This oil-control moisturizer is formulated around Niacinamide to balance excess oil and refine the look of pores.
This hydrating serum is formulated around Sodium PCA to hydrate skin and strengthen the skin barrier.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningPseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Humectant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Lecithin
Emollient
Glucose
Humectant
Carrageenan
Tripeptide-10 Citrulline
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethanolamine
BufferingTripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Water, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Sodium PCA, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Levulinate, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Butylene Glycol, Lecithin, Glucose, Carrageenan, Tripeptide-10 Citrulline, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Tripeptide-1
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Carbomer is a synthetic thickening and gelling agent. It's basically the ingredient that gives a lot of serums, gels, creams, and sunscreens their smooth, non-sticky texture.
Although legally permitted at very high levels, carbomers are normally used at concentrations below 1%.
It also needs to be neutralized to actually thicken, and because it is a large molecule, it doesn't really penetrate the skin barrier.
Allergy-wise, the risk is very low. Clinical studies show carbomers have low potential for skin irritation/sensitization even at concentrations up to 100%.
A 2024 UK study patch-tested 1,302 patients and found true allergy to the parent group of carbomer to be rare with no confirmed relevant reactions.
Learn more about CarbomerEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinWater. 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
