This brightening moisturizer is formulated around Ascorbic Acid and Glutathione to fade the look of dark spots and brighten dull-looking skin.
This brightening serum is formulated around Centella Asiatica Extract and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid to brighten dull-looking skin and calm redness.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ascorbic Acid
AntioxidantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientSqualane
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingStearyl Alcohol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientSaccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantBisabolol
AntioxidantPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
EmulsifyingGlutathione
Allantoin
Skin ConditioningDimethiconol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Oleate
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingDiisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientCitrus Nobilis Peel Extract
MaskingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantCupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningHedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract
AntimicrobialCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingRibes Nigrum Leaf Extract
PerfumingLitsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
MaskingDisodium EDTA
ChelatingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientSorbitol
HumectantLauryl Alcohol
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientC12-14 Pareth-12
EmulsifyingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSucrose Stearate
EmollientBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningHesperidin
EmollientErgothioneine
AntioxidantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningFructooligosaccharides
HumectantUbiquinone
AntioxidantPullulan
Indigofera Tinctoria Extract
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantMyosotis Sylvatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Ascorbic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Squalane, Dipropylene Glycol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Stearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Bisabolol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Glutathione, Allantoin, Dimethiconol, Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate, Tocopherol, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cellulose Gum, Diisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate, Citrus Nobilis Peel Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract, Adenosine, Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Ribes Nigrum Leaf Extract, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Disodium EDTA, Beta-Glucan, T-Butyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Sorbitol, Lauryl Alcohol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, C12-14 Pareth-12, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sucrose Stearate, Beta-Carotene, Hesperidin, Ergothioneine, Ceramide NP, Fructooligosaccharides, Ubiquinone, Pullulan, Indigofera Tinctoria Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Myosotis Sylvatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventBetaine
HumectantDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingEclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPhellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Unshiu Peel Extract
MaskingBrassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract
HumectantHydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
AntioxidantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveBisabolol
AntioxidantPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningFructooligosaccharides
HumectantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantMaltodextrin
AbsorbentArginine
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAscorbic Acid Polypeptide
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Propanediol, Betaine, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Methyl Trimethicone, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Panthenol, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Water, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Bisabolol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Adenosine, Fructooligosaccharides, Beta-Glucan, Butylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Maltodextrin, Arginine, Carbomer, Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin
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.
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 a purine nucleoside that your body already makes in every cell. In skincare, it acts mainly as a skin conditioning and anti-aging agent.
The way it works is fairly well mapped out:
Your skin has cells called fibroblasts that build collagen (the stuff that keeps skin firm and smooth). Adenosine basically flips a switch on these cells that tells them to get to work making more collagen and other proteins. These cells slow down on their own as skin ages, so Adenosine helps give them a little nudge to keep going.
The clinical backing is pretty solid too.
A blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 126 women aged 45-65 tested a 0.1% cream twice daily and found real improvements in crow's feet and frown lines using a precise 3D skin-mapping technique; these changes showed up by week 3 and held at 2 months.
A later study using Adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches reported gains in wrinkle depth, dermal density, elasticity, and hydration.
On concentrations, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has set 0.04% as the approved functional anti-wrinkle level. You'll typically see this ingredient used somewhere in the 0.04-0.1% range since it works at low doses.
This ingredient has been found safe for cosmetics with the data showing no irritation or sensitization.
Overall, this is a great ingredient for any anti-aging routine and has no photosensitizing effect, so it suits both AM and PM use.
Learn more about AdenosineBeta-Glucan is a soluble polysaccharide (a chain of glucose sugars) sourced from the cells walls of oats, baker's yeast, mushrooms, and seaweed.
It's a rare ingredient that pulls double-duty as a heavy-duty hydrator and skin-soothing repair agent.
On the surface, it acts as a humectant that holds water in place and reduces moisture loss for a plumper, smoother feel, while its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a great pick for calming redness or sensitive skin
The more interesting story is underneath:
Despite its large molecular size, oat beta-glucan has been shown to penetrate the epidermis and reach the dermis by slipping between skin cells. Here, it interacts with fibroblasts and macrophages to nudge collagen synthesis and support wound repair.
A small 2005 split-face clinical study of 27 subjects found topical beta-glucan produced measurable reductions in wrinkle depth, height, and roughness after 8 weeks of use.
It is worth noting the trial was small and the penetration testing used frozen, irradiated skin so the anti-aging data is encouraging rather than definitive.
This ingredient gets along with pretty much everything and is typically used around 0.1-1%.
Fungal acne: This ingredient is not a food source for the Malassezia yeast because it is a glucose polysaccharide with no fatty acid or ester component.
Learn more about Beta-GlucanBisabolol is a gentle skin conditioner, antioxidant, and soothing ingredient.
It's primary claim to fame is soothing and research shows topically applied bisabolol can quiet the chemical messengers that cause your skin to become inflamed, helping to sooth any irritation.
A clinical study found that applying 0.5% bisabolol daily for 8 weeks produced an average 9% decrease in skin pigmentation. Researchers found it can also suppress the process that leads to excess melanin production in skin.
In vitro studies found that bisabolol combined with propylene glycol significantly increased skin permeability by increasing lipid fluidity in the stratum corneum.
You'll likely see use concentrations quite low, usually 0.1-0.2%.
Overall, this is a well-tolerated ingredient that works well in formulas designed for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin.
Learn more about BisabololButylene 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 GlycolCetearyl Olivate is a plant-derived emulsifier and texture enhancer. It helps keep the oil and water phases from separating so your formulas stay stable.
You'll likely see it combined with Sorbitan Olivate (together sold as the trade name Olivem 1000). This combination generates a liquid crystal structure that closely resemble the lipid organization of the stratum corneum.
These "skin-like" liquid crystals improve skin barrier integrity and promote the delivery of actives into the skin.
This ingredient is well-tolerated and has no significant sensitization data.
Because it is derived from the fatty acids in olive oil, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateDicaprylyl 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.
Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinFructooligosaccharides (FOS) are a type of prebiotic sugar with humectant and skin conditioning properties. As a humectant, they help attract and hold moisture in the skin.
FOS essentially acts as a food source for the "good" bacteria on your skin and make it harder for "bad" bacteria to thrive. A 2022 study using a reconstructured human skin model found that just 1% of FOS was enough to shift the bacteria balance in favor of beneficial species. This suggests it could help support a healthier skin microbiome over time.
This ingredient has a low sensitization risk and testing shows it does not classify as a skin irritant or sensitizer.
FOS are usually produced from sugar beets and can also be found in foods like bananas, garlic, and onions.
Learn more about FructooligosaccharidesGlycerin (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 GlycerinHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Cetearyl Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum