What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantBetaine
HumectantAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventAlcohol
AntimicrobialPPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
EmulsifyingDextrin
AbsorbentLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Beta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningRaffinose
Skin ConditioningMannitol
HumectantMorus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantAcetyl Tetrapeptide-11
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantRosa Damascena Flower Water, Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Alcohol Denat., 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Alcohol, PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Dextrin, Lactobacillus Ferment, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Beta-Glucan, Raffinose, Mannitol, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningIsopentyldiol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPolyglycerin-3
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningFructooligosaccharides
HumectantFructan
Skin ConditioningInulin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSaponins
CleansingSoluble Proteoglycan
Skin ConditioningNonapeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Tetrapeptide-5
HumectantAcetyl Hexapeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-8
Skin ConditioningDipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin ConditioningPentapeptide-3
Skin ConditioningHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-2
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate
EmulsifyingMalt Extract
Skin ProtectingDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningElaeis Guineensis Oil
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Sodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingAlgin
MaskingBiosaccharide Gum-4
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantSucrose
HumectantSodium Phosphate
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientMineral Salts
Skin ConditioningDextran
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingParfum
MaskingLactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Water, Isopentyldiol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglycerin-3, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructan, Inulin, Panthenol, Betaine, Beta-Glucan, Adenosine, Saponins, Soluble Proteoglycan, Nonapeptide-1, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Copper Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Pentapeptide-3, Hexapeptide-9, Oligopeptide-2, Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate, Malt Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Maltodextrin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propanediol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Algin, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Cyanocobalamin, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Sucrose, Sodium Phosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Mineral Salts, Dextran, Disodium Phosphate, 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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
Beta-Glucan is a soluble polysaccharide (a chain of glucose sugars) sourced from the cells walls of oats, baker's yeast, mushrooms, and seaweed.
It's a rare ingredient that pulls double-duty as a heavy-duty hydrator and skin-soothing repair agent.
On the surface, it acts as a humectant that holds water in place and reduces moisture loss for a plumper, smoother feel, while its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a great pick for calming redness or sensitive skin
The more interesting story is underneath:
Despite its large molecular size, oat beta-glucan has been shown to penetrate the epidermis and reach the dermis by slipping between skin cells. Here, it interacts with fibroblasts and macrophages to nudge collagen synthesis and support wound repair.
A small 2005 split-face clinical study of 27 subjects found topical beta-glucan produced measurable reductions in wrinkle depth, height, and roughness after 8 weeks of use.
It is worth noting the trial was small and the penetration testing used frozen, irradiated skin so the anti-aging data is encouraging rather than definitive.
This ingredient gets along with pretty much everything and is typically used around 0.1-1%.
Fungal acne: This ingredient is not a food source for the Malassezia yeast because it is a glucose polysaccharide with no fatty acid or ester component.
Learn more about Beta-GlucanBetaine is a humectant. Like hyaluronic acid, it helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. Itās known for being gentle and for helping the skin maintain balanced hydration.
Betaine is mainly used to improve hydration and support calmer skin. It helps skin cells regulate water balance because it functions as an osmolyte.
Some studies suggest betaine may support making skin tone more even.
Fun fact: Betaine naturally exists in the skin and the body. In cosmetic products, it can be either plant-derived (most commonly from sugar beets) or synthetically produced for consistency and stability.
Betaine is also known as trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineButylene 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 GlycolEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinThis ingredient is made when the Lactobacillus bacteria (the same kind that makes yogurt and kimchi) are allowed to ferment a nutrient medium.
As it ferments, it collects lactic acid, peptides, enzymes, and other bioactive metabolites to provide:
A 2023 review noted that probiotic fermentation ingredients like this one can enhance antioxidant capacity, reduce UV-induced oxidative damage, and support barrier function.
One clinical study from the same year showed a Lactobacillus ferment lysate significantly reduced transepidermal water loss and improved skin hydration.
Another review highlighted that topical Lactobacillus-based preparations can improve ceramide levels in the stratum corneum, support barrier integrity, and even help reduce S. aureus colonization in atopic dermatitis.
Why is this so cool?
Basically, your skin's outer layer works as a brick wall; skin cells are bricks and ceramides are the mortar holding it together. Moisture escapes, irritants get in, and your skin gets dry and reactive when ceramide levels drop. On top of that, "bad" skin bacteria S. aureus loves to move in when your barrier is weak to make inflammation and irritation worse.
So Lactobacillus ferment is basically patching the wall and evicting the troublemaker when it boosts ceramide production and help keep S. aureus in check.
On top of all this, it also acts as a mild antimicrobial preservative booster.
Just so you know, most studies focus on specific strains or the lysate form rather than this generic "Lactobacillus Ferment", so results can vary.
Though it's a promising ingredient, it doesn't have decades of robust clinical data behind it just yet.
Lactobacillus Ferment is generally considered safe for fungal-acne prone skin. The key thing to understand is that it comes from bacteria, not yeast or fungus.
Yeast-derived ferments (like galactomyces) have been shown to activate a protein that's linked to Malassezia-related skin issues whereas lactobacillus doesn't have that problem.
Its byproducts also don't contain the types of fatty acids (C11-24 chain lengths) that Malassezia feeds on.
Learn more about Lactobacillus FermentLactobacillus Ferment Lysate is a postbiotic with skin soothing properties. Postbiotics are inactive molecules produced by probiotic bacteria that provide skin benefits.
This ingredient comes from the secretion of the bacteria, Lactobacillus.
Studies show this ingredient can help calm redness and may help treat the signs of photoaging; however, the evidence is inconclusive and further studies are needed.
Lactobacillus Ferment is generally considered safe for fungal-acne prone skin. The key thing to understand is that it comes from bacteria, not yeast or fungus.
Yeast-derived ferments (like galactomyces) have been shown to activate a protein that's linked to Malassezia-related skin issues whereas lactobacillus doesn't have that problem.
Its byproducts also don't contain the types of fatty acids (C11-24 chain lengths) that Malassezia feeds on.
Learn more about Lactobacillus Ferment LysateParfum 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 āFRAGRANCEā or āPARFUMā 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 ParfumPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Ā
Itās 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 PropanediolWater. 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