What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningC9-12 Alkane
SolventButylene Glycol
Humectant
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Isododecane
EmollientMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hibiscus Sinensis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Whey Protein
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
EmollientSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract
Astringent
Opuntia Tuna Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingSilybum Marianum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientHydrolyzed Rice Extract
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Sorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Sucrose
Humectant
Propylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingIsoceteth-20
EmulsifyingTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Emulsifying
C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPolyethylene
Abrasive
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Triheptanoin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
BHT
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, C9-12 Alkane, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate, Glycerin, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, PEG-40 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Isododecane, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Hibiscus Sinensis Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Whey Protein, Algae Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Opuntia Tuna Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Caffeine, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Carbomer, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sorbitan Stearate, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Sucrose, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Sodium Hydroxide, Isoceteth-20, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Polyethylene, Hydroxyacetophenone, Triheptanoin, Parfum, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Triethylhexanoin
MaskingSqualane
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Olivate
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Methoxy PEG-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone
BufferingSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Arachidyl Alcohol
Emollient
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingLinalool
Perfuming
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Dextrin
AbsorbentTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingHoney
Humectant
Limonene
Perfuming
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Flower Extract
Antioxidant
Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLilium Candidum Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Extract
Skin ConditioningMyristic Acid
Cleansing
Arachidic Acid
Cleansing
Glucose
Humectant
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Polyaspartate
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate
CleansingAcetyl Heptapeptide-4
Humectant
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingAcetyl Octapeptide-3
Humectant
Water, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Triethylhexanoin, Squalane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Methoxy PEG-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Parfum, Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins, Glyceryl Caprylate, Arachidyl Glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Linalool, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Sodium Chloride, Honey, Limonene, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Flower Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Extract, Myristic Acid, Arachidic Acid, Glucose, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Phytosphingosine, Sodium Polyaspartate, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopherol, Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate, Acetyl Heptapeptide-4, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sodium Hydroxide, Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acetyl 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-8Butylene 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 GlycolDisodium 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is made by reacting glycerin with stearic acid (typically sourced from plant oils like palm or coconut). It's an emulsifier, emollient, and mild occlusive.
Emulsifiers help ingredients like oil and water stay mixed so your formula stays nicely blended and uniform in texture.
This ingredient is typically used in concentrations between 1-10%. Studies have found it to be non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic, and non-photoallergenic.
A close cousin of this ingredient is Glyceryl Stearate SE ("self-emulsifying"). This just has a small amount of sodium or potassium stearate added so it can emulsify without a co-emulsifier.
Since this ingredient is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, it may not be fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast can potentially metabolize within the C11-C24 range.
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateHydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Sodium 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 HydroxideWater. 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
