What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Milk Protein Extract
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingIsohexadecane
EmollientZanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPulsatilla Koreana Extract
Skin ConditioningUsnea Barbata Extract
Polysorbate 80
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingLinum Usitatissimum Seed Extract
PerfumingNelumbo Nucifera Flower Water
TonicOriganum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
PerfumingHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSalvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientHedera Helix Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPinus Sylvestris Leaf Extract
Tonic1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningBacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHamamelis Virginiana Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantRice Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin ConditioningRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Extract
PerfumingRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialOriganum Vulgare Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTocopherol
AntioxidantHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingGlutathione
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingMilk Protein Extract, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Water, Niacinamide, Behenyl Alcohol, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Usnea Barbata Extract, Polysorbate 80, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Oleate, Adenosine, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Water, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Hedera Helix Leaf Extract, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Ceramide NP, Bacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hamamelis Virginiana Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract, Panthenol, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Rice Ferment Filtrate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Biotin, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Origanum Vulgare Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Propylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Glutathione, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Hydroxycitronellal
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
AntimicrobialGlycerin
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialWater
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingCanola Oil
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientPolyglyceryl-6 Distearate
EmulsifyingPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingPalmitic Acid
EmollientArginine
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingStearic Acid
CleansingXylitylglucoside
HumectantAnhydroxylitol
HumectantJojoba Esters
EmollientDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantParfum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientXylitol
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
EmulsifyingLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingMalt Extract
Skin ProtectingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantGlucose
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientTremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantPunica Granatum Extract
AstringentArachidic Acid
CleansingPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantMyristic Acid
CleansingOleic Acid
EmollientLauric Acid
CleansingSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Glycerin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Canola Oil, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Butylene Glycol, Beeswax, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Palmitic Acid, Arginine, Carbomer, Stearic Acid, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Jojoba Esters, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Xylitol, Adenosine, Cetyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Malt Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucose, Disodium EDTA, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Punica Granatum Extract, Arachidic Acid, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Myristic Acid, Oleic Acid, Lauric Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (also known as Argireline) is a synthetic hexapeptide that is often called a "topical Botox alternative".
It works by mimicking how Botox relaxes muscles; it interferes with the signaling process that tells your facial muscles to contract. This can help soften expression lines like forehead wrinkles or crow's feet over time.
The comparison to Botox does have limits because the molecule is water-loving and relatively large.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 has a hard time absorbing deeply enough through the skin's outer barrier to actually reach the muscles.
So whether it truly works the way Botox does at a biological level is still up for debate, but early clinical outcomes are fairly encouraging.
A 12 week human study of a multi-ingredient regimen containing this ingredient saw:
While some studies have observed improvements in wrinkle appearance, it is important to note that more consistent results are seen in multi-ingredient formulations (vs just Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 alone).
Some research studies also used higher concentrations (up to 10%) while this ingredient is usually found in concentrations up to 0.005% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineButylene 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 GlycolCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (tea extract) is one of the most well-researched plant extracts in skincare with an impressive resume.
Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from the Camellia Sinensis plant.
Studies show green tea extract and its catechins (like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)) help your skin cells product energy more efficiently and reducing the number of free-radicals that can damage your skin from the inside.
In lab-grown skin models, this translated to younger, healthier, and stronger skin.
There's also good sun protection data; researchers saw less DNA damage and redness on human skin when green tea was applied before UVB exposure. And the more they applied, the better the protection.
Needless to say, this ingredient shouldn't replace your sunscreen. But it is a great supportive ingredient that you can already find in many sunscreens and antioxidant serums.
A 2009 study found a 2% green tea lotion was effective for mild-to-moderate acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity.
The quality of the extract matters a lot here:
Good extracts contain 50-90% catechins while lower quality ones are mostly there for marketing. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the quality or source of their ingredients.
Human Repeated Insult Patch Testing showed no irritation or sensitization at use concentrations (0.86% in leave-on products and up to 30% as leaf water).
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractDisodium 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 EDTAGlycerin (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 GlycerinThis ingredient is also known as Macadamia Seed Oil. It's an emollient with a fatty acid profile that closely mirrors the skin's own lipid makeup.
The palmitoleic acid content is especially notable as it's somewhat rare in plant oils. Palmitoleic acid is something your skin already makes naturally. It helps keep cell membranes structured and plays a role in fighting off harmful microbes.
This palmitoleic content is also part of why macademia seed oil absorbs quickly and doesn't leave much of a greasy residue.
It also contains oleic acid, linoleic acid, and phytosterols that can help reduce redness.
In vitro research has shown the oil to have meaningful antioxidant activity, protect fats in the skin from oxidative damage, and slow down the enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid.
A 2024 clinical study found it effective at improving skin hydratino and reducing wrinkle appearance when formulated into nanoemulsions.
Because it carries oleic acid (C18) and palmitic acid (C16), this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. This is because the Malassezia yeast metabolizes in the C11-24 chain length range.
You'll also see this ingredient listed as: Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil .
These two oils are identical in composition and M. ternifolia is an older INCI naming convention for the edible macadamia nut while M. integrifolia is the species actually cultivated for oil production. Both names refer to the same oil.
Learn more about Macadamia Ternifolia Seed OilParfum 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 āFRAGRANCEā or āPARFUMā 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 ParfumSodium 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 HyaluronateWater. 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