What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Hippophae Rhamnoides Water
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingMethylpropanediol
SolventPropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycereth-26
HumectantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientArginine
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Cetearyl Olivate
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingSimethicone
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingPolyacrylate-13
Glycine Soja Oil
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Polyisobutene
Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingBixa Orellana Seed Oil
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningFerulic Acid
AntimicrobialTocopherol
AntioxidantAscorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
MaskingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantHydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningUbiquinone
AntioxidantBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAscorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningThiamine Hcl
MaskingRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantLinoleic Acid
CleansingBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningRutin
AntioxidantHydroxycinnamic Acid
Skin ConditioningHippophae Rhamnoides Water, Glycerin, Water, Niacinamide, Methylpropanediol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycereth-26, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Arginine, Carbomer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Cetearyl Olivate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Simethicone, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Parfum, Polyacrylate-13, Glycine Soja Oil, Disodium EDTA, Polyisobutene, Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum, Glyceryl Stearate, Gluconolactone, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Bixa Orellana Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Alpha-Arbutin, Panthenol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Pentylene Glycol, Ferulic Acid, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Bisabolol, Ascorbic Acid, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Pyridoxine, Ubiquinone, Biotin, Folic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Cyanocobalamin, Thiamine Hcl, Riboflavin, Linoleic Acid, Beta-Carotene, Rutin, Hydroxycinnamic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingTriethylhexanoin
MaskingUndecane
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Ascorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingTridecane
PerfumingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientSqualane
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientPropanediol
SolventTrisodium EDTA
Arachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingArginine
MaskingJuniperus Mexicana Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantCitrus Aurantifolia Oil
CleansingCitric Acid
BufferingDimethicone
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCarnitine
CleansingCholesterol
EmollientSalicylic Acid
MaskingStearic Acid
CleansingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingGlucose
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingWater, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Serine, Triethylhexanoin, Undecane, Butylene Glycol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Tromethamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sclerotium Gum, Tridecane, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Behenyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Trisodium EDTA, Arachidyl Glucoside, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Arginine, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, Citric Acid, Dimethicone, Ceramide NP, Carnitine, Cholesterol, Salicylic Acid, Stearic Acid, Carbomer, Glucose, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Limonene, Linalool, Citral
Reviews
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer (let's call it AAVC for short) is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
AAVC is able to increase the consistency and viscosity of products due to its large molecule size. It also prevents ingredients from separating.
Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.
As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.
Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineAscorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C. It is created by combining glucose from starch.
When applied to skin, Ascorbyl Glucoside turns into Ascorbic Acid.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may damage skin cells.
It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl GlucosideButylene 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 TriglycerideCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolGlycerin 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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Niacinamide 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 NiacinamidePanthenol 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 PropanediolSodium 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 HyaluronateTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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