What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Isohexadecane
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMoringa 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 ConditioningOpuntia Tuna Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract
Astringent
Squalane
Emollient
Algae Extract
EmollientHypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Silybum Marianum Extract
Skin Conditioning
Gelidiella Acerosa Extract
Skin ProtectingHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin Conditioning
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientSodium Lactate
Buffering
Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitol
Humectant
Propylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientSucrose
Humectant
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Propylene Carbonate
SolventPolyethylene
Abrasive
Polysilicone-11
PEG-32
HumectantPEG-6
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Isoceteth-20
EmulsifyingIsododecane
EmollientCitric Acid
Buffering
Parfum
Masking
BHT
Antioxidant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Isohexadecane, Butylene Glycol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Hibiscus Sinensis Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Whey Protein, Opuntia Tuna Fruit Extract, Acetyl Glucosamine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Squalane, Algae Extract, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Silybum Marianum Extract, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Caffeine, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Sodium Lactate, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Sorbitol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Sucrose, Sodium PCA, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Carbonate, Polyethylene, Polysilicone-11, PEG-32, PEG-6, Disodium EDTA, Isoceteth-20, Isododecane, Citric Acid, Parfum, BHT, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77491
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Isocetyl Stearate
Emollient
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
PEG-100 Stearate
Surfactant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Propylene Glycol Stearate
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Cleansing
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Citrus Medica Limonum Peel Extract
EmollientEchinacea Purpurea Extract
MoisturisingCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Foeniculum Vulgare Fruit Extract
EmollientViola Tricolor Extract
EmollientAlgae Extract
EmollientRetinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Rosa Canina Seed Extract
EmollientAscorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Methylsilanol Pectinate
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Linoleate
Antioxidant
Wheat Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
Humectant
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Elastin
EmollientMaleic Acid
BufferingLactic Acid
Buffering
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Soluble Collagen
Humectant
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Stearoxytrimethylsilane
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Lanolin Oil
Emollient
Lanolin Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Histidine Hcl
Skin ConditioningSuperoxide Dismutase
Antioxidant
Oleic Acid
Emollient
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Diazolidinyl Urea
Preservative
Water, Glycerin, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glyceryl Stearate, Isocetyl Stearate, Panthenol, Cetyl Alcohol, Persea Gratissima Oil, PEG-100 Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Propylene Glycol Stearate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum Peel Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Foeniculum Vulgare Fruit Extract, Viola Tricolor Extract, Algae Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Rosa Canina Seed Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Methylsilanol Pectinate, Tocopheryl Linoleate, Wheat Amino Acids, Sodium PCA, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Phospholipids, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Maleic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Soluble Collagen, Bisabolol, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Propylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Stearoxytrimethylsilane, Stearyl Alcohol, Lanolin Oil, Lanolin Alcohol, Dimethicone, Histidine Hcl, Superoxide Dismutase, Oleic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Diazolidinyl Urea
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 Hexapeptide-8 (also known as Argireline) is a synthetic hexapeptide that is often called a "topical Botox alternative".
It works by mimicking how Botox relaxes muscles; it interferes with the signaling process that tells your facial muscles to contract. This can help soften expression lines like forehead wrinkles or crow's feet over time.
The comparison to Botox does have limits because the molecule is water-loving and relatively large.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 has a hard time absorbing deeply enough through the skin's outer barrier to actually reach the muscles.
So whether it truly works the way Botox does at a biological level is still up for debate, but early clinical outcomes are fairly encouraging.
A 12 week human study of a multi-ingredient regimen containing this ingredient saw:
While some studies have observed improvements in wrinkle appearance, it is important to note that more consistent results are seen in multi-ingredient formulations (vs just Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 alone).
Some research studies also used higher concentrations (up to 10%) while this ingredient is usually found in concentrations up to 0.005% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Algae Extract is a confusing name. This is because algae is an informal term for a group of 30,000 aquatic organisms that can photosynthesize.
The term 'algae extract' can refer to any one, or a blend of, the 30,000 types.
Algae is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Algae can also help with soothing and hydrating skin.
Many different types of algae have different benefits.
Learn more about Algae 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 GlycolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeGlycerin (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 GlycerinSodium 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 HyaluronateSodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid. It is naturally occurring in our skin's natural moisturizing factors where it works to maintain hydration.
The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.
This ingredient has skin conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.
Learn more about Sodium PCATocopheryl 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 Water
