What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningTriethanolamine
BufferingGlycerin
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialMethylpropanediol
SolventPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingBetaine
HumectantLactic Acid
BufferingPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingMalt Extract
Skin ProtectingCarica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDextrin
AbsorbentEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialButyl Avocadate
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-29
AntioxidantOligopeptide-32
AntiseborrhoeicAcetyl Octapeptide-3
HumectantPropyl Gallate
AntioxidantWater, Triethanolamine, Glycerin, Alcohol, Methylpropanediol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Betaine, Lactic Acid, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Butylene Glycol, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium EDTA, Lactobacillus Ferment, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Mentha Piperita Oil, Citric Acid, Malt Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dextrin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Butyl Avocadate, Caprylyl Glycol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Oligopeptide-29, Oligopeptide-32, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Propyl Gallate
Water
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
AstringentButylene Glycol
HumectantSalvia Officinalis Leaf Water
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingJuniperus Communis Fruit Extract
PerfumingMelissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningArctium Majus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSaponaria Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHypericum Perforatum Extract
Antimicrobial1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCitric Acid
BufferingIllicium Verum Fruit Extract
PerfumingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPvp
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningKaolin
AbrasiveTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantVp/Va Copolymer
Propylene Glycol
HumectantMethylparaben
PreservativeCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialErythritol
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantCitrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Butylene Glycol, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Water, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Juniperus Communis Fruit Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Arctium Majus Root Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Parfum, Caprylyl Glycol, Saponaria Officinalis Leaf Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Citric Acid, Illicium Verum Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Allantoin, Pvp, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Kaolin, Titanium Dioxide, Vp/Va Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Methylparaben, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, CI 17200, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Chlorphenesin, Erythritol, Trehalose, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Citrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract
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
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizingg properties. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Studies show higher concentrations of this ingredient can promote wound healing.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinButylene 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 GlycolCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.
Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds found in chamomile help with soothing, such as bisbolol.
Antioxidant components in chamomile make it an effective ingredient to help slow the signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, or molecules that may damage your skin.
Essential oils from chamomile have been found to improve wound healing due to its antimicrobial properties.
Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used Chamomile to treat skin redness and dryness. Chamomile has also been used to help treat stomach issues.
Learn more about Chamomilla Recutita Flower ExtractCitric 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 AcidDipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.
Learn more about Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPeg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil comes from hydrogenated castor oil. It is a solubilizer and emulsifier.
As a solubilizer, it helps dissolve ingredients into a water-based version. It is also an emulsifer. Emulsifier help prevent oils and water from separating. Both these properties help create evenly-spread and uniform products.
Basically, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil helps hold ingredients together.
Learn more about PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor OilPhenoxyethanol 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 hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water