What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHippophae Rhamnoides Water 24%
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingAcrylates Copolymer
Arginine
MaskingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmulsifyingPEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantGlutathione
Gluconolactone
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingCitrus Limon Peel Extract
EmollientGinkgo Biloba Nut Extract
Skin ConditioningPunica Granatum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantMorus Alba Fruit Extract
AntioxidantFicus Carica Fruit Extract
HumectantCalcium Pantothenate
Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentMaltodextrin
AbsorbentThymus Vulgaris Extract
PerfumingOriganum Vulgare Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantHyacinthus Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingSalvia Sclarea Extract
AntiseborrhoeicCentaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
AstringentBorago Officinalis Extract
EmollientChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCollagen
MoisturisingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningMenadione
MaskingCollagen Extract
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasivePotassium Sorbate
PreservativePyridoxine
Skin ConditioningFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicTocopherol
AntioxidantCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningThiamine Hcl
MaskingBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantLinoleic Acid
CleansingCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingWater, Hippophae Rhamnoides Water 24%, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Acrylates Copolymer, Arginine, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione, Gluconolactone, Niacinamide, Citrus Limon Peel Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Nut Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Maltodextrin, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Origanum Vulgare Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Hyacinthus Orientalis Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate, Salvia Sclarea Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Borago Officinalis Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Pyridoxine Hcl, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Collagen, Panthenol, Menadione, Collagen Extract, Silica, Potassium Sorbate, Pyridoxine, Folic Acid, Biotin, Tocopherol, Cyanocobalamin, Thiamine Hcl, Beta-Carotene, Riboflavin, Linoleic Acid, CI 15985, CI 19140, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningMyristic Acid
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantStearic Acid
CleansingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingPropylene Glycol
HumectantLauric Acid
CleansingGlycol Distearate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingButylene Glycol
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCollagen
MoisturisingSoluble Collagen
HumectantCollagen Amino Acids
MoisturisingHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientCollagen Extract
Skin ConditioningOriganum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningChamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentLactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningCinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
MaskingScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentPanicum Miliaceum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingSalvia Sclarea Oil
MaskingCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingJuniperus Virginiana Oil
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantBiosaccharide Gum-4
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantGlycine
BufferingSerine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantAspartic Acid
MaskingLeucine
Skin ConditioningAlanine
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingPhenylalanine
MaskingValine
MaskingThreonine
Proline
Skin ConditioningIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantMethionine
Skin ConditioningCysteine
AntioxidantTannic Acid
AstringentCitric Acid
BufferingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingSucrose Stearate
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Lactose
HumectantCellulose
AbsorbentAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingJojoba Esters
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCI 77289
Cosmetic ColorantLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingWater, Myristic Acid, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Propylene Glycol, Lauric Acid, Glycol Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Coco-Glucoside, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Collagen, Soluble Collagen, Collagen Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Collagen Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Panicum Miliaceum Seed Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Salvia Sclarea Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside, Glycine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Valine, Threonine, Proline, Isoleucine, Histidine, Methionine, Cysteine, Tannic Acid, Citric Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Sucrose Stearate, Disodium EDTA, Lactose, Cellulose, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Jojoba Esters, 1,2-Hexanediol, Potassium Sorbate, CI 77289, Linalool, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol
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
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineButylene 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 GlycolThis ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCitric 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 AcidCollagen is the most abundant type of structural protein found in your body. It is an effective skin moisturizer.
There is no conclusive proof that collagen is used by skin when applied topically. However, it is a great humectant that hydrates skin. Hydrated skin is associated with increased elasticity and a decrease in the appearance of wrinkles. It is also essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
Biologically, collagen is responsible for keeping skin firm and youthful. Collagen is comprised mostly of glycine, proline, and hydroxypoline. These are amino acids.
Collagen will not increase sun sensitivity, but you should always wear sunscreen during the day.
Learn more about hydrolyzed collagen here.
Learn more about CollagenCollagen extract is derived from parts of animals. It has skin conditioning properties and is mostly comprised of glycine, proline, and hydroxypoline. These are amino acids.
While our skin does have collagen, this ingredient is not used by the skin for anti-aging. Applying collagen topically has not been linked to helping with collagen loss in skin. All the benefits of collagen are related to hydration.
This ingredient will not increase sun sensitivity, but you should always wear sunscreen during the day.
Learn more about Collagen ExtractGlycerin (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 GlycerinPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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