What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Polyisobutene
Tridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientOctyldodecanol
Emollient
Water
Skin ConditioningDextrin Palmitate
Emulsifying
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Dna
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Propanediol
Solvent
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Dna
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Pantothenic Acid
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Polyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Xylose
HumectantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Polyisobutene, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Octyldodecanol, Water, Dextrin Palmitate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopherol, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Dna, Butylene Glycol, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Propanediol, Saccharide Isomerate, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Dna, Tripeptide-1, Glycerin, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Pantothenic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Ascorbic Acid, Polyglutamic Acid, Xylose, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Squalane
Emollient
Water
Skin ConditioningStearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Myristyl Alcohol
Emollient
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Cetyl Esters
Emulsion Stabilising
Oryza Sativa Bran Wax
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Citronellol
Perfuming
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Menthoxypropanediol
Masking
Linalool
Perfuming
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Geraniol
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Cholesterol
Emollient
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantHexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Glycine Max Polypeptide
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Paeonia Albiflora Flower Extract
TonicHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Squalane, Water, Stearyl Alcohol, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Cetyl Alcohol, Parfum, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Myristyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Cetyl Esters, Oryza Sativa Bran Wax, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Citronellol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Menthoxypropanediol, Linalool, Ceramide AP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Geraniol, Limonene, Cholesterol, CI 77492, Hexyl Cinnamal, Ceramide NP, Propanediol, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Glycine Max Polypeptide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Paeonia Albiflora Flower Extract
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
Butylene 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 GlycolThis ingredient is a high-molecular weight synthetic polymer. It is used to modify the viscosity of a formula, improve slip, and create a more "cushiony" texture.
Due to its large molecular size, this ingredient is not absorbed into the skin.
This is a synthetic polymer used to thicken formulas, improve texture, and enhance spreadability.
Due to its large molecule size, this ingredient does not penetrate the skin and is considered well-tolerated.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinHyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan (basically a long sugar chain) that your skin already makes on its own. In your skin, HA lives in the extracellular matrix and acts as the body's moisture reservoir.
Topically, HA is a humectant that binds water and helps skin look more plump, smooth, and hydrated.
The only catch is that HA isn't a single thing; it actually comes in a wide range of molecular weights (~50 - 2,000+ kDA) and size matters.
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
This is why the best HA serums blend the two sizes together so you get the best of both worlds.
The majority of cosmetic HA is produced by bacterial fermentation, typically using Streptococcus or Bacillus strains. Typical use levels in skincare sit around 0.1-2%.
A clinical study using a 0.2% low-molecular weight HA gel showed improvement in facial seborrheic dermatitis with excellent tolerance.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidHydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobutenePentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.
It is used to help stabilize other antioxidants or prevent the color from changing in a product.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Thus, antioxidants may reduce the signs of aging.
This ingredient is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is a crosslinked version of sodium hyaluronate. This just means it's linked into a 3D mesh network that lets it be more stable and sit on skin as a cohesive, gel-like film rather than sinking into skin.
A 2016 human skin study found crosslinked HA increased epidermal water content by 7.6% over the control group and reduced transepidermal water loss by 27.8%.
A follow-up clinical trial found that a topical crosslinked HA serum applied after fillers, microneedling, or chemical peels was well-tolerated and enhanced skin quality at 14 / 28 days.
More recent research suggests that concentrations as low as 0.03% can act as a penetration enhancer for other skincare actives.
Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerWater. 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
