What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventGlycereth-26
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientPropanediol
SolventHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientBetaine
HumectantPolysilicone-11
Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingSqualane
EmollientBifida Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialNiacinamide
SmoothingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingNatto Gum
Polysorbate 20
EmulsifyingHippophae Rhamnoides Oil
EmollientCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate-13
Polyisobutene
Disodium EDTA
Sorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingCitrus Tangerina Peel Oil
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Glycereth-26, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Betaine, Polysilicone-11, Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract, Beta-Glucan, Cellulose Gum, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Squalane, Bifida Ferment Filtrate, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Propolis Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Niacinamide, Adenosine, Centella Asiatica Extract, Natto Gum, Polysorbate 20, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Lecithin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitan Isostearate, Citrus Tangerina Peel Oil
Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Water 65%
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTrehalose
HumectantPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientBrassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHoney Extract
HumectantBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentMedicago Sativa Extract
TonicTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingBrassica Campestris Extract
Skin ConditioningRaphanus Sativus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningAspalathus Linearis Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingChlorophyllin-Copper Complex
AntioxidantCommiphora Abyssinica Resin Extract
Skin ConditioningPerilla Frutescens Leaf Extract
MaskingYucca Schidigera Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Water 65%, Water, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Trehalose, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract, Honey Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Medicago Sativa Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Brassica Campestris Extract, Raphanus Sativus Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Pentylene Glycol, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex, Commiphora Abyssinica Resin Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Yucca Schidigera Root Extract
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
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken, emulsify, and improve the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions to give products an elegant feel when applied.
It can also form a thin protective film on skin. One study found that a formula using this polymer helped slow down how quickly other ingredients (like DEET) were absorbed through skin.
A 2024 study of over 1,300 patients confirmed that sensitization to this ingredient is rare. It is also non-mutagenic and has a clean track record.
Learn more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
Think of it as a supportive ingredient that helps your gel-creams feel silky, "cloud cream-like", and spread evenly without being greasy.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel evaluated it (along with 22 other acryloyldimethyltaurate polymers) and concluded it's:
Due to its large molecular size, it sits on the surface of skin rather than penetrating it.
Learn more about Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp CopolymerButylene 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 GlycolCyclohexasiloxane is a type of silicone more commonly known as D6. It is an emollient and solvent.
Cyclohexasiloxane is used to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. When applied to the skin, Cyclohexasiloxane evaporates and leaves behind a silky feel.
As an emollient, it can help the skin feel soft and hydrated. It is also used to reduce frizz in hair products.
Learn more about CyclohexasiloxaneCyclopentasiloxane (D5) is a lightweight silicone that mostly acts as an emollient and solvent in cosmetics. Its the reason your products feel silky, fast-spreading, and non-greasy.
Since D5 is volatile, it does its thing and then evaporates off the skin quickly.
The safety profile of this ingredient is reassuring; the US CIR Expert Panel concluded D5 is safe as used in cosmetics and Health Canada concluded that D5 is not harmful to human health or the environment as currently used in cosmetics
There's a study that people mention about D5 in a rat study showing tumors. This study is related to long-term inhalation of high D5 levels.
Regulatory bodies have judged this study to be not applicable in topical skincare since skin absorption of D5 is very low and we're not really inhaling huge amounts of D5.
The only restriction for this ingredient is environmental. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) restricted D5 in wash-off cosmetics at or above 0.1% due to their persistence in water.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.
Learn more about Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateGlycerin (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 GlycerinSodium 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 HyaluronateSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, it keeps the water and oil ingredients from separating. This keeps formulas stable and smooth.
In a 24 hour occlusive patch test on 56 subjects, 10% sorbitan isostearate was completely non-irritating. Most formulas use less than 10%.
Because it's a fatty acid ester, it may not be fungal acne safe since the Malassezia yeast can utilize it as a nutrient source.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateWater. 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