What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Methylpropanediol
SolventBetaine
Humectant
Diglycerin
Humectant
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Rice Extract
Skin Conditioning
Saussurea Involucrata Extract
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Polyglycerin-3
Humectant
Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAlgin
Masking
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Calcium Chloride
AstringentCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Niacinamide, Alpha-Arbutin, Tranexamic Acid, Methylpropanediol, Betaine, Diglycerin, Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, Saussurea Involucrata Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyglycerin-3, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Algin, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Chloride, CI 19140, Caramel
Water
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Betaine
Humectant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Triethylene Glycol
Masking
CI 14720
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Gluconolactone, Butylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Betaine, Sodium Citrate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Allantoin, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Xanthan Gum, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Triethylene Glycol, CI 14720, CI 42090, CI 19140
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Betaine is a humectant. Like hyaluronic acid, it helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. Itβs known for being gentle and for helping the skin maintain balanced hydration.
Betaine is mainly used to improve hydration and support calmer skin. It helps skin cells regulate water balance because it functions as an osmolyte.
Some studies suggest betaine may support making skin tone more even.
Fun fact: Betaine naturally exists in the skin and the body. In cosmetic products, it can be either plant-derived (most commonly from sugar beets) or synthetically produced for consistency and stability.
Betaine is also known as trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineCI 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 19140PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is an emulsifier derived from castor oil.
As an emulsifying agent, it helps other ingredients like fragrances and fat-soluble vitamins dissolve cohesively.
Due to its large molecule size, it doesn't penetrate beyond the skin's surface.
This ingredient has a solid regulatory track record; the CIR Expert Panel first concluded it was safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 100% in 1997. A 2012 reassessment reaffirmed that finding. Safety studies have also found no irritation or evidence of toxicity.
A 2019 study did find this ingredient to grow Malassezia, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilPhenoxyethanol 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.
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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum
