What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
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 Uralensis Extract
EmollientMoringa 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 Uralensis 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
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientCandida/Garcinia Cambogia Ferment
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Germ Oil
EmollientMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingOcimum Basilicum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientSchisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHedera Helix Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningLithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAlthaea Rosea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientVinyldimethicone
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Silica
AbrasiveHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlucose
HumectantSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientFructooligosaccharides
HumectantFructose
HumectantBehenic Acid
CleansingHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingTrideceth-10
CleansingMyristic Acid
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Dna
Skin ConditioningSoluble Proteoglycan
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
PEG-9 Diglycidyl Ether/Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantCalcium Chloride
AstringentPropanediol
SolventMagnesium Sulfate
Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingParfum
MaskingButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Caprylyl Methicone, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Candida/Garcinia Cambogia Ferment, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa Germ Oil, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Hedera Helix Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Vinyldimethicone, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Silica, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glucose, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Caprylyl Glycol, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Behenic Acid, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Tromethamine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Trideceth-10, Myristic Acid, Tocopherol, Sodium Dna, Soluble Proteoglycan, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, PEG-9 Diglycidyl Ether/Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Calcium Chloride, Propanediol, Magnesium Sulfate, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Geraniol, Limonene, 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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
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 GlycolButylphenyl Methylpropional is a synthetic fragrance. You might know it as "lilial". The scent of this ingredient is floral-like and similar to the scent of lily flowers.
In March of 2022, the EU banned this ingredient in both rinse-off and leave-on products. This is because research found Butylphenyl Methylpropional to disrupt fertility in rats.
This ingredient is also a known EU allergen, meaning it is likely to cause an allergic reaction. Irritated skin can be damaging.
We always recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns or questions about this ingredient.
Learn more about Butylphenyl MethylpropionalWe 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 ExtractThis ingredient is also known as Bhringaraj extract or False Daisy. It has skin conditioning properties and is rich in antioxidants.
Ethylhexylglycerin (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.
We don't have a description for Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract yet.
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 CollagenLithospermum 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 ExtractMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is extract from the neem plant.
The leaves of this tree contain flavonoids and polyphenols. These two compounds are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Further research is needed as to their effects when applied on skin.
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of Moringa oleifera plant. It is more commonly known as Moringa seed oil.
Moringa seeds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin hydrating properties. These seeds are rich in oils, proteins, monounsaturated fats, and tocopherols.
As an emollient, moringa seed oil helps trap moisture in the skin by creating a film on top. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Many compounds in moringa seed oil are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. These compounds include Vitamin E. , catechins, ferulic acid, and more.
Another compound found in Moringa seed oil is oleic acid.
Moringa trees are native to the Himalayan mountains.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Moringa Oleifera Seed OilOryza 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 âFRAGRANCEâ or âPARFUMâ 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 ParfumWe don't have a description for Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract yet.
Sodium 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. Thatâs important, because PDRN is a large molecule and doesnât absorb well through the skin. So if youâre applying it topically, the effects are likely to be much milder.
Still, topical Sodium DNA is emerging as a trendy anti-aging ingredient. Itâs 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!).
When using this ingredient, is is best to ask a brand about the source of their Sodium DNA. You'll want to find products where the Sodium DNA is sourced from fish. Some Sodium DNA is derived from calf / cow thymus.
Needless to say, this ingredient is not vegan.
Learn more about Sodium DnaWe don't have a description for Soluble Proteoglycan yet.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skinâs lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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