What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide 8%
SmoothingButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract 6%
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientAlpha-Arbutin 3%
AntioxidantTranexamic Acid 2%
AstringentDiglycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantBeta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylamide
Acetyl Glycyl Beta-Alanine
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantC13-14 Isoparaffin
EmollientGlycolic Acid
BufferingLactic Acid
BufferingMethylpropanediol
SolventChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialLauric Acid
CleansingSodium Magnesium Silicate
Citric Acid
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingLauryl Alcohol Diphosphonic Acid
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCyclotetrasiloxane
EmollientCystoseira Tamariscifolia Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantP-Anisic Acid
MaskingHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantWater, Niacinamide 8%, Butylene Glycol, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract 6%, Cyclopentasiloxane, Alpha-Arbutin 3%, Tranexamic Acid 2%, Diglycerin, Dimethicone, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Polyacrylamide, Acetyl Glycyl Beta-Alanine, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Methylpropanediol, Chlorphenesin, Polyglutamic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lauric Acid, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Laureth-7, Lauryl Alcohol Diphosphonic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cystoseira Tamariscifolia Extract, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, P-Anisic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Water
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDiglycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientPolyglycerin-6
HumectantPEG-8
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantPolyacrylamide
Beta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBakuchiol
AntimicrobialSalicylic Acid
MaskingAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingC13-14 Isoparaffin
EmollientDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPropanediol
SolventLauric Acid
CleansingDisodium EDTA
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
BufferingLaureth-7
EmulsifyingLauryl Alcohol Diphosphonic Acid
Emulsion StabilisingIsostearamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingHylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentBeta Vulgaris Extract
Skin ProtectingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingCyclotetrasiloxane
EmollientBoswellia Serrata Extract
Skin ConditioningHoney Extract
HumectantOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentGlycerin
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantP-Anisic Acid
MaskingOligopeptide-10
Antimicrobial2-Aminobutanol
BufferingCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingBromelain
Skin ConditioningPapain
Skin ConditioningWater, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Niacinamide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Diglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Polyglycerin-6, PEG-8, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Polyacrylamide, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Bakuchiol, Salicylic Acid, Aminomethyl Propanol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Methylpropanediol, Chlorphenesin, Propanediol, Lauric Acid, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Lactic Acid, Laureth-7, Lauryl Alcohol Diphosphonic Acid, Isostearamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate, Sodium Hydroxide, Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Beta Vulgaris Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Honey Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, P-Anisic Acid, Oligopeptide-10, 2-Aminobutanol, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Bromelain, Papain
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
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizingg properties. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Studies show higher concentrations of this ingredient can promote wound healing.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is a polymer made from ammonium salts. It helps add stability and texture to a product. This ingredient is stable over a wide pH range.
Due to its ability to absorb water, it can help thicken the texture of a product. As an emulsion stabilizer, this ingredient is stabilizes other ingredients to create a consistent texture.
According to a manufacturer, it helps create a "smooth, light and fresh" texture.
Learn more about Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl TaurateBeta Vulgaris Root Extract comes from the beet root plant. Beet Root has high Vitamin C content.
Beet roots also contain antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Beet root has many benefits when eaten. More research is needed on applying beetroot in skincare.
Beet Root is used to add pink/red color.
Learn more about Beta Vulgaris Root ExtractButylene 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 also known as "C13-14 Isoalkane".
C13-14 Isoparaffin is created from petroleum-based mineral oils. It is an emollient and helps thicken a product.
As an emollient, it helps keep the skin soft and smooth by creating a barrier on top. This barrier traps moisture in, keeping the skin hydrated.
C13-14 Isoparaffin may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about C13-14 IsoparaffinCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneCyclotetrasiloxane is a type of silicone.
Diglycerin is a humectant. It is derived from glycerin, which is naturally found in your skin.
As a humectant, it helps draw moisture to the skin from the air.
Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
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 DimethiconeDipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, antiâinflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.
Learn more about Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinHydrolyzed Corn Starch is made by breaking down corn starch into smaller sugar and carbohydrate units through acid or enzyme hydrolysis. The result is a blend of sugars (glucose, maltose, and maltodextrins).
It has skin conditioning and humectant properties and helps the skin stay hydrated. According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps provide humidity resistance and frizz control in haircare.
Lactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective.
Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the âglueâ that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin.
Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they donât penetrate as deeply. This means theyâre less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Like glycolic acid, it can:
Lactic acid also acts as a humectant (like hyaluronic acid). It can draw water into the skin to improve hydration and also plays a role in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the form of sodium lactate.
Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skinâs microbiome.
To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4.
Lower strengths (5-12%) focus on surface exfoliation; higher strengths (12% and up) can reach deeper in the dermis (deeper, supportive layer) to improve skin texture and firmness over time.
Though it was originally derived from milk, most modern lactic acid used in skincare is vegan. It is made through non-dairy fermentation to create a bio-identical and stable form suitable for all formulations.
When lactic acid shows up near the end of an ingredient list, it usually means the brand added just a tiny amount to adjust the productâs pH.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and brightens. It's a great ingredient for giving your skin a smooth, glowing, and healthy look without the harshness of stronger acids.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidLaureth-7 is created by the ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol using ethylene oxide. Lauryl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with hydrating properties.
This ingredient is an emulsifier and cleansing ingredient. As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps cleanse the skin by gathering dirt, oil, and pollutants to be rinsed away.
Lauric Acid is a fatty acid or lipid. About half of fatty acids in coconut oil is lauric acid.
This ingredient helps hydrate and sooth skin. As a humectant, it helps trap moisture. It also aids in cleaning and enhancing the texture of products.
Lauric acid may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal acne, safe.
Learn more about Lauric AcidWe don't have a description for Lauryl Alcohol Diphosphonic Acid yet.
Methylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.
As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.
Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.
Learn more about MethylpropanediolNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideWe don't have a description for P-Anisic Acid yet.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer. It is used to stabilize products and bind ingredients. When hydrated, Polyacrylamide forms a soft gel.
Polyacrylamide is low-toxicity. If source properly, it is deemed safe to use in cosmetics.
It should be noted the precursor to Polyacrylamide is acrylamide. Acrylamide is a carcinogen. Most reputable sources of Polyacrylamide will screen for residual acrylamide to make sure the count is in a safe range. Acrylamide is not able to be absorbed through the skin.
We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about PolyacrylamideTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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