What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBetaine
HumectantHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantBroussonetia Kazinoki Callus Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantGlycyrrhiza Uralensis Extract
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingSucrose Cocoate
EmulsifyingCysteine
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantCarnitine
CleansingTranexamic Acid
AstringentAletris Farinosa Root Extract
AntioxidantBiota Orientalis Leaf Extract
HumectantZanthoxylum Schinifolium Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantHamamelis Virginiana Extract
AntiseborrhoeicMorus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningPhyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract
HumectantTrichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract
Skin ProtectingVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantArginine
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSh-Oligopeptide-2
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-3
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-16
Skin ProtectingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Parfum
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventWater, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Betaine, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Beeswax, Alpha-Arbutin, Broussonetia Kazinoki Callus Culture Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Extract, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Stearate, Sucrose Cocoate, Cysteine, Ascorbic Acid, Carnitine, Tranexamic Acid, Aletris Farinosa Root Extract, Biota Orientalis Leaf Extract, Zanthoxylum Schinifolium Leaf Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ozokerite, Tocopheryl Acetate, Arginine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-3, Sh-Polypeptide-16, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Propanediol
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveCeresin
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientDipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Skin ConditioningStearyl Dimethicone
EmollientBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
Smoothing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Sodium Chloride
MaskingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingC10-18 Triglycerides
EmollientStearyl Heptanoate
EmollientJojoba Esters
EmollientEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasiveHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningStearyl Caprylate
EmollientBetaine
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantGlutathione
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningAcacia Decurrens Flower Wax
EmollientPolyglycerin-3
HumectantLycopodium Clavatum Extract
Skin ConditioningEquisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentTocopherol
AntioxidantCynanchum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingOlea Europaea Leaf Extract
PerfumingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingTaraxacum Officinale Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingRhodiola Rosea Root Extract
EmollientRosa Damascena Flower Extract
MaskingPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPulsatilla Koreana Extract
Skin ConditioningUsnea Barbata Extract
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantOligopeptide-29
AntioxidantOligopeptide-32
AntiseborrhoeicPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantThiamine Hcl
MaskingLinoleic Acid
CleansingParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Water, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Butylene Glycol, Synthetic Wax, Ceresin, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, Stearyl Dimethicone, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Sorbitan Olivate, C10-18 Triglycerides, Stearyl Heptanoate, Jojoba Esters, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Stearyl Caprylate, Betaine, Trehalose, Glutathione, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Polyglycerin-3, Lycopodium Clavatum Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Tocopherol, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Taraxacum Officinale Leaf Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Panthenol, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Usnea Barbata Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Oligopeptide-29, Oligopeptide-32, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Folic Acid, Biotin, Pyridoxine, Cyanocobalamin, Beta-Carotene, Riboflavin, Thiamine Hcl, Linoleic Acid, Parfum, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, 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
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineBetaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Another name for betaine is 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 GlycolThis ingredient is an 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.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideParfum 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 “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” 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 ParfumWater. 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