What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Water
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Malt Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract
Skin ProtectingPhaseolus Angularis Seed Extract
Antioxidant
Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLotus Corniculatus Flower Extract
MaskingGlycereth-25 PCA Isostearate
Emulsifying
Propanediol
Solvent
Arginine
Masking
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Dextrin
AbsorbentVitis Vinifera Fruit Water, Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, Hydrolyzed Malt Extract, Hydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract, Phaseolus Angularis Seed Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Tocopherol, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Lotus Corniculatus Flower Extract, Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate, Propanediol, Arginine, Carbomer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Polyacrylate, Dextrin
Citrus Junos Fruit Water
Masking
Glycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningPhaseolus Radiatus Seed Water
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Isopentyldiol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Methyl Gluceth-20
Humectant
Betaine
Humectant
Diethoxyethyl Succinate
SolventCamellia Sinensis Leaf Water
Masking
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lactococcus Ferment
Skin ConditioningCoptis Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
Humectant
Theobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningSchisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Collagen Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDextrin
AbsorbentEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingSodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Citrus Junos Fruit Water, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Water, Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Isopentyldiol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Betaine, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Ectoin, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Lactococcus Ferment, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Caprylyl Glycol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Collagen Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carbomer, Dextrin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tromethamine, Sodium Polyacrylate
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
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (also known as Argireline) is a synthetic hexapeptide that is often called a "topical Botox alternative".
It works by mimicking how Botox relaxes muscles; it interferes with the signaling process that tells your facial muscles to contract. This can help soften expression lines like forehead wrinkles or crow's feet over time.
The comparison to Botox does have limits because the molecule is water-loving and relatively large.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 has a hard time absorbing deeply enough through the skin's outer barrier to actually reach the muscles.
So whether it truly works the way Botox does at a biological level is still up for debate, but early clinical outcomes are fairly encouraging.
A 12 week human study of a multi-ingredient regimen containing this ingredient saw:
While some studies have observed improvements in wrinkle appearance, it is important to note that more consistent results are seen in multi-ingredient formulations (vs just Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 alone).
Some research studies also used higher concentrations (up to 10%) while this ingredient is usually found in concentrations up to 0.005% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Butylene 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 GlycolCarbomer is a synthetic thickening and gelling agent. It's basically the ingredient that gives a lot of serums, gels, creams, and sunscreens their smooth, non-sticky texture.
Although legally permitted at very high levels, carbomers are normally used at concentrations below 1%.
It also needs to be neutralized to actually thicken, and because it is a large molecule, it doesn't really penetrate the skin barrier.
Allergy-wise, the risk is very low. Clinical studies show carbomers have low potential for skin irritation/sensitization even at concentrations up to 100%.
A 2024 UK study patch-tested 1,302 patients and found true allergy to the parent group of carbomer to be rare with no confirmed relevant reactions.
Learn more about CarbomerDextrin is a starch-derived polysaccharide. It's made by partially breaking down corn, potato, or other plant starches.
Think of it as "half-processed" starch; it's less complex than the original but not fully broken down into sugar like maltodextrin.
In cosmetics, it mainly functions as a bulking agent, viscosity controller, binder, and absorbent. It helps thicken products, stabilize powders, and get certain textures a less "wet" feel.
This ingredient has a pretty solid safety profile; it's recognized as a safe food additive and its large molecular size means it doesn't meaningfully penetrate skin.
Human repeat insult patch tests using a rinse-off facial product containing 42.69% dextrin found no skin irritation or sensitization in 54 subjects.
Typical real-world usage is much lower: usually under 1% as a texture modifier and up to 40% in masks (rinse off products use less).
Learn more about DextrinEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinPropanediol 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 PropanediolSodium 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 HyaluronateSodium Polyacrylate is the sodium salt of polyacrylic acid. It is used as an absorber, emollient, and stabilizer.
This ingredient is a super-absorbent polymer - meaning it can absorb 100 to 1000 times its mass in water. As an emollient, Sodium Polyacrylate helps soften and soothe skin. Emollients work by creating a barrier to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Water. 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
