found that sensitive, reactive skin using a cream with 10% of this ingredient for a month became noticeably less dry, less reactive, and harder to irritate compared to the group using a plain cream.
In short, this ingredient is a well-tolerated ingredient that can help with barrier repair, antioxidant protection, and calming reactive skin.
This ingredient is generally considered fungal acne (Malassezia) safe; Bifidobacterium is a bacterium, not a yeast or fungus.
The fungal acne concern with fermented ingredients mainly applies to yeast-derived ferments like Saccharomyces and Galactomyces, because those are in the same kingdom as Malassezia and could theoretically contain residual compounds that feed it.
Bifida is a completely different organism, so on its own it doesn't provide a food source for the Malassezia yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about Bifida Ferment LysateButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCholesterol is a lipid that is naturally found in human skin and is one of the three key components of your skin barrier. In skincare, it is an emollient and barrier-repairing ingredient.
It works by fitting directly into the lipid layers of skin to help restore structure and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
This is a great ingredient for dry, compromised, or aging skin; our skin starts to produce less cholesterol with age.
Research shows cholesterol works best in combination with ceramides and fatty acids, the other two major components in your skin barrier.
Cholesterol is also a well-establish penetration enhancer and can help other actives absorb more effectively.
Cosmetic-grade cholesterol is usually derived from lanolin but plant and synthetic options also exist. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about their source of cholesterol.
Learn more about CholesterolThis ingredient is a silicone elastomer that works as a texture enhancer, adds a silky slip, and also helps absorb excess oil.
Because it's a large macromolecule that's insoluble in water and chemically inert, it's not expected to penetrate or be absorbed into skin.
Human patch tests with a facial lotion containing 1% of this ingredient found no sensitization.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is a more stable version of lecithin.
It's made by taking lecithin (a phospholipid commonly found in soybeans and egg yolks) and hydrogenating it. This just means the unsaturated fatty acids are turned into saturated ones so they don't go bad as easily.
This ingredient is an emollient, emulsifier, and penetration enhancer. As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Hydrogenated Lecithin can form tiny spherical structures made of phospholipid bilayers called liposomes. These liposomes are able to capture compounds inside their structure and deliver them through the skin barrier.
Because phospholipids are a natural component of our cell membranes, this ingredient is inherently compatible with skin.
A 2021 study found lecithin-based surfactants were less harsh and more tolerable comared to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
Learn more about Hydrogenated LecithinThis ingredient is made when the Lactobacillus bacteria (the same kind that makes yogurt and kimchi) are allowed to ferment a nutrient medium.
As it ferments, it collects lactic acid, peptides, enzymes, and other bioactive metabolites to provide:
A 2023 review noted that probiotic fermentation ingredients like this one can enhance antioxidant capacity, reduce UV-induced oxidative damage, and support barrier function.
One clinical study from the same year showed a Lactobacillus ferment lysate significantly reduced transepidermal water loss and improved skin hydration.
Another review highlighted that topical Lactobacillus-based preparations can improve ceramide levels in the stratum corneum, support barrier integrity, and even help reduce S. aureus colonization in atopic dermatitis.
Why is this so cool?
Basically, your skin's outer layer works as a brick wall; skin cells are bricks and ceramides are the mortar holding it together. Moisture escapes, irritants get in, and your skin gets dry and reactive when ceramide levels drop. On top of that, "bad" skin bacteria S. aureus loves to move in when your barrier is weak to make inflammation and irritation worse.
So Lactobacillus ferment is basically patching the wall and evicting the troublemaker when it boosts ceramide production and help keep S. aureus in check.
On top of all this, it also acts as a mild antimicrobial preservative booster.
Just so you know, most studies focus on specific strains or the lysate form rather than this generic "Lactobacillus Ferment", so results can vary.
Though it's a promising ingredient, it doesn't have decades of robust clinical data behind it just yet.
Lactobacillus Ferment is generally considered safe for fungal-acne prone skin. The key thing to understand is that it comes from bacteria, not yeast or fungus.
Yeast-derived ferments (like galactomyces) have been shown to activate a protein that's linked to Malassezia-related skin issues whereas lactobacillus doesn't have that problem.
Its byproducts also don't contain the types of fatty acids (C11-24 chain lengths) that Malassezia feeds on.
Learn more about Lactobacillus FermentPolysorbate 80 is a synthetic surfactant and emulsifier derived from sorbitol and oleic acid.
It reduces the surface tension between oil and water phases to help them stay mixed and stable in a formulation. In other words, it prevents your formulas from separating into an oily mess.
The CIR Expert Panel has evaluated the scientific data and found this ingredient to be safe, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing at concentrations up to 5% (it's even approved by the FDA as an OTC eye drop ingredient).
Learn more about Polysorbate 80Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 HyaluronateSqualane is the hydrogenated and shelf-stable form of squalene (a lipid that naturally occurs in human sebum).
It is an emollient and skin conditioning agent that is able to integrate seamlessly into the skin's lipid barrier without clogging pores.
This is due to how structurally similar it is to what your skin already produces.
Though it is mostly an emollient that helps soften and hydrate skin, it also has some humectant and occlusive action. Humectants help the skin retain moisture while occlusives seal it in, making squalane a triple-threat moisturizer.
Research shows it has antioxidant capabilities that help protect against stressors like UV exposure, specifically UVA induced oxidative stress. This study also found that it supports collagen biosynthesis in human dermal fibroblasts.
No clinical study has reported significant adverse effects and irritation reactions are very rare from this ingredient (even at 100% concentration).
Overall, it's a fantastic ingredient for hydration and is suitable for all skin types.
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Though squalane is often called an oil, it’s technically not one. It is a hydrocarbon, meaning it is only made of carbon and hydrogen. True oils are triglycerides and made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
Squalane has a comedogenic rating of 1 from the original 1972 study that tested raw ingredients under occlusion on rabbit ears. This system is not standardized or peer-reviewed, and using the raw ingredients is very different from how diluted cosmetic formulations are used on human skin.
A comedogenic rating of 1 means it is "unlikely to clog pores" according to the original rating system.
The overall formula of a product matters more than the individual ingredients on whether or not it will cause clogged pores.
Learn more about SqualaneTocopheryl Acetate is a stable, shelf-friendly form of vitamin E.
Formulators love it because plain vitamin E oxidizes quickly once it hits air. This acetate version stays stable and resists going off, helping to extend a product's shelf life.
It's actually inactive on its own and works like a slow-release "storage" form; the enzymes in your skin called esterases gradually convert it into active vitamin E over time.
One in vivo study showed 5% of the acetate in the living layer of the epidermis converted to vitamin E after 5 days of application. This study also found the skin gained protection against UV damage even though the conversion was slow and small.
Once converted, vitamin E acts as a skin's main fat-soluble antioxidant that fights free radicals to protect skin from damage.
Topical vitamin E generally boosts the skin's photoprotection, and it reduced UV-damage in animal models.
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.
Overall, it has a pretty solid safety profile and has been found to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic. Allergic reactions may happen but stay rare due to how widely the ingredient gets used.
The concentration will vary depending on the formula; industry data shows 0.1% in baby lotions, 3% in lipsticks, and 5% in foot powders. You can also find this ingredient at 100% in a pure vitamin E oil.
Most leave-on skincare keeps it at the lower end, often between 0.5-1%.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateTromethamine (aka THAM) is a synthetic amino acid that shows up in skincare as a helper ingredient.
It functions as a pH adjuster to help neutralize acidic ingredients and set a formula's pH to the right spot.
This matters a lot because a lot of actives (like vitamin C) needs a specific pH to work well and feel comfortable on skin.
Concentration use ranges from 0.1-1.0% depending on the formula.
Learn more about TromethamineWater. 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
