What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantBenzyl Glycol
SolventSea Water
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantArginine
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningEthyl Hexanediol
SolventCaulerpa Lentillifera Extract
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingPearl Extract
AntioxidantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHizikia Fusiforme Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientUlva Australis Extract
EmollientSpirulina Maxima Extract
SmoothingHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientEcklonia Cava Extract
Skin ConditioningUndaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningDimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Raspberry Ketone
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSh-Decapeptide-7
AntioxidantSh-Octapeptide-4
AntioxidantSh-Oligopeptide-9
HumectantSh-Pentapeptide-19
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingWater, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Niacinamide, Polysorbate 80, Dipropylene Glycol, Benzyl Glycol, Sea Water, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Butylene Glycol, Arginine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Adenosine, Ethyl Hexanediol, Caulerpa Lentillifera Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Pearl Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Ulva Australis Extract, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Raspberry Ketone, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Copper Tripeptide-1, Sh-Decapeptide-7, Sh-Octapeptide-4, Sh-Oligopeptide-9, Sh-Pentapeptide-19, Parfum, Linalool, Citronellol, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialOctocrylene
UV AbsorberPropanediol
SolventBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDisiloxane
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingSilica
Abrasive1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientPearl Extract
AntioxidantSea Water
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Codium Tomentosum Extract
Skin ProtectingEnteromorpha Compressa Extract
Skin ProtectingLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingSalicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningUndaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningPhytosterols
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPolypropylsilsesquioxane
Ceteth-10
EmulsifyingTromethamine
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingFructooligosaccharides
HumectantSaccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantSodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2
AbsorbentPullulan
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientParfum
MaskingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Alcohol Denat., Octocrylene, Propanediol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Disiloxane, Niacinamide, Silica, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Pearl Extract, Sea Water, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Codium Tomentosum Extract, Enteromorpha Compressa Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide NP, Phospholipids, Phytosphingosine, Phytosterols, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Ceteth-10, Tromethamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Fructooligosaccharides, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2, Pullulan, Adenosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool
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.
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, emulsify, and improve the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions to give products an elegant feel when applied.
It can also form a thin protective film on skin. One study found that a formula using this polymer helped slow down how quickly other ingredients (like DEET) were absorbed through skin.
A 2024 study of over 1,300 patients confirmed that sensitization to this ingredient is rare. It is also non-mutagenic and has a clean track record.
Learn more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerAdenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan (basically a long sugar chain) that your skin already makes on its own. In your skin, HA lives in the extracellular matrix and acts as the body's moisture reservoir.
Topically, HA is a humectant that binds water and helps skin look more plump, smooth, and hydrated.
The only catch is that HA isn't a single thing; it actually comes in a wide range of molecular weights (~50 - 2,000+ kDA) and size matters.
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
This is why the best HA serums blend the two sizes together so you get the best of both worlds.
The majority of cosmetic HA is produced by bacterial fermentation, typically using Streptococcus or Bacillus strains. Typical use levels in skincare sit around 0.1-2%.
A clinical study using a 0.2% low-molecular weight HA gel showed improvement in facial seborrheic dermatitis with excellent tolerance.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidHydrolyzed collagen has a misleading name because it is actually a mixture of various proteins/peptides. This ingredient has skin hydrating properties.
Collagen is the most abundant type of structural protein found in your body. In your skin, it is responsible for keeping it firm and youthful.
Hydrolyzed Collagen is created by breaking up proteins into smaller peptide bonds. These peptides act as humectants and emollients.
Humectants are great at holding onto water, keeping skin hydrated. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
There is ongoing debate about whether hydrolyzed collagen works because it increases skin hydration. Skin hydration is also linked to elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.
Collagen or peptide ingredients can be used in the morning or night. They will not increase sun sensitivity, but you should always wear sunscreen during the day.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is a great hair conditioner as well.
This ingredient can be extracted from different sources, including:
Vegan collagen is derived from yeast, bacteria, or plant sources. Vegan collagen would go by a different INCI name, such as hydrolyzed soy protein.
The results are varied.
A study from 2021 found hydrolyzed collagen increased elasticity and improved wrinkles in 1,125 participants between age 20 and 70. Another study found increased skin thickness in participants between the ages of 45 to 59.
However, It is difficult to prove that oral collagen will end up working on your skin. Many of the studies using hydrolyzed collagen also add several vitamins and nutrients into the test mixture as well.
Further studies are needed at this time.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed CollagenHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidThis form of hyaluronic acid is produced through fermentation.
According to a manufacturer, it has a positive charge by ionic binding to help moisturize and give hair a smooth feel. This is why you'll find this ingredient in shampoos and body washes.
Laminaria Japonica Extract comes from a kelp more commonly known as 'sweet kelp'. It is commonly eaten in Japan, Korea, and China.
Sweet kelp is a humectant and helps hydrate your skin. Humectants draw moisture from the air to your skin.
Studies show Laminaria Japonica has antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging. Kelp also contains magnesium and zinc, making it great for calming inflammation and redness.
Learn more about Laminaria Japonica ExtractLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPearl Extract comes from, well, pearls. Pearls are harvested from oysters.
Pearls are rich in amino-acids, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and antioxidant compounds.
Two antioxidants found in pearls include: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione. Antioxidants aid in reducing the signs of aging.
Studies show pearls can aid in wound healing.
Pearls are harvested from oysters. To be vegan, an ingredient cannot be from an animal source.
Learn more about Pearl ExtractSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateUndaria Pinnatifida Extract comes from a kelp native to the northern Pacific Ocean. It is more commonly known as "wakame".
This kelp contains fatty acids, sodium, calcium, iodine, thiamine, and niacin. Studies show a polysaccharide known as fucoidan exhibits strong antioxidant activities. Fucoidan can be found in the cell walls of many species of brown seaweed.
Wakame prefers cold and temperate oceans. It is used in Japanese and Korean cuisine (yummy!).
Learn more about Undaria Pinnatifida ExtractWater. 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