What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Squalane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Betaine
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Methyl Gluceth-20
Humectant
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Disodium EDTA
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Triethylene Glycol
Masking
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentTetrahydropiperine
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingBisabolol
Masking
Arachis Hypogaea Oil
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicFolic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Pyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Sucrose Stearate
EmollientTocopherol
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol
Antioxidant
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide As
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ng
Skin Conditioning
Glycosphingolipids
EmollientWater, Niacinamide, Squalane, Glycerin, Betaine, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Phenoxyethanol, Lactic Acid, Methyl Gluceth-20, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polysorbate 80, Xanthan Gum, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Allantoin, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Retinol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethylene Glycol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Panthenol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Tetrahydropiperine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylyl Glycol, Sclerotium Gum, Bisabolol, Arachis Hypogaea Oil, Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hcl, Retinyl Palmitate, Sucrose Stearate, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Hyaluronic Acid, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Ceramide AP, Ceramide As, Ceramide Ng, Glycosphingolipids
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Avena Sativa Meal Extract
SoothingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
BHT
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
BHA
Antioxidant
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Tetrasodium EDTA
Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, Cellulose Gum, Retinol, Avena Sativa Meal Extract, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, BHT, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cholesterol, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, BHA, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Tetrasodium EDTA
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 AllantoinThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideGlycerin 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.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPhenoxyethanol 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 80 is a surfactant and emulsifier. It is used to keep ingredients together, and prevent oils and waters from separating.
It is made from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid. This ingredient can be found in cosmetics, foods, and medicine. It is water-soluble.
Polysorbate 80 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 80Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolRetinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolTocopheryl 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
