What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate
Emollient
Petrolatum
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Steareth-10
Emulsifying
Cholesterol
Emollient
Swertia Chirata Extract
HumectantNarcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract
Astringent
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Glycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingCucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Olea Europaea Fruit Extract
BleachingTriticum Vulgare Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningPadina Pavonica Thallus Extract
Skin ConditioningGold
Cosmetic ColorantPearl Powder
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Gossypium Herbaceum Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Yeast Extract
Skin ConditioningBoswellia Serrata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningOleic Acid
Emollient
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Ergothioneine
Antioxidant
Algae Extract
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Trehalose
Humectant
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Saccharomyces Lysate Extract
Humectant
Glucose
Humectant
Lactoperoxidase
StabilisingGlucose Oxidase
StabilisingAlcaligenes Polysaccharides
EmollientPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Carnitine Hcl
Skin ConditioningAdenosine Phosphate
Skin ConditioningCreatine
Skin ConditioningIsocetyl Stearoyl Stearate
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Polysilicone-11
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Decarboxy Carnosine Hcl
Skin ConditioningPhytantriol
HumectantGlyceryl Dilaurate
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Isohexadecane
EmollientDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate
EmollientPolysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Sulfate
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Simethicone
Emollient
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSilica
Abrasive
Sodium Chloride
MaskingSteareth-21
CleansingParfum
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Petrolatum, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Phenyl Trimethicone, Steareth-10, Cholesterol, Swertia Chirata Extract, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Glycine Soja Protein, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Persea Gratissima Oil, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Extract, Triticum Vulgare Bran Extract, Padina Pavonica Thallus Extract, Gold, Pearl Powder, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Gossypium Herbaceum Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Yeast Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Oleic Acid, Acetyl Glucosamine, Ergothioneine, Algae Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Trehalose, Caffeine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Glucose, Lactoperoxidase, Glucose Oxidase, Alcaligenes Polysaccharides, Panthenol, Acetyl Carnitine Hcl, Adenosine Phosphate, Creatine, Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate, Citric Acid, Polysilicone-11, Cetyl Alcohol, Decarboxy Carnosine Hcl, Phytantriol, Glyceryl Dilaurate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isohexadecane, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate, Polysorbate 80, Carbomer, Potassium Sulfate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Potassium Sorbate, Simethicone, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Hydroxide, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Silica, Sodium Chloride, Steareth-21, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 19140, CI 15985
Water
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
PEG-8
HumectantPropanediol
Solvent
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientMethyl Gluceth-20
Humectant
Glycereth-26
Humectant
PEG-75
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-32
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Yeast Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Cola Acuminata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Hydrolyzed Algin
Pantethine
EmollientCaffeine
Skin Conditioning
Lecithin
Emollient
Sodium Rna
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
Antioxidant
Squalane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Oleth-3 Phosphate
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Oleth-3
Emulsifying
Oleth-5
Emulsifying
Choleth-24
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Jojoba Wax PEG-120 Esters
Ceteth-24
CleansingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethanolamine
BufferingTetrasodium EDTA
BHT
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Bifida Ferment Lysate, PEG-8, Propanediol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Methyl Gluceth-20, Glycereth-26, PEG-75, Butylene Glycol, Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract, Tripeptide-32, Sodium Hyaluronate, Yeast Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Cola Acuminata Seed Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Algin, Pantethine, Caffeine, Lecithin, Sodium Rna, Bisabolol, Squalane, Glycerin, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Oleth-3, Oleth-5, Choleth-24, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Jojoba Wax PEG-120 Esters, Ceteth-24, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Tetrasodium EDTA, BHT, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, CI 14700, 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.
Butylene 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 a naturally occurring plant compound found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa pods, and guarana.
As an antioxidant, caffeine protects your skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and envionrmnetal stressors.
Early research also shows that caffeine can help calm redness, soothe irritated skin, and support hair growth by stimulating microcirculation in the scalp.
You might have seen eye creams marketing caffeine as a depuffing ingredient. This is because it is a vasoconstrictor meaning it can temporarily constrict blood vessels, though clinical evidence for this specific use is still limited.
Most skincare products contain this ingredient at concentrations between 1-6%. It is able to penetrate skin easily regardless of skin type or thickness.
Just so you know, a very small number of case reports describe caffeine-induced allergy. This ingredient is generally well-tolerated, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for the majority of people.
Learn more about CaffeineCaprylyl 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 or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCarbomer is a high-molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid. It is used to form gels and thicken formulas.
Due to its large molecular size, carbomer has minimal skin penetration and is considered an inert ingredient.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Learn more about CarbomerCI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140Disodium 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 EDTAGlycerin (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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSodium 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 HyaluronateTocopheryl 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 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
