What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Water
MaskingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventNiacinamide
Smoothing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Rice Bran Oil
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientSaccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientBis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingTrideceth-6
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantMonascus/Rice Ferment
AntioxidantLactobacillus/Rice Ferment
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Oryza Sativa Bran Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Rice Bran Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Bis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Cetearyl Olivate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, C14-22 Alcohols, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Trideceth-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Madecassoside, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Monascus/Rice Ferment, Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment, Tocopherol
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventSqualane
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
SurfactantC14-22 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.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 GlycolWe don't have a description for C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside yet.
This ingredient is a blend of long-chain fatty alcohols (myristyl, cetyl, stearyl, arachidyl, and behenyl). It is an emulsion stabilizer with emollient properties.
Don't let the word "alcohol" scare you: fatty alcohols are nothing like the drying solvents. This ingredient actually helps soften and smooth the skin.
By the way, the FDA allows products to be labeled "alcohol-free" even when they contain fatty alcohols like this one.
In a formula, it prevents the water and oil phases from separating over time while also contributing to a pleasant, non-greasy slip.
Interestingly, this ingredient can organize into the structures that mimic the skin's own lipid architecture to help support barrier function and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
The CIR Expert Panel has thoroughly assess the individual fatty alcohols that make up this blend and found no significant toxicity or dermal irritation.
Fungal acne: Research has shown the Malassezia can grow in the presence of fatty alcohols with the chain length between C12-24, making this ingredient not fungal acne safe.
Learn more about C14-22 AlcoholsCamellia 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 ExtractDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeEthylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is a fatty acid ester.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinThis is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.
It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.
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 MadecassosideNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePentylene 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 GlycolTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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