What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSqualane
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Sorbitol
HumectantBetaine
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Polyacrylate
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Allantoin
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingArginine
MaskingPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningCeramide 3
Skin ConditioningCeteareth-20
CleansingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPiper Methysticum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSoluble Collagen
HumectantSodium Chloride
MaskingWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Polysorbate 20, Dimethicone, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Sorbitol, Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Arginine, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Ceramide 3, Ceteareth-20, Beta-Glucan, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Piper Methysticum Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Soluble Collagen, Sodium Chloride
Water
Skin ConditioningIsoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDecyl Glucoside
CleansingC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
HumectantPEG-100 Stearate
Chlorphenesin
AntimicrobialInulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingBisabolol
MaskingC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPropylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningGlycosphingolipids
EmollientCytosine
Skin ConditioningOnsen-Sui
Sea Silt Extract
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingResveratrol
AntioxidantNasturtium Officinale Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
PerfumingHydrolyzed Corallina Officinalis
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingWater, Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Caprylyl Methicone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Decyl Glucoside, C14-22 Alcohols, Glyceryl Stearate, Niacinamide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium PCA, PEG-100 Stearate, Chlorphenesin, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Xanthan Gum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Bisabolol, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Propylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ceramide AP, Ceramide NP, Glycolipids, Glycosphingolipids, Cytosine, Onsen-Sui, Sea Silt Extract, Glucose, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Resveratrol, Nasturtium Officinale Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hydrolyzed Corallina Officinalis, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Benzyl Benzoate, Hexyl Cinnamal
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 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 AcidDimethicone 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 DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin (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 GlycerinHyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.
This ingredient helps hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin.
What makes hyaluronic acid so hydrating? It has the capacity to bind or hold large amounts of water.
Fun fact: It is already naturally found in our bodies, such as the fluids of our eyes and our joints.
Studies find this ingredient to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This can help speed up wound-healing.
Hyaluronic acid can be irritating if the molecule has a low-molecular weight, or if the molecules are small.
One study found low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be pro-inflammatory, meaning some people may experience irritation. This is because our bodies use hyaluronic acid in the wound-healing process to signal to our bodies, via irritation, that something needs healing.
The same study found high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be anti-inflammatory.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidPhenoxyethanol 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.
Potassium 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 Acetylated Hyaluronate is a type of Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic Acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read about common types of Hyaluronic Acid here:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium 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