What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dicaprylate
EmollientIsopropyl Oleate
EmollientIsopropyl Sorbate
AntimicrobialPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingGlutathione
Glycerin
HumectantAlpha-Ionol
PerfumingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingChitosan
Pullulan
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialSodium Chloride
MaskingVigna Radiata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Grape Fruit Extract
HumectantEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingTerminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
AntioxidantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningBetula Alba Bark Extract
MaskingUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Alum
AstringentWater, Ascorbic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate, Isopropyl Oleate, Isopropyl Sorbate, Polysorbate 60, Glutathione, Glycerin, Alpha-Ionol, Glyceryl Stearate, Panthenol, Citric Acid, Chitosan, Pullulan, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Vigna Radiata Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Grape Fruit Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Beta-Carotene, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Beta-Glucan, Betula Alba Bark Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Sodium Alum
Water
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantPropanediol
SolventTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientC12-14 Pareth-12
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientBisabolol
MaskingMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingGlutathione
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCitrus Nobilis Peel Extract
MaskingCupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantHedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract
AntimicrobialCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Ribes Nigrum Leaf Extract
PerfumingLitsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantSaccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantFructooligosaccharides
HumectantSorbitol
HumectantPullulan
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSucrose Stearate
EmollientMadecassoside
AntioxidantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantIndigofera Tinctoria Extract
MaskingBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantHemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientRetinal
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveWater, Ascorbic Acid, Propanediol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Panthenol, Methylpropanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), 1,2-Hexanediol, Squalane, C12-14 Pareth-12, Sodium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Stearate, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Bisabolol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Glutathione, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Cellulose Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Citrus Nobilis Peel Extract, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract, Beta-Glucan, Adenosine, Butylene Glycol, Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Disodium EDTA, Ribes Nigrum Leaf Extract, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Glycerin, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Fructooligosaccharides, Sorbitol, Pullulan, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hyaluronic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sucrose Stearate, Madecassoside, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Indigofera Tinctoria Extract, Beta-Carotene, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopherol, Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract, Cholesterol, Retinal, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Silica
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.
Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.
Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!
Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.
Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.
The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.
Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidBeta-Carotene is a carotenoid. It is an antioxidant that converts to Vitamin A. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
It gives plants the red, orange, and yellow color. Some foods with Beta-Carotene include sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, and cantaloupe.
Beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide. It can be derived from the cell walls of seaweed, oats, yeast, and fungi. It hydrates the skin and helps boost your skin's natural barrier.
As an antioxidant, beta-glucan helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Studies show this ingredient may be an effective wrinkle reducer as it can deeply penetrate into skin. It has also been show to help with wound healing.
Learn more about Beta-GlucanButylene 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 GlycolDicaprylyl Carbonate comes from carbonic acid and caprylyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It is an emollient and gives skin a velvet feel. The sources of Dicaprylyl Carbonate may be synthetic or from animals.
As an emollient, Dicaprylyl Carbonate creates a film on the skin. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Glutathione is an antioxidant naturally found in our bodies. It is made up of three amino acids: glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid.
As an antioxidant, it prevents oxidative damage to parts of our cell.
While glutathione is said to help with fading dark spots, the results from research are inconclusive. Further studies are needed. With that said, gluthatione has been shown to protect our skin from UV-B induced damage.
This ingredient is naturally occurring in plants, animals, fungi, and some bacteria.
Learn more about GlutathioneGlycerin 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.
Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.
Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.
Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilPanthenol 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 PanthenolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s 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 PropanediolPullulan is a low viscosity polysaccharide (a long chain carbohydrate) with binding and film forming properties when dissolved in water. It is used to create a "silicone-like" or silky feel in cosmetics without adding viscosity.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient's ability to easily dissolves makes it a great carrier for active ingredients.
Due to it being edible and tasteless, you'll likely find this ingredient in breath freshener strips. This ingredient is produced from the starch of the fungus, Aureobasidium pullulans.
Pullulan is stable over a broad-range of pH.
Learn more about PullulanSodium 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