What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialTranexamic Acid
Astringent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Propanediol
Solvent
Kaolin
Abrasive
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Isostearyl Alcohol
Emollient
C13-15 Alkane
SolventMyrica Cerifera Fruit Wax
EmollientEthylhexyl Olivate
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol Cocoate
Emulsifying
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTriheptanoin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
C9-12 Alkane
SolventDilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Antioxidant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBetaine
Humectant
Sorbitol
Humectant
Ethylcellulose
Lecithin
Emollient
Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Phytate
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientWater, Butylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Tranexamic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Kaolin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Isostearyl Alcohol, C13-15 Alkane, Myrica Cerifera Fruit Wax, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Butylene Glycol Cocoate, Kojic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Acetyl Glucosamine, Allantoin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Squalane, Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Triheptanoin, Citric Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, C9-12 Alkane, Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Betaine, Sorbitol, Ethylcellulose, Lecithin, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Phytate, Ectoin, Phenoxyethanol, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Glyceryl Caprylate
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alpha-Arbutin is made from hydroquinone and glucose. It may also be derived from the fermentation of soybeans.
This ingredient an antioxidant, meaning it helps protect your skin cells against damage.
Studies show this ingredient helps improve hyperpigmentation and fade discoloration.
Alpha-Arbutin may be used with other ingredients that help with hyperpigmentation. These ingredients include retinol, Vitamin C, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid.
Learn more about Alpha-ArbutinKojic Acid is a naturally occurring organic acid that is produced during the fermentation of certain fungi. It is one of the most well-studied brightening ingredients (tyrosinase inhibitors) out there.
That's why you'll see Kojic Acid in products that target dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and general uneven skin tone. It also pairs well with other brightening actives like Alpha Arbutin, Glycolic Acid, and Vitamin C derivatives.
By latching onto the copper that the enzyme tyrosinase needs to function, Kojic Acid prevents less pigment from being made. It's so well-established that researchers regularly use it as the go-to benchmark when testing new brightening ingredients.
Some other perks include documented antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The The CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) Expert Panel concluded Kojic Acid is safe for use in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 1% and the EU's SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) considers it safe as a skin lightening agent at concentrations up to 0.7%.
One thing to know about Kojic Acid is that stability is its weak spot; it is sensitive to light, heat, and air exposure and will oxidize/turn brown in formulations. Its derivative, Kojic Dipalmitate, was developed as a stable alternative.
Some individuals have reported contact sensitization so be sure to patch test if you have reactive or sensitive skin.
Fun fact: It was first discovered in 1907 and naturally occurs in the production of sake, soy sauce, and miso.
Learn more about Kojic AcidWater. 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
