What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantStearic Acid
CleansingCoco-Caprylate
EmollientCoconut Alkanes
EmollientGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientPropanediol
SolventHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientTranexamic Acid
AstringentGlyceryl Oleate Citrate
EmulsifyingRetinol
Skin ConditioningRetinal
Skin ConditioningN-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin ConditioningTasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
AntioxidantCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingAnthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
MaskingOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientHaematococcus Pluvialis Extract
AntioxidantChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantGlucose
HumectantXanthophylls
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Tocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Coco-Caprylate, Coconut Alkanes, Glycine Soja Oil, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Propanediol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Tranexamic Acid, Glyceryl Oleate Citrate, Retinol, Retinal, N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Coco-Glucoside, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Glucose, Xanthophylls, Lecithin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cellulose Gum, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Arachidyl Glucoside, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Phytate, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingHydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin ConditioningRosa Centifolia Flower Extract
AstringentCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingGanoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingTrametes Versicolor Extract
Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningMelatonin
AntioxidantOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTocopherol
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantLinoleic Acid
CleansingPhytosterols
Skin ConditioningPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningJojoba Esters
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventMethylheptylglycerin
HumectantCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingWater, Propanediol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Trametes Versicolor Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Melatonin, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Linoleic Acid, Phytosterols, Phospholipids, Jojoba Esters, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Acacia Senegal Gum, Sodium Gluconate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Methylheptylglycerin, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acacia Senegal Gum has skin soothing, thickening, and formulation stabilizing properties. It comes from the Acacia tree that is native to sub-Saharan Africa.
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract comes from the common Marigold plant. This ingredient is a skin conditioner.
Marigolds contain flavonoids. Flavonoids are a group of substances found naturally in plants. They possess antioxidant and inflammation properties.
This ingredient soothes skin inflammation by inhibiting inhibiting a part of the inflammation process.
Marigolds have been used in traditional medicine throughout Asia and Europe.
Learn more about Calendula Officinalis Flower ExtractThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl 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 GlycolChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.
Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds found in chamomile help with soothing, such as bisbolol.
Antioxidant components in chamomile make it an effective ingredient to help slow the signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, or molecules that may damage your skin.
Essential oils from chamomile have been found to improve wound healing due to its antimicrobial properties.
Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used Chamomile to treat skin redness and dryness. Chamomile has also been used to help treat stomach issues.
Learn more about Chamomilla Recutita Flower ExtractDimethyl Isosorbide is a low-irritation solvent that helps deliver actives into your skin. It is created from glucose.
Research shows how well this ingredient works depends on the active and formulation rather than the concentration alone. This means adding more Dimethyl Isosorbide does not guarantee better penetration of ingredients into the skin.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Extract comes from the common sunflower.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E. Studies show sunflowers contain antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
The fatty acids found in sunflowers include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus ExtractHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.
Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.
Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.
Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilThis ingredient is a retinoid. It usually goes by a more common name: "Granactive".
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes retinol and tretinoin.
Retinoids have been proven to:
So what is the difference between all the retinoids?
Most retinoids need to go through a conversion line to become effective on skin. The ending product is retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is AKA tretinoin.
HPR is an ester of tretinoin. Emerging studies suggest HPR to have an added benefit that other retinoids don't have: Low irritation.
A study from 2021 found HPR to have the greatest stability when exposed to light and temperature out of all the commercial retinoids.
A note about naming:
The name "Granactive" is the trade name and the name most commonly used on packages.
Granactive is the name of the mixture - about 90% solvent and 10% HPR. A product with 5% granactive has 0.5% HPR.
Learn more about Hydroxypinacolone RetinoateOryza Sativa Bran Extract comes from the outer layer of a rice kernel. It is a byproduct of milling rice, or the operation to produce a whole grain rice product.
This ingredient has moisturizing properties due to its components of polysaccharides and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains calcium, selenium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract contains numerous antioxidants such as ferulic acid. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material.
Learn more about Oryza Sativa Bran ExtractPropanediol 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 PropanediolRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.
While Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil can be volatile due to its fragrant properties, the fragrance components are usually removed in the leaf extract.
Rosemary Leaf Extract contains many antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid. Rosemarinic acid, a compound found in rosemary leaf, has been found to help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf 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 HyaluronateTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum