What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientHydrogenated Coconut Oil
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingMethylpropanediol
SolventC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMethyl Glucose Sesquistearate
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingRetinol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantPhaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Alteromonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenethyl Alcohol
MaskingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantMadecassoside
AntioxidantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantGlucose
HumectantAsiaticoside
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Octyldodecanol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Cetearyl Olivate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Methylpropanediol, C14-22 Alcohols, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Carbomer, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Retinol, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol, Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract, Tromethamine, Polyglutamic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Phenethyl Alcohol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Madecassoside, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Glucose, Asiaticoside, Parfum, Limonene, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningBambusa Vulgaris Sap Extract
EmollientRosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientBenzyl Glycol
SolventCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingArginine
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantArbutin
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSqualane
EmollientSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Castor Oil
EmollientBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialThymus Vulgaris Extract
PerfumingOriganum Vulgare Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingGlutathione
Coumarin
PerfumingRaspberry Ketone
MaskingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingSodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingWater, Bambusa Vulgaris Sap Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetearyl Glucoside, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Benzyl Glycol, CI 77891, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Arginine, Carbomer, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Arbutin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Saccharide Isomerate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Benzyl Benzoate, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Origanum Vulgare Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 60, Glutathione, Coumarin, Raspberry Ketone, Sorbitan Isostearate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Cyanocobalamin, Parfum
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.
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 preservatives
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateHydrolyzed collagen has a misleading name because it is actually a mixture of various proteins/peptides. This ingredient has skin hydrating properties.
Collagen is the most abundant type of structural protein found in your body. In your skin, it is responsible for keeping it firm and youthful.
Hydrolyzed Collagen is created by breaking up proteins into smaller peptide bonds. These peptides act as humectants and emollients.
Humectants are great at holding onto water, keeping skin hydrated. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
There is ongoing debate about whether hydrolyzed collagen works because it increases skin hydration. Skin hydration is also linked to elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.
Collagen or peptide ingredients can be used in the morning or night. They will not increase sun sensitivity, but you should always wear sunscreen during the day.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is a great hair conditioner as well.
This ingredient can be extracted from different sources, including:
Vegan collagen is derived from yeast, bacteria, or plant sources. Vegan collagen would go by a different INCI name, such as hydrolyzed soy protein.
The results are varied.
A study from 2021 found hydrolyzed collagen increased elasticity and improved wrinkles in 1,125 participants between age 20 and 70. Another study found increased skin thickness in participants between the ages of 45 to 59.
However, It is difficult to prove that oral collagen will end up working on your skin. Many of the studies using hydrolyzed collagen also add several vitamins and nutrients into the test mixture as well.
Further studies are needed at this time.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed CollagenParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPentylene 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 GlycolThis oil comes from the seeds of the desert shrub called Jojoba. It is more commonly known as jojoba oil, a non-comedogenic oil.
Jojoba oil does not contain fragrance and has many fatty-acids, making it a great soothing ingredient.
It also contains Vitamin E, a great moisturizing ingredient. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant and protects your skin against oxidative damage.
This ingredient humectant properties, meaning it helps draw moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
While jojoba has antibacterial properties, it is only able to kill some strains of bacteria.
Studies also show it helps in wound healing. In fact, Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns for centuries.
Fun fact: Jojoba oil similar to natural human skin sebum, so it has a great effect on dry skin. It is also promising with helping to regulate sebum production.
Due to its fatty acid content, Jojoba oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilSodium 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 HyaluronateSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.
Due to its olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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