What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
Smoothing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Panax Ginseng Root Extract Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventDipropylene Glycol
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingMalt Extract
Skin ProtectingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Sodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantParfum
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientMadecassoside
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide
Emulsion StabilisingAcetyl Octapeptide-3
HumectantAcetyl Hexapeptide-22
AntioxidantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantSh-Pentapeptide-19
Skin ConditioningSh-Octapeptide-4
AntioxidantOligopeptide-28
AntioxidantSh-Decapeptide-7
AntioxidantCaffeoyl Tripeptide-1
AntioxidantSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPanax Ginseng Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Lactobacillus/Panax Ginseng Root Extract Ferment Filtrate, Propanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Water, Carbomer, Arginine, Xanthan Gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Malt Extract, Adenosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Parfum, Pentylene Glycol, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Madecassoside, Caprylyl Glycol, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Hexapeptide-22, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sh-Pentapeptide-19, Sh-Octapeptide-4, Oligopeptide-28, Sh-Decapeptide-7, Caffeoyl Tripeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Benzyl Benzoate
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventSqualane
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
C14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingLactobacillus/Panax Ginseng Root Extract Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
MaskingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningLithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Oil
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingPEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol
CleansingGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientMalt Extract
Skin ProtectingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlycereth-20
HumectantCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientMadecassoside
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantBixa Orellana Seed Oil
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Octapeptide-3
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantAcetyl Hexapeptide-22
AntioxidantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantSh-Pentapeptide-19
Skin ConditioningSh-Octapeptide-4
AntioxidantOligopeptide-28
AntioxidantSh-Decapeptide-7
AntioxidantCaffeoyl Tripeptide-1
AntioxidantSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingPanax Ginseng Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylyl Methicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Squalane, Niacinamide, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, C14-22 Alcohols, Lactobacillus/Panax Ginseng Root Extract Ferment Filtrate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Dimethicone, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Water, Hydroxyacetophenone, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Parfum, Carbomer, Arginine, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Adenosine, Sodium Gluconate, Ceramide NP, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol, Glycine Soja Oil, Malt Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Glycereth-20, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Madecassoside, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Bixa Orellana Seed Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Tocopherol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-22, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sh-Pentapeptide-19, Sh-Octapeptide-4, Oligopeptide-28, Sh-Decapeptide-7, Caffeoyl Tripeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
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.
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 preservatives
Acetyl Hexapeptide-22 is an antioxidant and is a peptide.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, commonly known as Argireline or Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, is a popular peptide in skincare. It’s often referred to as a “Botox-like” ingredient because it helps reduce muscle movement.
By relaxing these micro-movements, Argireline may help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. That said, it’s not as powerful as Botox, and research on its long-term effectiveness is still limited.
Beyond smoothing, Argireline may also support collagen production. Collagen is the protein that helps keep your skin firm, bouncy, and well-hydrated by strengthening the skin barrier.
So while Argireline isn’t a miracle fix, it can be a helpful addition to a routine focused on both prevention and skin health.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Acetyl Octapeptide-3 is a synthetic peptide also commonly known as SNAP-8. It is a lab-made peptide often marketed as a gentler, topical alternative to Botox.
It works by mimicking part of a protein involved in muscle contractions, which may help relax facial tension and reduce the appearance of fine lines (mostly around the eyes and forehead).
It’s considered a “next-gen” version of Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8), an older peptide with more research behind it that also supports collagen production.
SNAP-8 showed slightly better results than Argireline in one small manufacturer-funded study, but there’s limited independent research. Plus, most tests use concentrations higher than what’s typically found in skincare products.
This ingredient might offer a subtle smoothing effect but it won't don’t deliver the dramatic results of actual Botox injections.
Think of it more like a supporting actor in your skincare lineup.
Learn more about Acetyl Octapeptide-3Adenosine 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 AdenosineArginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineBenzyl Benzoate is usually created from the condensation of benzoic acid and benzyl alcohol. It is used as a preservative, solvent, and has a floral/balsamic scent in large amounts.
As a preservative, Benzyl Benzoate works against bacteria and fungus. It is often used to treat scabies and lice in medicine.
Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
Due to its fragrance, Benzyl Benzoate can be sensitizing and may cause contact dermatitis. It is a known EU allergen. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Benzyl Benzoate can be naturally found in cranberries and peaches.
Learn more about Benzyl BenzoateButylene 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 GlycolCaffeoyl Tripeptide-1 is an antioxidant and is a peptide.
Camellia Japonica Flower Extract comes from the Japanese Camellia plant. This plant is native to East Asia and known as "Tsubaki" in Japanese.
Tsubaki flowers possess antioxidant and soothing properties. This flower has shown to be effective at fighting pollution damage by protecting your skin's fibroblasts. Your skin's fibroblasts help create collagen and collagen is responsible for youthful, plump skin.
This flower also contains many antioxidant enzymes. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. They may originate from sunlight, air pollution, or cigarette smoke. These free-radical molecules are unstable and are often looking for missing electrons. This instability causes free-radicals to damage our cells. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radicals by donating extra electrons.
Thus, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract may help reduce the signs of aging.
Learn more about Camellia Japonica Flower ExtractCaprylyl 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 or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCarbomer is a high-molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid. It is used to form gels and thicken formulas.
Due to its large molecular size, carbomer has minimal skin penetration and is considered an inert ingredient.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Learn more about CarbomerDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinWe don't have a description for Lactobacillus/Panax Ginseng Root Extract Ferment Filtrate yet.
Madecassoside is one of four active compounds found in Centella asiatica and is one of the main reasons Centella is so effective at calming irritated skin and supporting the moisture barrier.
There's a solid body of peer-reviewed research backing Madecassoside for several skin benefits. Studies have found:
Madecassoside pairs well with other hydrating or antioxidant ingredients like Ascorbic Acid or Hyaluronic Acid.
Learn more about MadecassosideWe don't have a description for Malt Extract yet.
Niacinamide 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 NiacinamideOligopeptide-28 is an antioxidant and is a peptide.
Ginseng root is a well-loved ingredient in Asian skincare for good reason. It hydrates the skin, soothes irritation, and helps even out skin tone.
In traditional East Asian medicine, ginseng has been used for centuries both as food and as a healing remedy, and modern research continues to confirm its skin benefits.
One of the standout features of ginseng is its ability to improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the skin, bringing a fresh supply of nutrients to support overall skin health. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to protect your skin against damage from UV exposure, pollution, and daily stress.
Additionally, studies suggest that ginseng may help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin production.
There are different types of ginseng used in skincare, and while they all share core benefits, their potency can vary.
Most products use fresh or white ginseng because it’s more affordable. However, red ginseng, produced by steaming the root, contains higher levels of ginsenosides, which are compounds with proven anti-aging effects. These ginsenosides help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
Note: All forms of ginseng are listed simply as “Panax ginseng” in ingredient lists. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about which type of ginseng is used in their ingredients.
For general antioxidant benefits, any ginseng extract will do, but for wrinkle care or firmer skin, red or fermented ginseng is often more effective.
In short, ginseng is a powerhouse ingredient that supports hydration, radiance, and resilience.
Learn more about Panax Ginseng Root ExtractParfum 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 “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” 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 ParfumPentylene 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 GlycolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 PropanediolSh-Decapeptide-7 is an antioxidant and is a peptide.
Sh-Octapeptide-4 is an antioxidant and is a peptide.
sh-Oligopeptide-1 is a peptide found naturally in our bodies. Peptides are the building blocks for collagen and elastin in our skin.
In cosmetics, this ingredient is bioengineered to be identical to a human gene that codes for epidermal growth factor (EGF). EGF are signal molecules that simulate cell growth and healing.
Studies find EGF help with:
In South Korea and China, EGF is considered a controversial ingredient. The South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has cracked down on companies with products including EGF due to false advertisement claims.
According to Dr. Zoe Draelos, growth factors have some drawbacks:
There is also controversy surrounding growth factors. The controversy is due to their mitogenic activity, or their ability to increase the number of cells. It is best to avoid using growth factors if you have psoriasis or are at risk of skin cancer. However, it should be noted EGF are not mutagenic - meaning they will not cause cancer.
Learn more about Sh-Oligopeptide-1Sh-Pentapeptide-19 is a peptide.
Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide are the sugars from the snow mushroom.
Snow mushroom is rich in polysaccharides, giving it moisturizing benefits. As a humectant, snow mushroom helps draw moisture from the air to the skin. Polysaccharides are able to mimic our skin's natural carbohydrates to help the skin retain water.
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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water