What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Rice Ferment
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingAnanas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantTremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide
Emulsion StabilisingAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantParfum
MaskingBHT
AntioxidantScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentStephania Tetrandra Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPolymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantMaltodextrin
AbsorbentCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSqualane
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCholesterol
EmollientLactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment
Skin ProtectingPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Methylpropanediol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Alpha-Arbutin, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Propylene Glycol, Parfum, BHT, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Stephania Tetrandra Root Extract, Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice, Trehalose, Maltodextrin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Squalane, Phenoxyethanol, Caramel, Lactobacillus, Ceramide NP, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Cholesterol, Lactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment, Phytosphingosine
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCitrus Junos Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningNonapeptide-1
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
MaskingCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningPhenylethyl Resorcinol
Antioxidant3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
BufferingRaspberry Ketone
MaskingDiethoxyethyl Succinate
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientPropanediol
SolventPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin ConditioningTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingVerbascum Thapsus Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingCitrus Reticulata Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingTranexamic Acid
AstringentSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantMaltooligosyl Glucoside
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCarnosine
Skin ConditioningDecarboxy Carnosine Hcl
Skin ConditioningEctoin
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingErgothioneine
AntioxidantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Alpha-Arbutin, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide EOP, Nonapeptide-1, Bisabolol, Ceramide AP, Ceramide NP, Arginine, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide Ng, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Panthenol, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Raspberry Ketone, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Trisiloxane, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Verbascum Thapsus Extract, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Citrus Reticulata Peel Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tranexamic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Maltooligosyl Glucoside, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Ceramide As, Carnosine, Decarboxy Carnosine Hcl, Ectoin, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Parfum, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Ergothioneine, Potassium Sorbate
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
You might know this ingredient as Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a more stable version of ascorbic acid.
Like other types of vitamin C, this ingredient has many benefits including reducing wrinkles, skin soothing, dark spot fading, and fighting against free radicals.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid interferes with the process of skin darkening, helping to reduce hyperpigmentation. It also encourages the skin to produce more collagen.
Once applied, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is converted to Vitamin C deeper in the skin's layers. This process is slow but makes this ingredient more tolerable for skin.
The optimum pH range for this ingredient is 4 - 5.5
Learn more about 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidAlpha-Arbutin is made from hydroquinone and glucose. It may also be derived from the fermentation of soybeans.
This ingredient an antioxidant, meaning it helps protect your skin cells against damage.
Studies show this ingredient helps improve hyperpigmentation and fade discoloration.
Alpha-Arbutin may be used with other ingredients that help with hyperpigmentation. These ingredients include retinol, Vitamin C, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid.
Learn more about Alpha-ArbutinButylene 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 GlycolCeramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Parfum 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 ParfumSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum