What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningHexapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Tetrapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Maltobionic Acid
Buffering
Punica Granatum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Creatine
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Polyglutamate
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Canina Fruit Extract
Astringent
Rose Extract
Skin ConditioningRumex Acetosella Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitol
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Tremella Fuciformis Extract
Humectant
Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningBromelain
Skin ConditioningPapain
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Water, Glycolic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Sodium Hydroxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ectoin, Mandelic Acid, Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hexapeptide-9, Tetrapeptide-4, Squalane, Maltobionic Acid, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Creatine, Allantoin, Sodium Polyglutamate, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Rose Extract, Rumex Acetosella Extract, Sorbitol, Panthenol, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Bromelain, Papain, Sodium Benzoate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Phytate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopherol, Maltodextrin
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingEctoin
Skin Conditioning
Vitis Vinifera Juice Extract
Antioxidant
Sodium Polyglutamate
HumectantPassiflora Edulis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Persica Fruit Extract
Abrasive
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Citrus Paradisi Peel Extract
Perfuming
Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Peel Extract
EmollientPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Rosa Damascena Flower Extract
Masking
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
CleansingWater, Glycolic Acid, Gluconolactone, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ectoin, Vitis Vinifera Juice Extract, Sodium Polyglutamate, Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract, Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi Peel Extract, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Peel Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This extract comes from cucumber. Cucumbers are mostly made up of water (95%), and the other 5% is composed of: vitamin C, caffeic acid, fatty acids, amino acids, and other minerals.
Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory, barrier repair, and hydrating properties.
They contain shikimate dehydrigenase, an enzyme shown to help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
The amino acids found in cucumbers help nourish our skin's natural acid mantle (it's an important part of our skin barrier). This slightly acidic film acts as a barrier to protect us from bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.
Unless you have an allergy to cucumbers, this is generally a non-irritating ingredient.
Fun fact: Cucumis Sativus is native to South Asia and can now be found on every continent.
Learn more about Cucumis Sativus Fruit ExtractEctoin is a compound found naturally in some species of bacteria. It can be synthetically created for skincare use.
This ingredient is an osmolyte; Osmolytes help organisms survive osmotic shock (it protects them from extreme conditions). It does this by influencing the properties of biological fluids within cells.
When applied to the skin, ectoin helps bind water molecules to protect our skin. The water forms a sort of armor for the parts of our skin cells, enzymes, proteins, and more.
Besides this, ectoin has many uses in skincare:
A study from 2004 found ectoin to counteract the damage from UV-A exposure at different cell levels. It has also been shown to protect skin against both UV-A, UV-B rays, infrared light, and visible light.
Studies show ectoin to have dual-action pollution protection: first, it protects our skin from further pollution damage. Second, it helps repair damage from pollution.
In fact, ectoin has been shown to help with:
Fun fact: In the EU, ectoin is used in inhalation medication as an anti-pollution ingredient.
Ectoin is a highly stable ingredient. It has a wide pH range of 1-9. Light, oxygen, and temperature do not affect this ingredient.
The chemical name for this ingredient is Tetrahydromethylpyrimidine Carboxylic Acid.
Learn more about EctoinGluconolactone 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 GluconolactoneGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with tons of research backing its benefits.
It is found naturally in sugar cane but the form used in skincare is usually synthetic for purity and stability.
Glycolic acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells to allow newer and fresher ones to emerge.
AHAs work by breaking down the structural “glue” that holds old skin cells in place. When that buildup is gone, your skin can renew itself more efficiently.
Research also shows glycolic acid stimulates collagen production, helping to firm and thicken the skin over time. This is one of its biggest advantages over other AHAs.
Overall, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid boosts skin hydration by helping it produce molecules that increase hyaluronic acid naturally.
To work best, glycolic acid products should have a pH between 3-4 (that’s where exfoliation is most effective but still gentle on skin).
The pH and concentration of a product are key to its effectiveness:
It is normal to feel a slight stinging sensation when using glycolic acid. This usually fades as your skin adjusts.
Because glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size in the AHA family, it can penetrate deeper, which enhances its effectiveness but also makes it more likely to irritate sensitive skin.
If your skin is very sensitive or prone to rosacea, glycolic acid may be too strong; in that case, try milder options like lactic acid or a PHA instead.
Recent studies suggest glycolic acid might even help protect against UV damage. But don’t skip sunscreen! Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun.
Glycolic acid is a skincare superstar. It smooths, brightens, hydrates, and firms the skin. Unless you’re highly sensitive, it’s well worth adding to your routine.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 PropanediolSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWe don't have a description for Sodium Polyglutamate yet.
Water. 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
