What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantSqualane
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingPropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingSodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingTromethamine
BufferingSalicylic Acid
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantRice Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningHoney Extract
HumectantSodium Phytate
Pullulan
Fructooligosaccharides
HumectantOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentSapindus Mukorossi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSaponaria Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialMilk Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSesamum Indicum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAllium Sativum Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningBambusa Vulgaris Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPerilla Frutescens Leaf Extract
MaskingHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientRehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentPistacia Lentiscus Gum
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Niacinamide, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sodium Citrate, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Tromethamine, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Rice Ferment Filtrate, Honey Extract, Sodium Phytate, Pullulan, Fructooligosaccharides, Oryza Sativa Extract, Sapindus Mukorossi Fruit Extract, Saponaria Officinalis Leaf Extract, Milk Extract, Beta-Glucan, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Allium Sativum Bulb Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Gluconolactone, Maltodextrin, Pistacia Lentiscus Gum
Water
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventNiacinamide
SmoothingHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingTromethamine
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientC12-14 Alketh-12
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum
Emulsion StabilisingFructooligosaccharides
HumectantPhytic Acid
Bioflavonoids
Skin ConditioningGlycoproteins
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Pea Protein
EmollientGlucose
HumectantSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Succinate
BufferingAllium Cepa Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Tranexamic Acid
AstringentButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycine
BufferingSerine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantAspartic Acid
MaskingLeucine
Skin ConditioningAlanine
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingPhenylalanine
MaskingThreonine
Proline
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantMethionine
Skin ConditioningCysteine
AntioxidantCysteic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Glyceryl Stearate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Gluconolactone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, C12-14 Alketh-12, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Fructooligosaccharides, Phytic Acid, Bioflavonoids, Glycoproteins, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Glucose, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Succinate, Allium Cepa Bulb Extract, Glutathione, Tranexamic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Glycine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Proline, Valine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Methionine, Cysteine, Cysteic Acid
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.
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 preservatives
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
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 GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Fructooligosaccharides is an alternative sweetener. It is often derived from the blue agave plant.
This ingredient is a prebiotic and helps to hydrate the skin. Emerging studies are also showing fructooligosaccharides to have antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, Fructooligosaccharides helps draw moisture to the skin, helping to hydrate the skin.
Bananas, onions, garlic, asparagus, jícama, and leeks also contain fructooligosaccharides.
Learn more about FructooligosaccharidesGluconolactone 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate Citrate is a citric acid ester of glyceryl stearate.
It is an emulsifier, emollient, and a surfactant.
Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating. Common ingredients include oils and water, which do not mix naturally. Emulsifiers have properties that help keep ingredients such as these together.
Emollients help soothe and soften the skin. They do this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
Surfactants help gather oils, dirt, and other pollutants from the skin. This helps them to be easily rinsed away.
Learn more about Glyceryl Stearate CitrateNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePolyglyceryl-3 Distearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate is an emulsifier and helps condition the skin. It is amino acid-based.
In higher amounts, it may act as a cleansing agent.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineWater. 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