What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningArbutin
AntioxidantNiacinamide
Smoothing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantActinidia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientCarnitine
Cleansing4-Butylresorcinol
AntioxidantAleuritic Acid
Skin ConditioningYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycoproteins
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicPanthenol
Skin ConditioningThiamine Hcl
MaskingCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningMenadione
MaskingBioflavonoids
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGlutathione
Betaine
HumectantPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantLecithin
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningPPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum
Emulsion StabilisingAgar
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningChitosan
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingActinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Water, Arbutin, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbic Acid, Actinidia Chinensis Seed Oil, Carnitine, 4-Butylresorcinol, Aleuritic Acid, Yeast Extract, Glycoproteins, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Biotin, Panthenol, Thiamine Hcl, Cyanocobalamin, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine, Folic Acid, Menadione, Bioflavonoids, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glutathione, Betaine, Polyquaternium-51, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Agar, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Allantoin, Chitosan, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Parfum, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycereth-26
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientCitrus Grandis Fruit Extract
AstringentVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Mume Fruit Extract
HumectantBrassica Oleracea Gemmifera Extract
AstringentTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingFish Liver Oil
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingArginine
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Limonene
PerfumingWater, Glycereth-26, Dipropylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Brassica Oleracea Gemmifera Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Fish Liver Oil, Betaine, Allantoin, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polysorbate 60, Arginine, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Limonene
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
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinBetaine is a humectant. Like hyaluronic acid, it helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. It’s known for being gentle and for helping the skin maintain balanced hydration.
Betaine is mainly used to improve hydration and support calmer skin. It helps skin cells regulate water balance because it functions as an osmolyte.
Some studies suggest betaine may support making skin tone more even.
Fun fact: Betaine naturally exists in the skin and the body. In cosmetic products, it can be either plant-derived (most commonly from sugar beets) or synthetically produced for consistency and stability.
Betaine is also known as trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineButylene 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 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 EthylhexylglycerinLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideTocopheryl 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water