What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
Emollient2,3-Butanediol
HumectantEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterDrometrizole Trisiloxane
UV AbsorberTerephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
UV Absorber1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingDiethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV AbsorberDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientVinyldimethicone
Arachidyl Alcohol
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningBatyl Alcohol
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingStearyl Alcohol
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingGlucose
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentChlorella Ferment
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Extract
AntioxidantSodium Benzoate
MaskingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantWater, Dibutyl Adipate, 2,3-Butanediol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Behenyl Alcohol, Tromethamine, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Vinyldimethicone, Arachidyl Alcohol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Methicone, Batyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Arachidyl Glucoside, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Stearyl Alcohol, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Panthenol, Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose Gum, Glucose, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Beta-Glucan, Maltodextrin, Chlorella Ferment, Lactobacillus Ferment, Panax Ginseng Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Water
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingVp/Eicosene Copolymer
Niacinamide
SmoothingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingButylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAcetyl Tyrosine
Skin ConditioningBetula Alba Juice
AstringentCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingResveratrol
AntioxidantProline
Skin ConditioningAdenosine Triphosphate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningNicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
PerfumingPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantAcetyl Octapeptide-3
HumectantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-2
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-3
Skin ConditioningButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberHomosalate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberOctocrylene
UV AbsorberWater, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Tyrosine, Betula Alba Juice, Centella Asiatica Extract, Resveratrol, Proline, Adenosine Triphosphate, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Polyglutamic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-2, Tripeptide-3, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octocrylene
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
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (also known as Argireline) is a synthetic hexapeptide that is often called a "topical Botox alternative".
It works by mimicking how Botox relaxes muscles; it interferes with the signaling process that tells your facial muscles to contract. This can help soften expression lines like forehead wrinkles or crow's feet over time.
The comparison to Botox does have limits because the molecule is water-loving and relatively large.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 has a hard time absorbing deeply enough through the skin's outer barrier to actually reach the muscles.
So whether it truly works the way Botox does at a biological level is still up for debate, but early clinical outcomes are fairly encouraging.
A 12 week human study of a multi-ingredient regimen containing this ingredient saw:
While some studies have observed improvements in wrinkle appearance, it is important to note that more consistent results are seen in multi-ingredient formulations (vs just Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 alone).
Some research studies also used higher concentrations (up to 10%) while this ingredient is usually found in concentrations up to 0.005% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Allantoin 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 AllantoinButylene 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 GlycolButyloctyl Salicylate is a chemical UV filter structurally similar to octisalate. It is a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. This ingredient helps evenly spread out ingredients.
According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for pairing with micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinPanthenol 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 PanthenolPropanediol 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 PropanediolWater. 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