What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Sucrose Palmitate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingGlyceryl Linoleate
Emollient
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingLecithin
Emollient
Sodium Polyacrylate Starch
AbsorbentTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Escin
TonicSalicylic Acid
Masking
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Emollient
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCaffeine
Skin Conditioning
Isohexadecane
EmollientBeta-Sitosterol
Emulsion Stabilising
Glucose
Humectant
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Potassium Chloride
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Sodium Lactate
Buffering
Calcium Chloride
AstringentSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Magnesium Sulfate
Glutamine
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Sodium Phosphate
BufferingAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingPropylene Glycol Alginate
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Sodium Acetate
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Lysine Hcl
Skin Conditioning
Arginine Hcl
Skin ConditioningAlanine
Masking
Trihydroxystearin
Skin Conditioning
Histidine Hcl
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingLeucine
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningTryptophan
MaskingPhenylalanine
Masking
Tyrosine
MaskingSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine
Buffering
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate
Skin Conditioning
Serine
Masking
Cystine
MaskingCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Asparagine
MaskingAspartic Acid
Masking
Ornithine Hcl
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Tetrapeptide-5
Humectant
Glutamic Acid
Humectant
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
Skin ConditioningAtelocollagen
Skin Conditioning
Proline
Skin Conditioning
Methionine
Skin ConditioningTaurine
BufferingHydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningGlucosamine Hcl
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Coenzyme A
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Glucuronate
HumectantPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Thiamine Diphosphate
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Acetate
Skin Conditioning
Inositol
Humectant
Niacin
SmoothingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Pyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCalcium Pantothenate
Riboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Tocopheryl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Thiamine Hcl
MaskingFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sucrose Palmitate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Squalane, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Sodium Chloride, Glyceryl Linoleate, Carbomer, Lecithin, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Tocopheryl Acetate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Parfum, Escin, Salicylic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Sodium Hydroxide, Caffeine, Isohexadecane, Beta-Sitosterol, Glucose, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Chloride, Polysorbate 60, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Lactate, Calcium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 20, Magnesium Sulfate, Glutamine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Phosphate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Propylene Glycol Alginate, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Acetate, Sodium Benzoate, Lysine Hcl, Arginine Hcl, Alanine, Trihydroxystearin, Histidine Hcl, Valine, Leucine, Threonine, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Isoleucine, Tryptophan, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Glycine, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Serine, Cystine, Cyanocobalamin, Glutathione, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Ornithine Hcl, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Glutamic Acid, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Atelocollagen, Proline, Methionine, Taurine, Hydroxyproline, Glucosamine Hcl, Tocopherol, Coenzyme A, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Sodium Glucuronate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Thiamine Diphosphate, Retinyl Acetate, Inositol, Niacin, Niacinamide, Pyridoxine Hcl, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate, Thiamine Hcl, Folic Acid
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Sucrose
Humectant
Petrolatum
Emollient
Polysorbate 40
Emulsifying
Trehalose
Humectant
Algae Extract
EmollientMorus Bombycis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBetula Alba Bud Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Algin
Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract
AstringentJojoba Alcohol
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Isopropyl Jojobate
EmollientJojoba Esters
Emollient
Isohexadecane
EmollientYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Cholesterol
Emollient
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Rna
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Potassium Sulfate
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTripeptide-32
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Tromethamine
BufferingDisodium EDTA
BHT
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Iron Oxides
Methyl Trimethicone, Water, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Propanediol, Sucrose, Petrolatum, Polysorbate 40, Trehalose, Algae Extract, Morus Bombycis Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Betula Alba Bud Extract, Hydrolyzed Algin, Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract, Jojoba Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Isopropyl Jojobate, Jojoba Esters, Isohexadecane, Yeast Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Cholesterol, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Rna, Caffeine, Polysorbate 80, Caprylyl Glycol, Phytosphingosine, Squalane, Potassium Sulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tripeptide-32, Butylene Glycol, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides
Reviews
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene 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 GlycolCaffeine is a naturally occurring plant compound found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa pods, and guarana.
As an antioxidant, caffeine protects your skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and envionrmnetal stressors.
Early research also shows that caffeine can help calm redness, soothe irritated skin, and support hair growth by stimulating microcirculation in the scalp.
You might have seen eye creams marketing caffeine as a depuffing ingredient. This is because it is a vasoconstrictor meaning it can temporarily constrict blood vessels, though clinical evidence for this specific use is still limited.
Most skincare products contain this ingredient at concentrations between 1-6%. It is able to penetrate skin easily regardless of skin type or thickness.
Just so you know, a very small number of case reports describe caffeine-induced allergy. This ingredient is generally well-tolerated, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for the majority of people.
Learn more about CaffeineDisodium 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 EDTAEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinIsohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.
Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.
Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.
Learn more about IsohexadecanePhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 80 is a synthetic surfactant and emulsifier derived from sorbitol and oleic acid.
It reduces the surface tension between oil and water phases to help them stay mixed and stable in a formulation. In other words, it prevents your formulas from separating into an oily mess.
The CIR Expert Panel has evaluated the scientific data and found this ingredient to be safe, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing at concentrations up to 5% (it's even approved by the FDA as an OTC eye drop ingredient).
Learn more about Polysorbate 80Sodium 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 HyaluronateSqualane is the hydrogenated and shelf-stable form of squalene (a lipid that naturally occurs in human sebum).
It is an emollient and skin conditioning agent that is able to integrate seamlessly into the skin's lipid barrier without clogging pores.
This is due to how structurally similar it is to what your skin already produces.
Though it is mostly an emollient that helps soften and hydrate skin, it also has some humectant and occlusive action. Humectants help the skin retain moisture while occlusives seal it in, making squalane a triple-threat moisturizer.
Research shows it has antioxidant capabilities that help protect against stressors like UV exposure, specifically UVA induced oxidative stress. This study also found that it supports collagen biosynthesis in human dermal fibroblasts.
No clinical study has reported significant adverse effects and irritation reactions are very rare from this ingredient (even at 100% concentration).
Overall, it's a fantastic ingredient for hydration and is suitable for all skin types.
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Though squalane is often called an oil, it’s technically not one. It is a hydrocarbon, meaning it is only made of carbon and hydrogen. True oils are triglycerides and made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
Squalane has a comedogenic rating of 1 from the original 1972 study that tested raw ingredients under occlusion on rabbit ears. This system is not standardized or peer-reviewed, and using the raw ingredients is very different from how diluted cosmetic formulations are used on human skin.
A comedogenic rating of 1 means it is "unlikely to clog pores" according to the original rating system.
The overall formula of a product matters more than the individual ingredients on whether or not it will cause clogged pores.
Learn more about SqualaneTocopheryl 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
