What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingOleyl Erucate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantTriheptanoin
Skin ConditioningCyclodextrin
AbsorbentCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningRetinal 0.1%
Skin ConditioningRubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oleyl Erucate, Glycerin, Triheptanoin, Cyclodextrin, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Allantoin, Retinal 0.1%, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Panthenol, Citric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningMandelic Acid
AntimicrobialPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventNiacinamide
SmoothingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
BufferingRetinal
Skin ConditioningSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningEpilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Umbelliformis Extract
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantOcimum Basilicum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
AstringentCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientOlea Europaea Leaf Extract
PerfumingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingRubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
PerfumingLonicera Japonica Callus Extract
Skin ProtectingLonicera Caprifolium Extract
AstringentCitrus Paradisi Peel Oil
MaskingCyclodextrin
AbsorbentPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeAlcohol
AntimicrobialCitric Acid
BufferingWater, Mandelic Acid, Phosphatidylcholine, Glycerin, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Beta-Glucan, Lactic Acid, Retinal, Sodium Gluconate, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Artemisia Umbelliformis Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Lonicera Japonica Callus Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium Extract, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Cyclodextrin, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Alcohol, Citric Acid
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric 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 AcidCyclodextrins are ring-shaped sugar molecules made from starch. It is used to stabilize, protect, and slowly release active ingredients.
This ingredient can help prevent oxidation, reduce irritation from strong actives, and make certain ingredients absorb better once applied.
Once applied to your skin, enzymes gradually break down the cyclodextrin "ring"; this releases the active ingredient in a controlled way.
Learn more about CyclodextrinGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPentylene 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 GlycolRetinal is a form of retinoid. Retinoids are the gold-standard class of anti-aging ingredients.
Retinal has many benefits as other retinoids: improve skin texture, reduce large pores, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, heal scars, and fight acne.
Studies show retinal may work at a faster rate than retinol due to its structure.
All retinoids have to be converted into retinoic acid before starting to work. Some retinoids take several steps of conversion before binding. Retinal is only one step away, making it more potent.
Like other retinoids, retinal may be irritating. It is best to ease into using this ingredient frequently.
Using the 'ramp up' method, start by using retinol once a week. This gives your skin time to adjust and decrease irritation. Once you feel ready, you can slowly increase the frequency of retinol use.
Using retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few weeks of use. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
Learn more about RetinalCloudberry seed oil is rich in vitamin C, citric acid, malic acid, vitamin C, and beta-carotene.
Water. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water