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 a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that it is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid.
In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Just patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
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 (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 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 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 HyaluronateTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water