This brightening moisturizer is formulated around 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Ascorbic Acid to brighten dull-looking skin and fade the look of dark spots.
This brightening day moisturizer is formulated around Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil and Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil to brighten dull-looking skin and hydrate skin.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Isononanoate
EmollientEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
Abrasive
Glycol Palmitate
Emulsifying
Ethyl Aspartate
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Cyclomethicone
Emollient
Disiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Asparagus Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlucose
Humectant
Isopropyl Alcohol
Solvent
Methyl Benzophenone
Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Water, Propylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Glycol Palmitate, Ethyl Aspartate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cyclomethicone, Disiloxane, Alcohol, Asparagus Officinalis Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Glucose, Isopropyl Alcohol, Methyl Benzophenone, 1,2-Hexanediol
Water
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Ether
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Grandis Fruit Extract
Astringent
Calcium PCA
Humectant
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Sodium Phytate
Arginine
Masking
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantLinalool
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Parfum
Masking
Water, Dicaprylyl Ether, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Propanediol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Glyceryl Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract, Calcium PCA, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Sodium Phytate, Arginine, Alcohol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Salicylic Acid, Mica, CI 77891, Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene, Citral, Benzyl Alcohol, Parfum
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholWater. 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 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
