What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingWater
Skin ConditioningSimethicone
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGelidium Cartilagineum Extract
Skin ProtectingLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingHizikia Fusiforme Extract
Skin ConditioningAscophyllum Nodosum Extract
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid Polypeptide
AntioxidantLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingDextrin
AbsorbentCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentGlycine
BufferingPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantSerine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantSesamum Indicum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSophora Flavescens Root Extract
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract
AntimicrobialMorus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPhellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Gigas Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAspartic Acid
MaskingLeucine
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingAlanine
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingPhenylalanine
MaskingValine
MaskingPancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingThreonine
Proline
Skin ConditioningIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantMethionine
Skin ConditioningCysteine
AntioxidantCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTrideceth-10
CleansingTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
T-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningPvm/Ma Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBetaine
HumectantPanax Ginseng Root Extract, Glycerin, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Water, Simethicone, Panthenol, Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide, Lactobacillus Ferment, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Dextrin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Glycine, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Valine, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Threonine, Proline, Isoleucine, Histidine, Methionine, Cysteine, Cellulose Gum, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Trideceth-10, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Disodium EDTA, T-Butyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Polyglutamic Acid, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, Betaine
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethyl Sulfone
SolventBetaine
HumectantPropanediol
SolventDisodium EDTA
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingArginine
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingIllicium Verum Fruit Extract
PerfumingNelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentGlycerin
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningLuffa Cylindrica Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientAlthaea Rosea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningApium Graveolens Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Rapa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentSolanum Lycopersicum Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract
AstringentBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningLysine Hcl
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantAcetyl Methionine
Skin ConditioningTheanine
EmollientProline
Skin ConditioningNatto Gum
Water, Butylene Glycol, Dimethyl Sulfone, Betaine, Propanediol, Disodium EDTA, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Arginine, Carbomer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Illicium Verum Fruit Extract, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Apium Graveolens Extract, Brassica Rapa Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Beta-Glucan, Lysine Hcl, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Methionine, Theanine, Proline, Natto Gum
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.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
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineBetaine 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 GlycolCarbomer is a high-molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid. It is used to form gels and thicken formulas.
Due to its large molecular size, carbomer has minimal skin penetration and is considered an inert ingredient.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Learn more about CarbomerCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractDisodium 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 EDTAGlycerin (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 GlycerinGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Learn more about Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root ExtractPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract comes Peony plant. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Emerging studies also show peony root may help reduce hyperpigmentation.
Ancient Chinese medicine has used peony root to treat dark spots, but studies are looking into this claim more.
Learn more about Paeonia Suffruticosa Root ExtractPanthenol 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 PanthenolProline is a non-essential amino acid, meaning your body can make it on its own. In skincare, it is a skin conditioning ingredient that keeps skin soft and hydrated.
It makes up about 23% of the collagen molecule (collagen is the protein responsible for keeping your skin firm) and is involved in your skin's natural hyaluronic acid production. When applied topically, proline can penetrate the skin fairly well due to its small molecular size.
Reviews of this ingredient have found it to be neither a dermal irritant nor a sensitizer.
Fun fact: Proline can be found in protein-rich foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.
Learn more about ProlinePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract comes from the Baikal skullcap or Chinese skullcap plant. This plant is native to Northeast Asia and can be found in China, Mongolia, Korea, and Siberia.
In cosmetics, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. This is due to the flavonoid composition of Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract.
In Chinese traditional folk medicine, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract is used to help treat lung issues and hypertension.
Learn more about Scutellaria Baicalensis Root ExtractWater. 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