What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingPolysilicone-15
UV FilterPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantBetula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Skin ConditioningGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantBifida Ferment Extract
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingIsododecane
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Stearic Acid
CleansingSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingMethylpropanediol
SolventHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Polyether-1
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Citric Acid
BufferingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Sodium Citrate
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Diisopropyl Sebacate, CI 77891, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Niacinamide, Polysilicone-15, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Alpha-Arbutin, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Bifida Ferment Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Isododecane, Octyldodecanol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Methylpropanediol, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Polyether-1, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Decyl Glucoside, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sodium Citrate, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Mica, CI 77492, CI 77491
Water
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDextrin Palmitate
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Stearic Acid
CleansingPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Zinc Oxide, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Diisostearyl Malate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Niacinamide, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Chloride, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Aluminum Hydroxide, Dextrin Palmitate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Stearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Adenosine, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Mica, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Adenosine is a purine nucleoside that your body already makes in every cell. In skincare, it acts mainly as a skin conditioning and anti-aging agent.
The way it works is fairly well mapped out:
Your skin has cells called fibroblasts that build collagen (the stuff that keeps skin firm and smooth). Adenosine basically flips a switch on these cells that tells them to get to work making more collagen and other proteins. These cells slow down on their own as skin ages, so Adenosine helps give them a little nudge to keep going.
The clinical backing is pretty solid too.
A blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 126 women aged 45-65 tested a 0.1% cream twice daily and found real improvements in crow's feet and frown lines using a precise 3D skin-mapping technique; these changes showed up by week 3 and held at 2 months.
A later study using Adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches reported gains in wrinkle depth, dermal density, elasticity, and hydration.
On concentrations, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has set 0.04% as the approved functional anti-wrinkle level. You'll typically see this ingredient used somewhere in the 0.04-0.1% range since it works at low doses.
This ingredient has been found safe for cosmetics with the data showing no irritation or sensitization.
Overall, this is a great ingredient for any anti-aging routine and has no photosensitizing effect, so it suits both AM and PM use.
Learn more about AdenosineAluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491CI 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinMica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate is a plant-derived, PEG-free emulsifier.
It's made by hooking isostearic acid onto a chain of glycerin units to give it a water-loving "head" and oil-loving "tail". This allows it to keep the oil and water mixed in a formula.
The highest reported concentration is about 24% in eye makeup but most suppliers recommend a level below 10%.
It has a clean track record for safety and found to be non-irritating.
Because it is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, Malassezia can potentially metabolize it (it sits in the C11-24 range that Malassezia likes). Therefore, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-4 IsostearateStearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTocopherol 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 TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicon-based surface modifier that makes sunscreens feel silky and makeup stay put.
Its main job is to coat mineral particles like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and color pigments in a thin, oily layer so they spread smoothly, don't clump, and stick to skin better.
This ingredient is typically used at low levels (up to 2.5% in eyeshadow and 1% in lipstick).
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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