What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Lauryl Glucoside
CleansingPropanediol
Solvent
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Cocoyl Glycinate
Cleansing
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Methyl Glucose Caprate/Caprylate/Oleate
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Phytic Acid
Citric Acid
Buffering
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Oil
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Juniperus Mexicana Oil
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Glycerin, Lauryl Glucoside, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Panthenol, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Beta-Glucan, Methyl Glucose Caprate/Caprylate/Oleate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Phytic Acid, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil, Linalool, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Water
Skin ConditioningPEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmulsifyingPropanediol
Solvent
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
Masking
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Citrus Limon Peel Oil
Masking
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Oryza Sativa Callus Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Citrate
BufferingLitsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Water, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Water, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Propanediol, Ascorbic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Lactic Acid, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Allantoin, Oryza Sativa Callus Culture Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Phenoxyethanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Citrate, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Betaine, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA
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
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinCaprylyl 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, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil is oil from the peel of an orange fruit.
Limonene and linalool make up the majority of oils from citrus peels. Limonene has a "citrus" fragrance. Citrus peels also contain flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Citrus peel is also a rich source of flavonoids. Flavonoids are natural antioxidants and help protect your skin against damage. Flavonoids are a group of compounds naturally found in vegetables and fruits.
The term '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.
Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel OilEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinPentylene 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 GlycolPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s 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 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 HyaluronateWater. 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
