What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantIsostearyl Neopentanoate
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Polysorbate 20
EmulsifyingAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantTuber Melanosporum Extract
HumectantLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingNarcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract
AstringentHydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantAminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantPalmaria Palmata Extract
Skin ProtectingScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientBoswellia Serrata Extract
Skin ConditioningFuscoporia Obliqua Sclerotium Extract
Skin ConditioningSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningPearl Powder
Gold
Cosmetic ColorantCaffeine
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
EmollientAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCoffea Arabica Seed Oil
MaskingHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientCordyceps Sinensis Extract
AntioxidantErgothioneine
AntioxidantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingTocopherol
AntioxidantLecithin
EmollientYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningUrea
BufferingTrehalose
HumectantGlucose
HumectantCellulose
AbsorbentCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingSodium PCA
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingArtemia Extract
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSilica
AbrasiveSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantSodium Sulfite
PreservativeCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPullulan
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Triacetin
AntimicrobialPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningBis-Stearyl Dimethicone
EmollientPolysilicone-11
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingIsododecane
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientPEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSorbic Acid
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 20, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Tuber Melanosporum Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Fuscoporia Obliqua Sclerotium Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Pearl Powder, Gold, Caffeine, Algae Extract, Acetyl Glucosamine, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Coffea Arabica Seed Oil, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Ergothioneine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Tocopherol, Lecithin, Yeast Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Urea, Trehalose, Glucose, Cellulose, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hydroxide, Artemia Extract, Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Silica, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Sulfite, Caprylyl Glycol, Pullulan, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Triacetin, Polyquaternium-51, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Isododecane, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891, Mica, CI 14700
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientPolysilicone-11
Isododecane
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-6
HumectantMorus Bombycis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientSaccharomyces Lysate Extract
HumectantHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientSalicylic Acid
MaskingTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCaffeine
Skin ConditioningIsohexadecane
EmollientBetula Alba Bark Extract
MaskingTrametes Versicolor Extract
Sodium Rna
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin ConditioningDimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol
AntioxidantDi-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seedcake
AbrasiveYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingTromethamine
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantSodium Sulfite
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Isododecane, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, PEG-10 Dimethicone, PEG-6, Morus Bombycis Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Salicylic Acid, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Cholesterol, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Squalane, Acetyl Glucosamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caffeine, Isohexadecane, Betula Alba Bark Extract, Trametes Versicolor Extract, Sodium Rna, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol, Di-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride, Helianthus Annuus Seedcake, Yeast Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysorbate 80, Tromethamine, Sodium Hydroxide, Hexylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Sulfite, Phenoxyethanol, CI 15985, CI 19140
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acetyl Glucosamine is an antioxidant and humectant. It is an amino acid sugar and is naturally found in our skin.
The cool thing about this ingredient? It helps the skin produce hyaluronic acid and boost hydration. It also has antioxidant benefits to protect skin cells.
When paired with niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine has been shown to be effective at reducing discoloration.
Learn more about Acetyl GlucosamineAscorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C. It is created by combining glucose from starch.
When applied to skin, Ascorbyl Glucoside turns into Ascorbic Acid.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may damage skin cells.
It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl GlucosideButylene 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 GlycolCaffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and is rich in antioxidants.
While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.
Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.
Learn more about CaffeineCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolThis extract comes from cucumber. Cucumbers are mostly made up of water (95%), and the other 5% is composed of: vitamin C, caffeic acid, fatty acids, amino acids, and other minerals.
Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory, barrier repair, and hydrating properties.
They contain shikimate dehydrigenase, an enzyme shown to help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
The amino acids found in cucumbers help nourish our skin's natural acid mantle (it's an important part of our skin barrier). This slightly acidic film acts as a barrier to protect us from bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.
Unless you have an allergy to cucumbers, this is generally a non-irritating ingredient.
Fun fact: Cucumis Sativus is native to South Asia and can now be found on every continent.
Learn more about Cucumis Sativus Fruit ExtractDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeDisodium 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 EDTAWe don't have a description for Hordeum Vulgare Extract yet.
Isododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
Learn more about IsododecanePhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysilicone-11 is a film-forming silicone that creates a non-tacky and matte finish on the skin. It's commonly used to improve texture, absorb excess oil, and help active ingredients spread evenly.
Due to its "rubber-like" structure, it stays on the skin's surface instead of being absorbed. On the skin, it creates a flexible layer that enhances wearability and stability.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Propylene Glycol Dicaprate is an emollient and emulsifier. It is created from a mixture of fatty acids.
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract comes from the Baikal skullcap or Chinese skullcap plant. This plant is native to Northeast Asia and can be found in China, Mongolia, Korea, and Siberia.
In cosmetics, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. This is due to the flavonoid composition of Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract.
In Chinese traditional folk medicine, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract is used to help treat lung issues and hypertension.
Learn more about Scutellaria Baicalensis Root ExtractSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideSodium metabisulfite is also known as Sodium Pyrosulfite. It is a preservative, antioxidant, and disinfectant.
As a preservative, it helps stabilize cosmetic formulas without affecting their color or scent.
Sodium Sulfite is a preservative. Preservatives help prevent mold and bacteria from growing in cosmetics.
This ingredient has been shown to break the bonds in hair, acting as a natural straightener.
It is commonly used in food. It should be noted sodium sulfite degrades both vitamins B1 and E.
Fun fact: Sulfites are naturally occuring in wine.
Learn more about Sodium SulfiteTocopheryl 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterYeast extract is a silky, clear liquid derived from yeast (usually Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Torula yeast).
This ingredient has plenty of skin benefits:
Bioferments of yeast and soy have been found to reduce hyperpigmentation at low levels.
Due to its fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Yeast Extract