What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingTriethyl Citrate
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingNiacinamide
SmoothingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingParfum
MaskingTaurine
BufferingPolyglyceryl-10 Dioleate
EmulsifyingCarnosine
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
HumectantMannitol
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBenzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Dipalmitate
EmollientSilybum Marianum Extract
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientDipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantBenzoic Acid
MaskingGlycine
BufferingPseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
HumectantMagnesium Sulfate
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
Skin ConditioningErgothioneine
AntioxidantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Propanediol, Glycerin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Triethyl Citrate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Citrate, Niacinamide, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Taurine, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Carnosine, Sodium PCA, Mannitol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pentylene Glycol, Arginine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Xanthan Gum, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Adenosine, Polyglyceryl-10 Dipalmitate, Silybum Marianum Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Tocopherol, Benzoic Acid, Glycine, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Ergothioneine, CI 17200
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPerfluoroisohexane
EmollientPropanediol
SolventAlcohol
AntimicrobialSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPerfluoroperhydrophenanthrene
Skin ConditioningAminobutyric Acid
Distarch Phosphate
AbsorbentC15-19 Alkane
SolventTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantPerfluorodecalin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningInositol
HumectantBetaine
HumectantArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientCoconut Alkanes
EmollientArginine
MaskingGlyceryl Oleate Citrate
EmulsifyingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningPolyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingParfum
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantDipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin ConditioningRosmarinyl Glucoside
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientTripleurospermum Maritimum Extract
Skin ProtectingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantAcetyl Octapeptide-3
HumectantSorbic Acid
PreservativeAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantLactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Octapeptide-26
Skin ConditioningPolyvinyl Alcohol
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-52
Skin ConditioningHeptapeptide-15 Palmitate
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
BufferingGlycolic Acid
BufferingPalmitoyl Heptapeptide-18
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Ether, Pentylene Glycol, Perfluoroisohexane, Propanediol, Alcohol, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene, Aminobutyric Acid, Distarch Phosphate, C15-19 Alkane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Saccharide Isomerate, Perfluorodecalin, Hydroxyacetophenone, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Inositol, Betaine, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Coconut Alkanes, Arginine, Glyceryl Oleate Citrate, Sodium Gluconate, Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Lauryl Glucoside, Parfum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopherol, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Rosmarinyl Glucoside, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tripleurospermum Maritimum Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Sorbic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer, Palmitoyl Octapeptide-26, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-52, Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-18
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.
As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.
Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidThis small molecule peptide has similar benefits to Argireline, the "botox" peptide.
According to the manufacturer, this peptide mimics snake venom to freeze muscles. This prevents muscle movement and contractions to prohibit the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
While this seems promising, research is lacking in proving this ingredient to be as effective as botox.
Learn more about Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide DiacetateGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinParfum 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 ParfumPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolTocopheryl 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water