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 ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingIsoamyl Laurate
EmollientSqualane
EmollientPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment
Skin ConditioningIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantAchillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingCopper Lysinate/Prolinate
Skin ConditioningCynara Scolymus Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingLactic Acid
BufferingLonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract
PerfumingLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMethylglucoside Phosphate
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic ColorantPancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingPinus Heldreichii Bark Extract
AntioxidantPinus Nigra Bud/Needle Extract
AntimicrobialSesamum Indicum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingSpilanthes Acmella Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Tin Oxide
AbrasiveTocopherol
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingZea Mays Germ Oil
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingParfum
MaskingPinus Koraiensis Cone Extract
AntioxidantWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isoamyl Laurate, Squalane, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Octyldodecanol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Isononyl Isononanoate, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Propanediol, Glycerin, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Beta-Carotene, Butylene Glycol, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Copper Lysinate/Prolinate, Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycine Soja Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Lactic Acid, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Methylglucoside Phosphate, Mica, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Pinus Heldreichii Bark Extract, Pinus Nigra Bud/Needle Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Tin Oxide, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Zea Mays Germ Oil, CI 77891, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Pinus Koraiensis Cone Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinLactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective.
Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the âglueâ that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin.
Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they donât penetrate as deeply. This means theyâre less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Like glycolic acid, it can:
Lactic acid also acts as a humectant (like hyaluronic acid). It can draw water into the skin to improve hydration and also plays a role in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the form of sodium lactate.
Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skinâs microbiome.
To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4.
Lower strengths (5-12%) focus on surface exfoliation; higher strengths (12% and up) can reach deeper in the dermis (deeper, supportive layer) to improve skin texture and firmness over time.
Though it was originally derived from milk, most modern lactic acid used in skincare is vegan. It is made through non-dairy fermentation to create a bio-identical and stable form suitable for all formulations.
When lactic acid shows up near the end of an ingredient list, it usually means the brand added just a tiny amount to adjust the productâs pH.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and brightens. It's a great ingredient for giving your skin a smooth, glowing, and healthy look without the harshness of stronger acids.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidWe don't have a description for Pancratium Maritimum Extract yet.
Pentylene 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 GlycolPinus Nigra Bud/Needle Extract is an antioxidant.
Potassium 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 SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
Itâs 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 Acetylated Hyaluronate is a type of Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic Acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read about common types of Hyaluronic Acid here:
Learn more about Sodium Acetylated HyaluronateSodium 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 Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is a polymer and used to help stabilize other ingredients.
Emulsion stabilizers hold ingredients together, helping to create an even texture throughout the product.
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate can also be used to thicken the texture.
Learn more about Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl TaurateTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps prevent unwanted effects and reactions from a product. These metal ions may come from water and are found in miniscule amounts.
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate can also help other preservatives be more effective.
Water. 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