What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
C9-12 Alkane
SolventNiacinamide
Smoothing
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientAscorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPolysilicone-11
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Humectant
Algae Extract
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientTrametes Versicolor Extract
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Propylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientSorbitol
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Trehalose
Humectant
Triethyl Citrate
Masking
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Chloride
MaskingVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Alumina
Abrasive
Lecithin
Emollient
Zinc Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPropylene Glycol Caprylate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingLaureth-7
EmulsifyingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Absorbent
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Citric Acid
Buffering
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantTin Oxide
Abrasive
Resveratrol
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Phenyl Trimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Methyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, C9-12 Alkane, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Silica, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polysilicone-11, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Algae Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium PCA, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Trametes Versicolor Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Sorbitol, Caprylyl Glycol, Trehalose, Triethyl Citrate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Alumina, Lecithin, Zinc Stearate, Propylene Glycol Caprylate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate, Laureth-7, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Hexylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Tin Oxide, Resveratrol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingCaffeine
Skin Conditioning
Polybutene
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingMagnesium Sulfate
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Silica Silylate
Emollient
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Paraffin
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTocopherol
Antioxidant
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Lactate
Buffering
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Silica
Abrasive
Kaolin
Abrasive
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Glycerin, Propanediol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Propylene Glycol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Microcrystalline Wax, Caffeine, Polybutene, Phenoxyethanol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Magnesium Sulfate, Butylene Glycol, Silica Silylate, Chlorphenesin, Paraffin, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Aluminum Hydroxide, Tocopherol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Polyethylene, Carbomer, Sodium Lactate, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hyaluronate, Silica, Kaolin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77288, CI 77007
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ascorbyl Glucoside (AA-2G) is one of the most stable vitamin C derivatives out there.
It's made by attaching a glucose molecule to ascorbic acid; this glucose "cap" shields the vitamin C from air, light, heat, and metal ions that normally cause pure ascorbic acid to oxidize.
Once on your skin, the enzyme alpha-glucosidase snips off the glucose and gradually releases active ascorbic acid right where it's needed. Basically, it behaves like a slow-release pro-vitamin C with less of a stinging that high-strength ascorbic acid can cause.
The research supports the classic vitamin C benefits as well. In lab and human studies, AA-2G slowed down the skin's production of melanin (the pigment behind dark spots) and helped shield skin cells against sun damage better than ascorbyl phosphate.
These studies also showed AA-2G released vitamin C over a longer period.
A frequently cited manufacturer trial found that a 2% AA-2G face cream significantly improved wrinkle depth and skin roughness after 45 days.
And in 2009, a clinical trial showed it meaningfully lightened dark patches on the gums compared to a placebo.
There's also collagen-synthesis support (since vitamin C is a required cofactor for that) and an antioxidant effect too.
Typical usage is usually between 0.5-5% and most studies/products land around 2%.
AA-2G performs best when formulated at a mildly acidic pH (~5-7) which is much gentler than the pH that pure vitamin C demands (~2.5-3.5).
Just one thing worth knowing: the in-skin conversation rate is only about 55-60% by weight. So a 5% AA-2G product delivers roughly 2.75-3% of actual active vitamin C. On top of that, skin absorption is relatively low because the ingredient is water-soluble.
Learn more about Ascorbyl GlucosideButylene 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 CaffeineCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491CI 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Disteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoriteGlycerin (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 GlycerinHydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobutenePhenoxyethanol 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.
Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium 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 HyaluronateSynthetic Fluorphlogopite is the synthethic version of mica. It consists of fluorine, aluminum and silicate.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is used to add volume to products.
It is considered non-irritating on the skin.
Learn more about Synthetic FluorphlogopiteWater. 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
