What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Erythritol
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Benzyl Glycol
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Protease
Exfoliating
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Morus Alba Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Ficus Carica Fruit Extract
Humectant
Ginkgo Biloba Nut Extract
Skin ConditioningPunica Granatum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPersea Gratissima Fruit Extract
EmollientPolyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentLactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningCinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningWater, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Erythritol, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Benzyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Protease, Ectoin, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Nut Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract, Polyglutamic Acid, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate
Water
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Methylpropanediol
SolventC12-14 Pareth-12
EmulsifyingSodium Citrate
BufferingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Betaine
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
4-Terpineol
Masking
Pinus Pinaster Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantSprout Extract
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Gardenia Florida Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentDextrin
AbsorbentDisodium EDTA
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, C12-14 Pareth-12, Sodium Citrate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Betaine, Caprylyl Glycol, Gluconolactone, Glycolic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, 4-Terpineol, Pinus Pinaster Leaf Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Sprout Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Salicylic Acid, Gardenia Florida Seed Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Dextrin, Disodium EDTA
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
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 GlycolCapryloyl Salicylic Acid comes from salicylic acid, the famous acne-fighting BHA.
It usually goes by a more common name of LHA, or lipohydroxy acid.
Like salicylic acid, this ingredient is a chemical exfoliant that can help break down the oil in your pores and reduce inflammation.
Though studies for LHA do show it to be less effective than salicylic acid. To be fair, salicylic acid is the reigning monarch of acne treatments.
However, a study from 2009 found LHA to be comparable to BPO, making it a good alternative for people with sensitive skin. Another study of 14 patients found a significant decrease in comedones after using LHA.
Another pro of LHA? It is less irritating than salicylic acid due to its large molecule size.
Large molecules cannot penetrate skin as well, so they are gentler on the skin. LHA is much less penetrative than salicylic acid.
An in-vitro study (not done on a living organism) found only 6% of LHA penetrated past the statum corneum compared to 58% of salicylic acid. An in-vivo (done on a living organism) analysis revealed ~17% of LHA was still present in the top layer of skin after 4 days, versus ~9% of salicylic acid.
Interestingly, a study from 2008 found LHA comparable to another famous acid, glycolic acid.
This study found about 10% of LHA is as effective as 20-50% of glycolic acid in treating hyperpigmentation and fine-lines.
Hydroxy acids have been found to stimulate skin protein, lipids, and thermal thickening. This may have anti-aging benefits.
Learn more about Capryloyl Salicylic AcidCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Gluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneGlycerin 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 GlycerinSalix Alba Bark Extract comes from the white willow tree, which is native to Europe and Central Asia.
Salix Alba Bark Extract has often been described as salicylic acid's cousin. This is due to the salicin it contains. However, studies are limited showing salix alba bark to be an effective salicylic acid alternative.
Salicin does have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has shown to decrease the formation of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-kappa B. Salicin also has a mildly exfoliating effect on the skin.
Several other components in salix alba bark extract also contain antioxidant properties, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging as they neutralize harmful free-radical molecules.
Willow Bark extract has been used for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations used white willow to help treat pain and fevers.
Learn more about Salix Alba Bark ExtractSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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
