What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Collagen Extract
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
Smoothing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAlthaea Rosea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCandida/Garcinia Cambogia Ferment
Oryza Sativa Germ Oil
EmollientCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningKappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSchisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientLithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantCeteareth-12
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Oleate
EmulsifyingPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingCeteareth-20
CleansingCetearyl Isononanoate
EmollientCetyl Palmitate
EmollientOctyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingSoluble Proteoglycan
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
PEG-9 Diglycidyl Ether/Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Dna
Skin ConditioningDimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingParfum
MaskingGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCollagen Extract, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Candida/Garcinia Cambogia Ferment, Oryza Sativa Germ Oil, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ceteareth-12, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Cetyl Palmitate, Octyldodeceth-16, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Soluble Proteoglycan, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, PEG-9 Diglycidyl Ether/Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Dna, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingEuphorbia Cerifera Cera
AstringentButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Seed Oil
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientCandida/Garcinia Cambogia Ferment
Oryza Sativa Germ Oil
EmollientSchisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingLithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCanola Oil
EmollientCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningKappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientAlthaea Rosea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSoluble Proteoglycan
Skin ConditioningSodium Dna
Skin ConditioningBHT
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Pyrus Malus Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Microcrystalline Wax, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Candida/Garcinia Cambogia Ferment, Oryza Sativa Germ Oil, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Canola Oil, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Tocopherol, Adenosine, Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Beta-Carotene, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Soluble Proteoglycan, Sodium Dna, BHT, Parfum, Benzyl Salicylate, Benzyl Benzoate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
Adenosine 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 AdenosineThis ingredient comes from the hollyhock flower. It has skin conditioning properties.
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 GlycolWe don't have a description for Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Candida/Garcinia Cambogia Ferment yet.
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract comes from a green microalga. It is hydrating and contains antioxidants.
Studies also show Chlorella Vulgaris may help in rebuilding collagen and elastin. This ingredient is made up of lipids, carbohydrates, and chlorophyll.
Fun fact: This ingredient is commonly used as food additive in Japan.
Learn more about Chlorella Vulgaris ExtractCurcuma Longa Root Extract is from the spice, turmeric. Besides being a healthy and delicious spice, turmeric also has plenty of skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties.
Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant. Antioxidants help neutralize unstable free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules may damage your skin's cells and DNA. Curcumin may help with anti-aging.
Curcumin also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe skin and reduce irritation. On top of that, curcumin has been shown to help prevent hyperpigmentation from sun damage.
The anti-microbial property of turmeric can make it effective in treating acne. This property has also been shown to help regulate the production of sebum.
Learn more about Curcuma Longa Root ExtractEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinThis ingredient comes from the evergreen flowering plant, gardenia. It has skin conditioning properties.
Hydrolyzed 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 CollagenWe don't have a description for Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract yet.
Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract comes from the roots of the Lithospermumerythrorhizon plant, or the purple gromwell plant.
Studies show this root extract has anti-inflammatory properties and protects against oxidative stress. It also displayed UV absorption capability and protection against UV-B damage. However, it should not replace your sunscreen.
The dried roots of this plant are used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine due to its antiviral properties.
Learn more about Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root ExtractOryza Sativa Germ Oil is an oil expressed from the germs of rice kernels.
Germs are not bacteria but rather a part of rice kernel that allows new plants to germinate.
Like other plant oils, this can help nourish the skin. The germ of rice is rich in oils, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about the benefits of rice extract.
Learn more about Oryza Sativa Germ OilParfum 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 āFRAGRANCEā or āPARFUMā 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 ParfumThis ingredient comes from the "five-flavor" berry native to northeast Asia. It has skin conditioning properties and is rich in antioxidants.
In lab models, this ingredient displays antioxidant effects in keratinocytes (the main cells in the epidermis). Some studies also report tyrosinase inhibiting or skin brightening activity.
One study using reconstructed human epidermis found this ingredient to help counter pollution-like inflammatory signaling in skin exposed to urban dust.
Learn more about Schisandra Chinensis Fruit ExtractSodium DNA is an emerging anti-aging ingredient.
It is created by taking deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and purifying it with sodium hydroxide.
The DNA is extracted from several different animal sources, including: calf thymus, the gonadic tissue of a male sturgeon, or herring / salmon sperm.
You have probably seen this ingredient in anti-aging skincare. But what is it?
DNA is composed of nucleotides, or chemical building blocks. Nucleotides include adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). Talk about a flashback to biology! Nucleosides are formed from these nucleotides.
The science behind Sodium DNA is based on an ingredient called Polydeoxyribonucleotide or PDRN.
PDRN are DNA fragments mainly extracted from the sperm cells of trout or salmon. Meaning, PDRN can be derived from Sodium DNA.
PDRN consists of chains of nucleotides and nucleosides mentioned above. They can range anywhere from 80 - 2000 pairs.
Studies show PDRN has the following properties:
Most of the research on PDRN has been done using injectable forms. Thatās important, because PDRN is a large molecule and doesnāt absorb well through the skin. So if youāre applying it topically, the effects are likely to be much milder.
Still, topical Sodium DNA is emerging as a trendy anti-aging ingredient. Itās generally well-tolerated and offers good biocompatibility with human skin, making it a low-risk addition to most routines.
Further studies are needed to truly confirm this ingredients anti-aging ability (Remember, retinol has decades of research!).
Sodium DNA may be sourced from fish, animal tissue, or plants. Since this isnāt always disclosed, we recommend asking the brand directly if the ingredientās origin is important to you.
Learn more about Sodium DnaSoluble Proteoglycan is the name used for water-soluble proteoglycans, or large āgel-likeā skin matrix molecules. These molecules help skin hold onto water and support the structure around cells.
In a small 4-week clinical study, people with mild atopic dermatitis, dry, and eczema-prone skin found using a daily emollient (soluble proteoglycan + hyaluronic acid + hydrolyzed collagen) significantly improved skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and itch.
Research also suggests that proteoglycans from sources like salmon nasal cartilage can "talk" to skin cells and encourage them to stay healthy by supporting the cells that maintain the skin's structure.
Other studies show proteoglycans may help skin recover from damage from things like UV exposure.
Learn more about Soluble ProteoglycanWater. 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