What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
AstringentGlycerin
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientSodium PCA
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingArginine
MaskingCaesalpinia Spinosa Gum
Skin ConditioningAspartic Acid
MaskingGlycine
BufferingAlanine
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingAlcohol
AntimicrobialSerine
MaskingValine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Proline
Skin ConditioningGeranium Maculatum Extract
TonicCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingTaraxacum Officinale Extract
Skin ConditioningEquisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentPhenylalanine
MaskingHistidine
HumectantCarrageenan
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningWater, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Aspartic Acid, Glycine, Alanine, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Alcohol, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Threonine, Proline, Geranium Maculatum Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Taraxacum Officinale Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Phenylalanine, Histidine, Carrageenan, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Polysorbate 20, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
AstringentBakuchiol
AntimicrobialMyristoyl Tripeptide-31
Skin ConditioningPentapeptide-59
Skin ConditioningSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantHydrolyzed Pea Protein
EmollientGlucose
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningDimethyl Sulfone
SolventSea Water Extract
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingEquisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentGeranium Maculatum Extract
TonicTaraxacum Officinale Extract
Skin ConditioningAchillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Rhizome Extract
Skin ConditioningSpirulina Maxima Extract
SmoothingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Succinate
BufferingButylene Glycol
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePhenethyl Alcohol
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Bakuchiol, Myristoyl Tripeptide-31, Pentapeptide-59, Saccharide Isomerate, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Glucose, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Dimethyl Sulfone, Sea Water Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Centella Asiatica Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Geranium Maculatum Extract, Taraxacum Officinale Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Curcuma Longa Rhizome Extract, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Succinate, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Maltodextrin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Phenethyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken, emulsify, and improve the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions to give products an elegant feel when applied.
It can also form a thin protective film on skin. One study found that a formula using this polymer helped slow down how quickly other ingredients (like DEET) were absorbed through skin.
A 2024 study of over 1,300 patients confirmed that sensitization to this ingredient is rare. It is also non-mutagenic and has a clean track record.
Learn more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice comes from leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is best known for helping to soothe sunburns. It is also anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antiseptic, and can help heal wounds.
Aloe is packed with good stuff including Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are antioxidants, which help fight free-radicals and the damage they may cause. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice also contains sugars. These sugars come in the form of monosaccharides and polysaccharides, folic acid, and choline. These sugars are able to help bind moisture to skin.
It also contains minerals such as calcium, 12 anthraquinones, fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin B12.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceButylene 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 GlycolCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractThis botanical extract is also known as horsetail extract. It mainly acts as an emollient, skin soother, and astringent.
A study from 2023 found compounds in Equisetum Arvense showed significant anti-inflammatory effects in irritated keratinocytes (the main cell in your outermost layer of skin).
Another study using a cream with horsetail and soybean extract found 80% of participants showed at least a 26% improvement in forehead wrinkles after 8 weeks.
Animal research has shown topical Equisetum Arvense stimulated skin and tissue growth in mice.
The research so far is encouraging, but still in its early days. But it's a lovely supporting ingredient and can be a welcome addition to any routine.
Learn more about Equisetum Arvense ExtractEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinWe don't have a description for Geranium Maculatum Extract yet.
Hamamelis Virginiana Water is made by distilling parts of the witch hazel plant. You can also call this ingredient "witch hazel water".
The name 'Hamamelis Virginiana Water' refers to the distillation product used in cosmetics. On the other hand, 'Witch Hazel' refers to the active drug ingredient.
Unless it is specified to be non-alcohol, many types of witch hazel ingredients are distilled in denatured alcohol.
Witch Hazel water is an astringent, anti-inflammatory antioxidant, and antibacterial ingredient.
It contains tannins. Tannins have a drying effect when used on skin by constricting proteins. The constriction also minimizes the appearance of pores.
Both the tannins and fragrance found in witch hazel may be skin-sensitizing.
Witch hazel water gets anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties from its catechin and gallic acid content.
Indigenous groups have used witch hazel to help treat inflammation in North America for centuries.
Learn more about Hamamelis Virginiana WaterPhenoxyethanol 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 SorbateJojoba oil is one of the most well-studied plant-derived ingredients in cosmetics. It is an emollient with a special structure.
Because it is made up of 97-98% wax esters, it closely mirrors the linear monoesters found in human sebum. This makes it skin compatible, non-greasy, and lightweight.
Unlike other plant oils, jojoba wax doesn't easily penetrate skin. It mostly works in the uppermost layers as an emollient. This just means it forms a light barrier on the skin to help retain moisture.
Formulations with jojoba esters up to 90% reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and increased barrier recovery by 81% (outperforming bisabolol at 47%).
Besides barrier support, the science also suggests jojoba to have anti-inflammatory effects and potential applications for skin infections, aging, and wound healing.
Fun fact: Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns for centuries.
Fungal acne: The Malassezia yeast is known to metabolize fatty acids in the C11-24 range and jojoba's dominant fatty acid components fall into this range. This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilSodium 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 BenzoateThis ingredient is also known as dandelion extract. It has skin conditioning properties.
Studies show the leaf, stem, and roots of this plant are rich in antioxidants such as caffeic acid and polysaccharides, which act as humectants to help hydrate the skin.
Water. 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