What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Alanine
MaskingArginine
Masking
Avena Strigosa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Cellulase
Citric Acid
Buffering
Dictyopteris Polypodioides Extract
EmollientDisodium Phosphate
BufferingEpigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGallyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Glutamic Acid
Humectant
Glycine
Buffering
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Soy Flour
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Lecithin
Emollient
Linolenic Acid
Cleansing
Lysine Hcl
Skin Conditioning
Pancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingPCA
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPinus Nigra Bud/Needle Extract
Antimicrobial
Proline
Skin ConditioningPropyl Gallate
Antioxidant
Serine
Masking
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Sodium Lactate
BufferingSodium PCA
Humectant
Sodium Phosphate
BufferingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Threonine
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, 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
Masking
Isoamyl Laurate
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Masking
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
Emollient
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Achillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Copper Lysinate/Prolinate
Skin ConditioningCynara Scolymus Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingLactic Acid
Buffering
Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract
Perfuming
Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMethylglucoside Phosphate
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic Colorant
Pancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingPinus Heldreichii Bark Extract
Antioxidant
Pinus Nigra Bud/Needle Extract
Antimicrobial
Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingSpilanthes Acmella Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Tin Oxide
Abrasive
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingZea Mays Germ Oil
Emollient
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Pinus Koraiensis Cone Extract
Antioxidant
Water, 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 (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.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
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:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid
Sodium 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 hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
