What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
EmulsifyingCaffeine
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Skin Protecting
Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentTrifolium Pratense Flower Extract
AstringentNephelium Lappaceum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Mentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Sodium Phytate
Menthol
Masking
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Citric Acid
Buffering
Dextran
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Caffeine, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Nephelium Lappaceum Seed Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Phytate, Menthol, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, Dextran, 1,2-Hexanediol
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
EmulsifyingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Eruca Sativa Leaf
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Walnut Extract
Antioxidant
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningMenthol
Masking
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Mentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Menthyl Lactate
Masking
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Meristem Cell Culture
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Dextran
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Skin Protecting
Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract
AstringentWater, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Eruca Sativa Leaf, Hydrolyzed Walnut Extract, Sodium Gluconate, Menthol, Caffeine, Mentha Piperita Oil, Menthyl Lactate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Meristem Cell Culture, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Dextran, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This biometic peptide is designed to support hair growth.
According to a manufacturer, it stimulates hair growth by:
The manufacturer has found combining this ingredient with red clover extract (Capixyl) boosted benefits. Not only does it enforce the scalp's extracellular matrix, it also inhibits the enzyme that creates DHT, a hormone that leads to hair loss.
While this ingredient is promising, more research is still needed to confirm its full effectiveness.
Learn more about Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3Butylene 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 GlycolCaffeine is a naturally occurring plant compound found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa pods, and guarana.
As an antioxidant, caffeine protects your skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and envionrmnetal stressors.
Early research also shows that caffeine can help calm redness, soothe irritated skin, and support hair growth by stimulating microcirculation in the scalp.
You might have seen eye creams marketing caffeine as a depuffing ingredient. This is because it is a vasoconstrictor meaning it can temporarily constrict blood vessels, though clinical evidence for this specific use is still limited.
Most skincare products contain this ingredient at concentrations between 1-6%. It is able to penetrate skin easily regardless of skin type or thickness.
Just so you know, a very small number of case reports describe caffeine-induced allergy. This ingredient is generally well-tolerated, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for the majority of people.
Learn more about CaffeineCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidDextran is a sugar (polysaccharide) with skin hydrating properties.
Fun fact: Louis Pasteur first discovered this ingredient as a microbial product in wine.
This essential oil is steam-distilled from peppermint leaves, also known as peppermint oil. It's mainly used for scent in skincare but also provides that signature "cooling" sensation.
Peppermint oil is a "feels amazing" ingredient until it doesn't.
At higher doses or for those with sensitive skin, methol-type cooling can quickly turn into burning/irritation. It can also trigger irritant dermatitis or even allergic contact dermatitis. In a large patch-test dataset, peppermint oil had a low but positive rate for this.
In cosmetics, Cosmetic Safety Reviews (CIR) concludes that peppermint oil is safe to use when formulated to be non-sensitizing with some restrictions; for instance, pulegone, a naturally occurring component of peppermint oil, should not exceed 1%.
Since peppermint oil contains fragrance allergens such as limonene, linalool, and menthol, it can be sensitizing for those with rosacea, eczema, a broken skin barrier, or just sensitive skin in general.
In Japan, this ingredient is known as Hakka Yu.
Learn more about Mentha Piperita OilMenthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate comes from Capric Acid and Polyglycerin-4. It is an emulsifier.
Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. They do this by preventing ingredients from separating, such as oils and water which do not mix naturally.
Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate comes from caprylic acid and Polyglycerin-6. It is an emulsifier, emollient, and cleansing agent.
Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating. Common ingredients include oils and water, which do not mix naturally. Emulsifiers have properties that help keep ingredients such as these together. There is emerging research that shows emulsifiers may also help in delivering ingredients into the skin.
As an emollient, polyglyceryl-6 caprylate helps soften skin.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-6 CaprylatePropanediol 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 PropanediolThis extract comes from the flower more commonly known as red clover.
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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
