What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingDisodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate
CleansingCoco-Betaine
CleansingPortulaca Oleracea Water
Skin ConditioningCocamide Mea
EmulsifyingC12-14 Alketh-12
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantPropylene Glycol Laurate
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-10
Hydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingSalmon Egg Extract
Butylene Glycol
HumectantHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantHydrolyzed Milk Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingDisodium EDTA
Sodium Dna
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantWater, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Coco-Betaine, Portulaca Oleracea Water, Cocamide Mea, C12-14 Alketh-12, Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol Laurate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyquaternium-10, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Salmon Egg Extract, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Milk Protein, Hydrolyzed Silk, Niacinamide, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Dna, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Water
Skin ConditioningDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingDisodium Cocoamphodiacetate
CleansingLauryl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingGlycol Distearate
EmollientParfum
MaskingPolyquaternium-10
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientArginine
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSalicylic Acid
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Niacinamide
SmoothingSea Water
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningDextrin
AbsorbentLactobacillus/Eriodictyon Californicum Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCeratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract
MaskingDiospyros Kaki Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEnteromorpha Compressa Extract
Skin ProtectingGelidium Cartilagineum Extract
Skin ProtectingLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingSpirulina Platensis Extract
Skin ProtectingUndaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningMilk Protein Extract
Hydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientHydrolyzed Barley Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Corn Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCollagen Extract
Skin ConditioningHizikia Fusiforme Extract
Skin ConditioningPearl Extract
AntioxidantSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantSaccharomyces/Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCollagen
MoisturisingCollagen Amino Acids
MoisturisingSoluble Collagen
HumectantSoluble Collagen Crosspolymer
EmollientZinc Hydrolyzed Collagen
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Chloride, Cocamide Mipa, Glycol Distearate, Parfum, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Caprylyl Glycol, Arginine, Carbomer, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Hexylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Niacinamide, Sea Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Dextrin, Lactobacillus/Eriodictyon Californicum Ferment Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Ceratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract, Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract, Enteromorpha Compressa Extract, Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Milk Protein Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Barley Protein, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Biotin, Collagen Extract, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Pearl Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces/Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceramide NP, Collagen, Collagen Amino Acids, Soluble Collagen, Soluble Collagen Crosspolymer, Zinc Hydrolyzed Collagen, Phytosphingosine, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool
Reviews
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
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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinHydrolyzed Keratin is derived from keratin. Keratin is a large protein that is naturally found in our hair and skin.
Studies show keratin is able to seal broken hair cuticles, helping to prevent split ends and breakage.
As a humectant, hydrolyzed keratin helps draw moisture from the air to your hair and skin. This helps keep your skin and hair hydrated.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed KeratinNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePanthenol 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 PanthenolParfum 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 ParfumPolyquaternium-10 is an ammonium salt of hydroxyethylcellulose. It is a white and granular powder used as a film-former and anti-static agent.
This ingredient is commonly found in hair conditioning products. According to a manufacturer, its positive charge makes it great for absorbing hair proteins. The manufacturer also states this ingredient helps with curl retention.
For haircare friends: this ingredient is not a silicone.
Learn more about Polyquaternium-10Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideWater. 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