What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPolyethylene
AbrasiveButylene Glycol
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetyl Esters
EmollientPolybutene
Isostearyl Neopentanoate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Swertia Chirata Extract
HumectantNarcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract
AstringentAlgae Extract
EmollientHypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingGelidiella Acerosa Extract
Skin ProtectingPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantEuphrasia Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialAscophyllum Nodosum Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingCordyceps Sinensis Extract
AntioxidantFuscoporia Obliqua Sclerotium Extract
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientSaccharomyces Lysate Extract
HumectantPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAsparagopsis Armata Extract
Skin ProtectingArtemia Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantCaffeine
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGold
Cosmetic ColorantAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningPearl Powder
Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingSorbitol
HumectantCholesterol
EmollientLinoleic Acid
CleansingLauryl PCA
HumectantLactis Proteinum
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientDecarboxy Carnosine Hcl
Skin ConditioningErgothioneine
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantGlycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCyclodextrin
AbsorbentPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Cellulose
AbsorbentLecithin
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingDisodium EDTA
BHT
AntioxidantEthylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride
AntioxidantSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantSodium Sulfite
PreservativePentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Polyethylene, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Esters, Polybutene, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Dimethicone, PEG-100 Stearate, Swertia Chirata Extract, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Algae Extract, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Euphrasia Officinalis Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Fuscoporia Obliqua Sclerotium Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Asparagopsis Armata Extract, Artemia Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Glycerin, Caffeine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Gold, Acetyl Glucosamine, Pearl Powder, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Sorbitol, Cholesterol, Linoleic Acid, Lauryl PCA, Lactis Proteinum, Trehalose, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Decarboxy Carnosine Hcl, Ergothioneine, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Glucose, Glycine Soja Protein, Yeast Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cyclodextrin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Cellulose, Lecithin, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Sulfite, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 19140
Water
Skin ConditioningPetrolatum
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantCeresin
Emulsion StabilisingPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningLanolin Alcohol
EmollientSorbitol
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentMorus Bombycis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAscophyllum Nodosum Extract
Skin ConditioningAsparagopsis Armata Extract
Skin ProtectingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialOlea Europaea Fruit Extract
BleachingSalvia Sclarea Extract
AntiseborrhoeicPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningLinoleic Acid
CleansingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningMicrococcus Lysate
Skin ConditioningDi-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate
EmollientVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientTriticum Vulgare Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantCholesterol
EmollientPinanediol
Skin ConditioningCamphanediol
Skin ConditioningSucrose
HumectantStearic Acid
CleansingPalmitic Acid
EmollientLecithin
EmollientPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingSilica
AbrasivePentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingHydroxystearic Acid
CleansingPEG-8 Distearate
EmulsifyingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientParfum
MaskingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingSodium Sulfite
PreservativeSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Tetrasodium EDTA
Chlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Petrolatum, Dimethicone, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Ceresin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Lanolin Alcohol, Sorbitol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Morus Bombycis Root Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Asparagopsis Armata Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Extract, Salvia Sclarea Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Linoleic Acid, Caffeine, Micrococcus Lysate, Di-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Triticum Vulgare Bran Extract, Trehalose, Cholesterol, Pinanediol, Camphanediol, Sucrose, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Lecithin, Potassium Hydroxide, Silica, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Sodium Chloride, Hydroxystearic Acid, PEG-8 Distearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Parfum, Benzyl Salicylate, Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Metabisulfite, Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol
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 GlucosamineAcetyl Hexapeptide-8, commonly known as Argireline or Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, is a popular peptide in skincare. It’s often referred to as a “Botox-like” ingredient because it helps reduce muscle movement.
By relaxing these micro-movements, Argireline may help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. That said, it’s not as powerful as Botox, and research on its long-term effectiveness is still limited.
Beyond smoothing, Argireline may also support collagen production. Collagen is the protein that helps keep your skin firm, bouncy, and well-hydrated by strengthening the skin barrier.
So while Argireline isn’t a miracle fix, it can be a helpful addition to a routine focused on both prevention and skin health.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract is from brown seaweed that grows in the northern Atlantic Ocean. It is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage our skin cells.
Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract is also used to enhance the texture of products.
Asparagopsis Armata Extract is from seaweed. It is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off free-radical molecules. These molecules damage our cells.
Asparagopsis Armata Extract may also be used to enhance the texture of products.
Ongoing research shows Asparagopsis Armata Extract may have antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Asparagopsis Armata ExtractButylene 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 also known as shea butter. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.
Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. It does this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
Shea butter is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may harm the body. It is also full of fatty acids including stearic acid and linoleic acid. These acids help replenish the skin and keep skin moisturized.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
Shea butter may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterCaffeine 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 CaffeineCholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolDimethicone 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 EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.
This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.
As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.
This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Some other names for this ingredient include soy lecithin and deoiled soy lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinLinoleic Acid is also known as Vitamin F. It is a fatty acid with emollient and skin conditioning properties. Our top layer of skin, or epidermis, contains high amounts of linoleic acid naturally.
Your body uses linoleic acid to build ceramides and prostaglandins. Ceramides keep your skin's barrier hydrated and strong while prosaglandins help control inflammation and healing. Needless to say, linoleic acid is crucial for having a strong skin barrier.
One study found applying linoleic acid rich sunflower oil to be more effective at repairing the skin barrier than oleic rich olive oil.
Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid, meaning our bodies cannot create it on its own. We need to get linoleic acid through foods such as nuts and vegetable oils.
Acne-prone skin tends to have linoleic acid and high levels of oleic acid.
Linoleic acid can also help treat acne by softening sebum to prevent clogged pores. Another study found using 2.5% linoleic acid gel for 4 weeks showed a 25% reduction in small comedones.
This ingredient can also help lighten hyperpigmentation or sun spots by disrupting the melanin production process. It also helps your skin shed melanin pigment from your skin caused by UV exposure.
Due to its role in the production of the fatty acid prostaglandin, linoleic acid can also help reduce inflammation and support wound healing.
Linoleic acid is not always fungal-acne safe; it may trigger flare-ups in sensitive individuals.
Learn more about Linoleic AcidPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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 SorbatePyrus Malus Fruit Extract is extract from Apples. Apples are rich in Vitamin C, sugars, and antioxidants.
The sugar in Apples are humectants and help hydrate the skin. On top of that, apples also contain some acids, such as malic acid. These acids may have a mild exfoliating effect.
Last, the phytochemicals found in apples are strong antioxidants. These antioxidants help with anti-aging as they protect your skin cells against oxidative damage.
Learn more about Pyrus Malus Fruit ExtractScutellaria 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 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 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 SulfiteSorbitol is a sugar alcohol. It is a hydrating and moisturizing agent created from the reduction process of glucose.
Most sorbitol is usually made from potato starch. It is also found in fruits such as apples and pears.
As a humectant, Sorbitol helps draw water to the skin. This helps keep the skin hydrated. Sorbitol also helps create a thicker texture in products. You might find sorbitol in your toothpaste and other gels.
It is a non-irritating ingredient that is great for those with dry skin.
Sorbitol is a prebiotic. It helps promote the growth of healthy bacteria on your skin. The bacteria on your skin form a microbiome. This microbiome helps protect your skin from infection and harmful bacteria.
Learn more about SorbitolTocopheryl 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 AcetateTrehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseWater. 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