What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantMaranta Arundinacea Root Extract
SmoothingMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSodium Citrate
BufferingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Olivate
Oryzanol
Skin ConditioningKojic Dipalmitate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl Palmitate
EmollientSorbitan Palmitate
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingCaprylyl Glyceryl Ether
CleansingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
HumectantBisabolol
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Rice Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningWater, Propanediol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Maranta Arundinacea Root Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Citrate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Oryzanol, Kojic Dipalmitate, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sclerotium Gum, Acacia Senegal Gum, Caprylyl Glyceryl Ether, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citric Acid, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Bisabolol, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, Glycolipids
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ascorbyl Glucoside (AA-2G) is one of the most stable vitamin C derivatives out there.
It's made by attaching a glucose molecule to ascorbic acid; this glucose "cap" shields the vitamin C from air, light, heat, and metal ions that normally cause pure ascorbic acid to oxidize.
Once on your skin, the enzyme alpha-glucosidase snips off the glucose and gradually releases active ascorbic acid right where it's needed. Basically, it behaves like a slow-release pro-vitamin C with less of a stinging that high-strength ascorbic acid can cause.
The research supports the classic vitamin C benefits as well. In lab and human studies, AA-2G slowed down the skin's production of melanin (the pigment behind dark spots) and helped shield skin cells against sun damage better than ascorbyl phosphate.
These studies also showed AA-2G released vitamin C over a longer period.
A frequently cited manufacturer trial found that a 2% AA-2G face cream significantly improved wrinkle depth and skin roughness after 45 days.
And in 2009, a clinical trial showed it meaningfully lightened dark patches on the gums compared to a placebo.
There's also collagen-synthesis support (since vitamin C is a required cofactor for that) and an antioxidant effect too.
Typical usage is usually between 0.5-5% and most studies/products land around 2%.
AA-2G performs best when formulated at a mildly acidic pH (~5-7) which is much gentler than the pH that pure vitamin C demands (~2.5-3.5).
Just one thing worth knowing: the in-skin conversation rate is only about 55-60% by weight. So a 5% AA-2G product delivers roughly 2.75-3% of actual active vitamin C. On top of that, skin absorption is relatively low because the ingredient is water-soluble.
Learn more about Ascorbyl GlucosideButylene 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 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 PropanediolWater. 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 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