What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantAlanine
MaskingArginine
MaskingAvena Strigosa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCellulase
Citric Acid
BufferingDictyopteris Polypodioides Extract
EmollientDisodium Phosphate
BufferingEpigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGallyl Glucoside
AntioxidantGlutamic Acid
HumectantGlycine
BufferingHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Flour
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantLactic Acid
BufferingLecithin
EmollientLinolenic Acid
CleansingLysine Hcl
Skin ConditioningPancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingPCA
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPinus Nigra Bud/Needle Extract
AntimicrobialProline
Skin ConditioningPropyl Gallate
AntioxidantSerine
MaskingSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingSodium PCA
HumectantSodium Phosphate
BufferingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Threonine
Benzyl Alcohol
PerfumingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Propanediol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Alanine, Arginine, Avena Strigosa Seed Extract, Betaine, Caprylyl Glycol, Cellulase, Citric Acid, Dictyopteris Polypodioides Extract, Disodium Phosphate, Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Gallyl Glucoside, Glutamic Acid, Glycine, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Soy Flour, Hydroxyacetophenone, Lactic Acid, Lecithin, Linolenic Acid, Lysine Hcl, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, PCA, Pentylene Glycol, Pinus Nigra Bud/Needle Extract, Proline, Propyl Gallate, Serine, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Sodium Phosphate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Threonine, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolysilicone-11
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Skin ConditioningSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingPhoenix Dactylifera Fruit Extract
EmollientHydrolyzed Algin
Bambusa Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningCoffea Arabica Seed Oil
MaskingSpinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCrithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate
Skin ProtectingPisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
EmollientSqualane
EmollientGlycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningNymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningZea Mays Kernel Extract
Hordeum Distichon Extract
Skin ProtectingCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientHypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingBrassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientGlucosamine Hcl
Potassium Gluconate
Skin ProtectingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
BufferingLactis Proteinum
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantIsohexadecane
EmollientSodium PCA
HumectantPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningTriolein
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantSodium Polyacrylate Starch
AbsorbentUrea
BufferingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingTriacetin
AntimicrobialAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Polyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-8
HumectantPhytosteryl Canola Glycerides
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningLinoleic Acid
CleansingOleic Acid
EmollientPalmitic Acid
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSilica
AbrasiveCalcium Chloride
AstringentTocopherol
AntioxidantStearic Acid
CleansingSodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
BHT
AntioxidantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polysorbate 20, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hexapeptide-9, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Phoenix Dactylifera Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Algin, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Oil, Spinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate, Pisum Sativum Extract, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Acetyl Glucosamine, Caffeine, Algae Extract, Squalane, Glycine Soja Protein, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Zea Mays Kernel Extract, Hordeum Distichon Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Glucosamine Hcl, Potassium Gluconate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Lactate, Lactis Proteinum, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Methyl Gluceth-20, Isohexadecane, Sodium PCA, Phospholipids, Triolein, Trehalose, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Urea, Polysorbate 80, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sorbitan Oleate, Triacetin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Polyquaternium-51, Dipropylene Glycol, PEG-8, Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides, Pentylene Glycol, Linoleic Acid, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Sodium Hydroxide, Silica, Calcium Chloride, Tocopherol, Stearic Acid, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, CI 77891
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, commonly known as Argireline or Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, is a popular peptide in skincare. It’s often referred to as a “Botox-like” ingredient because it helps reduce muscle movement.
By relaxing these micro-movements, Argireline may help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. That said, it’s not as powerful as Botox, and research on its long-term effectiveness is still limited.
Beyond smoothing, Argireline may also support collagen production. Collagen is the protein that helps keep your skin firm, bouncy, and well-hydrated by strengthening the skin barrier.
So while Argireline isn’t a miracle fix, it can be a helpful addition to a routine focused on both prevention and skin health.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Caprylyl 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 GlycolEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSodium 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 HyaluronateSodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, an AHA. It is a humectant and sometimes used to adjust the pH of a product.
This ingredient is part of our skin's NMF, or natural moisturizing factor. Our NMF is essential for the hydration of our top skin layers and plasticity of skin. NMF also influences our skin's natural acid mantle and pH, which protects our skin from harmful bacteria.
High percentages of Sodium Lactate can have an exfoliating effect.
Fun fact: Sodium Lactate is produced from fermented sugar.
Learn more about Sodium LactateSodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid. It is naturally occurring in our skin's natural moisturizing factors where it works to maintain hydration.
The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.
This ingredient has skin conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.
Learn more about Sodium PCAWater. 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