Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Moisturizer Versus Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream
This anti-aging moisturizer is formulated around Tocopherol and Adenosine to soften the look of wrinkles and hydrate skin.
This anti-aging moisturizer is formulated around Avena Sativa Kernel Extract and Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid to soften the look of wrinkles and strengthen the skin barrier.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientC10-18 Triglycerides
EmollientBetaine
HumectantPolyglycerin-3
HumectantNelumbo Nucifera Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingAverrhoa Carambola Leaf Extract
HumectantCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingSorbitol
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSilica
AbrasiveSodium PCA
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyglutamate
HumectantSodium Phytate
Propanediol
SolventCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, C10-18 Triglycerides, Betaine, Polyglycerin-3, Nelumbo Nucifera Extract, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Averrhoa Carambola Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Sorbitol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Behenyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Silica, Sodium PCA, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Sodium Polyglutamate, Sodium Phytate, Propanediol, Caramel, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Metabisulfite, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Limonene, Citral
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
SurfactantDimethicone
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPropanediol
SolventOryza Sativa Hull Powder
AbrasiveArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveSodium Hydroxide
BufferingVp/Va Copolymer
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantParfum
MaskingO-Cymen-5-Ol
AntimicrobialAsparagus Officinalis Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Isomalt
HumectantLeontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
EmollientSodium Benzoate
MaskingHydrolyzed Beta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningAlteromonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenethyl Alcohol
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeLimonene
PerfumingBuddleja Davidii Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract
MaskingDiacetyl Boldine
Skin ConditioningCalcium Gluconate
HumectantGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningRhododendron Ferrugineum Extract
MaskingNarcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract
AstringentCitric Acid
BufferingLinalool
PerfumingLecithin
EmollientVitis Vinifera Fruit Cell Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium Phosphate
BufferingWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone, Behenyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Propanediol, Oryza Sativa Hull Powder, Arachidyl Glucoside, Tocopheryl Acetate, Chlorphenesin, Mica, CI 77891, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Vp/Va Copolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Parfum, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Asparagus Officinalis Stem Extract, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Isomalt, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Algae Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Hydrolyzed Beta-Glucan, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Phenethyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Limonene, Buddleja Davidii Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract, Diacetyl Boldine, Calcium Gluconate, Gluconolactone, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Extract, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Citric Acid, Linalool, Lecithin, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Cell Extract, Disodium Phosphate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Behenyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol (these are different from the drying, solvent alcohols).
Fatty Alcohols have hydrating properties and are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils; behenyl alcohol is derived from the fats of vegetable oils.
Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.
In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.
Learn more about Behenyl AlcoholButylene 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 GlycolCaprylic/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 TriglycerideCarbomer is a synthetic thickening and gelling agent. It's basically the ingredient that gives a lot of serums, gels, creams, and sunscreens their smooth, non-sticky texture.
Although legally permitted at very high levels, carbomers are normally used at concentrations below 1%.
It also needs to be neutralized to actually thicken, and because it is a large molecule, it doesn't really penetrate the skin barrier.
Allergy-wise, the risk is very low. Clinical studies show carbomers have low potential for skin irritation/sensitization even at concentrations up to 100%.
A 2024 UK study patch-tested 1,302 patients and found true allergy to the parent group of carbomer to be rare with no confirmed relevant reactions.
Learn more about CarbomerChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinEthylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is an ester of palmitic acid, a C16 fatty acid that falls within the C11-24 range that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateGlycerin (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 GlycerinLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimonenePotassium 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 SorbatePropanediol 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 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 BenzoateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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