What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
PEG-100 Stearate
Surfactant
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethanolamine
BufferingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Isopropyl Palmitate
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract
SmoothingDisodium EDTA
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Gluconic Acid
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingDenatonium Benzoate
Masking
Lactobionic Acid
Buffering
Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract
Antioxidant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Laminaria Japonica Extract
Skin Protecting
Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Extract
Perfuming
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningUrtica Dioica Extract
AstringentSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingLippia Citriodora Leaf Extract
Astringent
Bellis Perennis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Water, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, Isopropyl Myristate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Niacinamide, Glyceryl Stearate, Silica, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Allantoin, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Isopropyl Palmitate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract, Disodium EDTA, Salicylic Acid, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Glycolic Acid, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Zinc PCA, Mandelic Acid, Gluconic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Denatonium Benzoate, Lactobionic Acid, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Lippia Citriodora Leaf Extract, Bellis Perennis Flower Extract, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Propanediol
Solvent
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingCeramide AP
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Croton Lechleri Resin Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Mannitol
Humectant
Cellulose
Absorbent
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingInulin
Skin Conditioning
Yeast Beta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningUndaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Lactobacillus/Rye Flour Ferment
Skin ConditioningSaccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlucose
Humectant
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Pistacia Lentiscus Gum
MaskingLecithin
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Morus Alba Root Extract
BleachingArtemisia Capillaris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningZizyphus Jujuba Fruit Extract
Taraktogenos Kurzii Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Nigella Sativa Seed Oil
Emollient
Leptospermum Scoparium Branch/Leaf Oil
Tonic
Potassium Lauroyl Wheat Amino Acids
CleansingPalm Glycerides
Emollient
Capryloyl Glycine
CleansingMagnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract
Antimicrobial
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingWater, Polysorbate 20, Propanediol, Sclerotium Gum, Ceramide AP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Croton Lechleri Resin Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Mannitol, Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Inulin, Yeast Beta-Glucan, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Butylene Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Lactobacillus/Rye Flour Ferment, Saccharide Isomerate, Xanthan Gum, Glucose, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Pistacia Lentiscus Gum, Lecithin, Glycerin, Alcohol, Morus Alba Root Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract, Zizyphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Taraktogenos Kurzii Seed Oil, Nigella Sativa Seed Oil, Leptospermum Scoparium Branch/Leaf Oil, Potassium Lauroyl Wheat Amino Acids, Palm Glycerides, Capryloyl Glycine, Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate
Reviews
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
Butylene 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 GlycolCaprylhydroxamic Acid is a chelating agent that helps cosmetics stay fresh, stable, and consistent over time.
Chelating agents help prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps prevent unwanted reactions and effects from using the product. It also helps prevent the growth of unwanted microbes in products that contain water.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid is often used with natural antimicrobial products as an alternative to preservatives.
Learn more about Caprylhydroxamic AcidCaprylyl 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 GlycolCitric 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 AcidGlycerin (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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Sodium 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 HyaluronateSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is a crosslinked version of sodium hyaluronate. This just means it's linked into a 3D mesh network that lets it be more stable and sit on skin as a cohesive, gel-like film rather than sinking into skin.
A 2016 human skin study found crosslinked HA increased epidermal water content by 7.6% over the control group and reduced transepidermal water loss by 27.8%.
A follow-up clinical trial found that a topical crosslinked HA serum applied after fillers, microneedling, or chemical peels was well-tolerated and enhanced skin quality at 14 / 28 days.
More recent research suggests that concentrations as low as 0.03% can act as a penetration enhancer for other skincare actives.
Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerWater. 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
