What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantOryza Sativa Bran Water
MaskingZinc Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
C12-13 Alkyl Glyceryl Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
HumectantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantAcetyl Tetrapeptide-5
HumectantPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningSodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
CleansingTheobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningTocotrienols
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
AntioxidantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPanax Ginseng Extract
AntioxidantOryza Sativa Bran Oil
EmollientDipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSorbitan Laurate
EmulsifyingLysolecithin
EmulsifyingChenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPfaffia Paniculata Root Extract
SoothingLilium Candidum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSuperoxide Dismutase
AntioxidantCyathea Medullaris Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Extract
AntioxidantPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oil/Hydrogenated Moringa Oil Esters
Skin ConditioningC18-36 Acid Triglyceride
EmollientPropanediol
SolventCamellia Oleifera Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Ulva Lactuca Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycosaminoglycans
EmollientC18-36 Acid Glycol Ester
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningUndecylenoyl Glycine
CleansingCapryloyl Glycine
CleansingGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Oryza Sativa Bran Water, Zinc Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, C12-13 Alkyl Glyceryl Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Tocotrienols, Bisabolol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Panax Ginseng Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sorbitan Laurate, Lysolecithin, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Pfaffia Paniculata Root Extract, Lilium Candidum Flower Extract, Superoxide Dismutase, Cyathea Medullaris Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Extract, Phospholipids, Moringa Oil/Hydrogenated Moringa Oil Esters, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Propanediol, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Ulva Lactuca Extract, Glycosaminoglycans, C18-36 Acid Glycol Ester, Panthenol, Allantoin, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Undecylenoyl Glycine, Capryloyl Glycine
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningTocotrienols
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningDipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCholesterol
EmollientPalmitic Acid
EmollientOleic Acid
EmollientCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningGlycosphingolipids
EmollientPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningOenocarpus Bacaba Fruit Oil
EmollientAleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Oil
EmollientLinoleic Acid
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningUndecylenoyl Glycine
CleansingCapryloyl Glycine
CleansingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Tocotrienols, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide NP, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol, Palmitic Acid, Oleic Acid, Ceramide AP, Glycosphingolipids, Phospholipids, Glycolipids, Oenocarpus Bacaba Fruit Oil, Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Linoleic Acid, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Undecylenoyl Glycine, Capryloyl Glycine
Reviews
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 (also known as Argireline) is a synthetic hexapeptide that is often called a "topical Botox alternative".
It works by mimicking how Botox relaxes muscles; it interferes with the signaling process that tells your facial muscles to contract. This can help soften expression lines like forehead wrinkles or crow's feet over time.
The comparison to Botox does have limits because the molecule is water-loving and relatively large.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 has a hard time absorbing deeply enough through the skin's outer barrier to actually reach the muscles.
So whether it truly works the way Botox does at a biological level is still up for debate, but early clinical outcomes are fairly encouraging.
A 12 week human study of a multi-ingredient regimen containing this ingredient saw:
While some studies have observed improvements in wrinkle appearance, it is important to note that more consistent results are seen in multi-ingredient formulations (vs just Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 alone).
Some research studies also used higher concentrations (up to 10%) while this ingredient is usually found in concentrations up to 0.005% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Capryloyl Glycine is created by adding an acyl group to glycine and caprylic acid chloride.
It is a cleanser due to its surfactant properties. Surfactants help dirt, oil, and other polluants be more easily rinsed away. According to manufacturers, Capryloyl Glycine also helps soften the skin and regulate sebum production.
Emerging studies show Capryloyl Glycine may inhibit hair growth. It may also cause allergies for some people. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any questions about this ingredient.
Learn more about Capryloyl GlycineCaprylyl 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 GlycolDipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline isn't fungal acne safe.
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 EthylhexylglycerinThis oil comes from the outer layer (bran) of rice grains. It is packed with skin-friendly fatty acids to soften and condition the skin while supporting your moisture barrier.
What makes it stand out from other plant oils is its naturally high concentration of gamma-oryzanol, a potent antioxidant. This antioxidant has shown some UV-absorptive properties in research.
Other antioxidants found in this oil include tocopherols, tocotrienols, and ferulic acid.
According to manufacturers, this oil has a lightweight texture that absorbs nicely.
The CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) has concluded this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics and it has not shown to be a skin sensitizer in testing (unless you have a known rice allergy).
Due to the fatty acids (primarily Oleic Acid ~40%, Linoleic Acid ~30%, and some Palmitic Acid), this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
In vitro studies have shown that Oleic Acid is one of the fatty acids that induce rapid Malassezia growth in lab settings.
Learn more about Oryza Sativa Bran OilYou might know this ingredient as Matrixyl. It is a synthetic peptide made up of five amino acids attached to a palmitic acid, a fatty acid that helps it absorb into skin more easily.
As a signal peptide, Matrixyl acts like a little messenger. Once it reaches your skin cells, it tells them to ramp up production of collagen, elastin, and other proteins that keep skin looking firm and smooth.
A 12 week clinical study found that a moisturizer containing just 3 ppm of Matrixyl led to a significant improvement in fine-lines and wrinkles. Another study showed an 18% reduction in wrinkle depth, 37% reduction in wrinkle thickness, and a 21% improvement in skin firmness after just 28 days of twice-daily use.
The coolest part is that it works at incredibly low concentrations (like 0.0003%) and it plays well with other actives.
The CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) panel found it to be non-sensitizing across multiple tests and human patch tests also showed no irritation or sensitization.
Fun fact: Matrixyl was originally developed by French company Sederma and Procter & Gamble.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (formerly Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3) is a synthetic peptide. Its main job is to fight what researchers call "inflammaging".
"Inflammaging" is the slow, low-grade chronic inflammation that quietly breaks down collagen as we age.
This ingredient calms down a specific inflammation signal in your skin cells (called IL-6). When left unchecked, this signal triggers enzymes that break down collagen and elastin.
Clinical testing showed statistically significant improvements in:
Studies also found the more of this ingredient used, the more your skin produces Collagen I, fibronectin, and hyaluronic acid.
You'll likely see this ingredient paired with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 in the well-known Matrixyl 3000 complex for enhanced anti-aging effects.
A 3% concentration applied twice daily for two months showed meaningful skin rejuvenation results in clinical panels.
Fungal acne note:
Usually a palmitic acid component can feed Malassezia in unbound form, but here is is covalently bonded to the peptide. This means it is very difficult for Malassezia to access, and therefore very unlikely to cause fungal acne.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (aka Pal-GHK) is a synthetic signal peptide made of three amino acids attached to palmitic acid.
That fatty acid attachment is the key: it boosts the peptide's ability to penetrate the skin barrier. This puts it closer to the dermal cells where it can actually make a difference.
Once there, it acts as a matrikine, a signaling peptide that prompts fibroblasts to produce more collagen, fibronectin, and hyaluronic acid.
In vitro studies show it can boost collagen production in skin cells even when UV-damaged skin samples were treated with it at a tiny concentration (it almost fully restored dermal collagen at 5ppm). It achieved this at 100x lower concentration than retinoic acid, which needed 500 ppm to do the same thing.
Human clinical data is promising, but modest:
A study of 23 female volunteers found a small but statistically significant increase (~4%) in skin thickness after treatment at 4 ppm.
A separate small trial of 15 women showed statistically significant reductions in wrinkle length, depth, and skin roughness after applying it twice daily for four weeks.
You'll likely see Pal-GHK paired with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 as part of the Matrixyl 3000 complex.
Fungal acne note:
Usually a palmitic acid component can feed Malassezia in unbound form, but here is is covalently bonded to the peptide. This means it is very difficult for Malassezia to access, and therefore very unlikely to cause fungal acne.
Phospholipids are a family of skin-identical lipids that makeup the structural backbone of every cell membrane in your body.
In cosmetics, they function as skin conditioning agents with emulsifier and surfactant properties. They're typically sourced from soybean or sunflower lecithin (or sometimes egg yolk or marine sources).
Because they mirror the lipids naturally found in the deeper layers of your skin, topical phospholipids help reinforce the lipid matrix, reduce transepidermal water loss, and leave skin feeling conditioned.
They're also used to form liposomes, or tiny self-assembling vesible used to stabilize actives like vitamin c or retinol. This helps these ingredients integrate into the upper layers of skin more easily.
Phospholipids are compatible with everything and the CIR Expert Panel has concluded them to be safe at current use levels.
Some types of phospholipids include:
Learn more about PhospholipidsTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolTocotrienols are a lesser known form of Vitamin E with skin conditioning and UV absorbing properties.
The most common form of Vitamin E in skincare is Tocopherol. Tocotrienols have a slightly different molecular structure; their "tail" is more flexible and unsaturated. This actually helps them absorb into skin more easily and integrate into cell membranes more efficiently.
Research suggests tocotrienols can help with several signs of skin aging, including:
There are four types of tocotrienols: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta.
Fun fact: You can find tocotrienols in ingredients like rice bran oil, palm oil, anatto beans, oats, and hazelnuts.
Learn more about TocotrienolsWe don't have a description for Undecylenoyl Glycine yet.