What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Tamarindus Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Acetyl Hexapeptide-51 Amide
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water, Glycerin, Sodium PCA, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Beta-Glucan, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Tamarindus Indica Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-51 Amide, Sodium Benzoate
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningShea Butter Glycerides
Emulsifying
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Avena Sativa Sprout Oil
Skin Conditioning
Matrixyl 3000
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Milk Lipids
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Propanediol
Solvent
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Emollient
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Oenothera Biennis Oil
Emollient
Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter
Emollient
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Astaxanthin
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water, Shea Butter Glycerides, Cetearyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, Avena Sativa Sprout Oil, Matrixyl 3000, Ubiquinone, Ceramide NP, Milk Lipids, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Propanediol, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Alpha-Arbutin, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Astaxanthin, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid
Reviews
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is the filtered, stabilized liquid pressed from the inner gel of the aloe vera leaf.
In cosmetics, it shows up as either soothing active or a water-replacement base. It is roughly 98-99% water and the last 1-2% is an interesting mix of polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
The polysaccharides do most of the work: they bind water at the skin surface for a light, non-greasy hydration boost. And one of the polysaccharides, glycomannan, is linked to fibroblast stimulation + collagen synthesis. This is also why aloe has such a long track record in wound and burn healing.
This ingredient is also calming with anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity, making it a great pick for sensitive, irritated, or post-sun skin.
Realistic expectations matter though; the solid evidence is mostly limited to hydration, soothing, and wound support. Deeper claims about anti-aging or sun protection are not well backed, and science reviews note it does not prevent radiation-induced skin injury.
Because it plays well with almost everything, it's commonly used as a base alongside other actives like niacinamide or vitamin C.
Typical usage concentrations range from 0.5% (where hydration benefits already show up) all the way to 90%+ (where it replaces water as the main base).
The safety for this ingredient is well-establish as well. Overall, this is a great supporting ingredient for those who want a boost in hydration.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuicePropanediol 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 Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium 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 HyaluronateWater. 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
