What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSaccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Ganoderma Lucidum Extract/Lentinus Edodes Extract Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentPropanediol
SolventSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativeAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Inonotus Obliquus Extract
Skin ConditioningGanoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingCordyceps Sinensis Extract
AntioxidantTremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningDalburgia Sissoo Extract
Citric Acid
BufferingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantWithania Somnifera Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Lactobacillus/Ganoderma Lucidum Extract/Lentinus Edodes Extract Ferment Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Propanediol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Inonotus Obliquus Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Panthenol, Dalburgia Sissoo Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Gluconate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Lactobacillus Ferment, Potassium Hydroxide, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Withania Somnifera Root Extract, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Sorbate, Biotin, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-4
HumectantCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingPogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
MaskingCitrus Nobilis Peel Oil
MaskingPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingBoswellia Carterii Oil
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingGanoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingFuscoporia Obliqua Sclerotium Extract
Skin ConditioningCordyceps Sinensis Extract
AntioxidantErgothioneine
AntioxidantCamelina Sativa Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningHippophae Rhamnoides Extract
MaskingZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSilybum Marianum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Lysate Extract
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningSucrose
HumectantSalvia Sclarea Extract
AntiseborrhoeicSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingGelidiella Acerosa Extract
Skin ProtectingTrideceth-9
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantGlycereth-26
HumectantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantMaltodextrin
AbsorbentPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Butylene Glycol, PEG-4, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Boswellia Carterii Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Fuscoporia Obliqua Sclerotium Extract, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Ergothioneine, Camelina Sativa Seed Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment, Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Caffeine, Sucrose, Salvia Sclarea Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Trideceth-9, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Maltodextrin, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCitric 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 AcidCordyceps Sinensis Extract comes from a fungus that lives on caterpillars and insect larvae. It can also be made synthetically.
Cordyceps Sinensis Extract is an antioxidant and may help with reducing the signs of aging.
This fungus is mainly found in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas. It has been used in traditional Tibetan, Nepalese, and Chinese medicine to help with fatigue.
Learn more about Cordyceps Sinensis ExtractThis is the extract of the Reishi mushroom.
The Reishi mushroom has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
This is due to its content of terpenoids, polysaccharides, macronutrients, and phenolic acids.
Learn more about Ganoderma Lucidum ExtractGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinThis ingredient is made when the Lactobacillus bacteria (the same kind that makes yogurt and kimchi) are allowed to ferment a nutrient medium.
As it ferments, it collects lactic acid, peptides, enzymes, and other bioactive metabolites to provide:
A 2023 review noted that probiotic fermentation ingredients like this one can enhance antioxidant capacity, reduce UV-induced oxidative damage, and support barrier function.
One clinical study from the same year showed a Lactobacillus ferment lysate significantly reduced transepidermal water loss and improved skin hydration.
Another review highlighted that topical Lactobacillus-based preparations can improve ceramide levels in the stratum corneum, support barrier integrity, and even help reduce S. aureus colonization in atopic dermatitis.
Why is this so cool?
Basically, your skin's outer layer works as a brick wall; skin cells are bricks and ceramides are the mortar holding it together. Moisture escapes, irritants get in, and your skin gets dry and reactive when ceramide levels drop. On top of that, "bad" skin bacteria S. aureus loves to move in when your barrier is weak to make inflammation and irritation worse.
So Lactobacillus ferment is basically patching the wall and evicting the troublemaker when it boosts ceramide production and help keep S. aureus in check.
On top of all this, it also acts as a mild antimicrobial preservative booster.
Just so you know, most studies focus on specific strains or the lysate form rather than this generic "Lactobacillus Ferment", so results can vary.
Though it's a promising ingredient, it doesn't have decades of robust clinical data behind it just yet.
Lactobacillus Ferment is generally considered safe for fungal-acne prone skin. The key thing to understand is that it comes from bacteria, not yeast or fungus.
Yeast-derived ferments (like galactomyces) have been shown to activate a protein that's linked to Malassezia-related skin issues whereas lactobacillus doesn't have that problem.
Its byproducts also don't contain the types of fatty acids (C11-24 chain lengths) that Malassezia feeds on.
Learn more about Lactobacillus FermentLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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