What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantAscorbic Acid 2%
AntioxidantPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientSaccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningC12-14 Pareth-12
EmulsifyingBisabolol
MaskingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitrus 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
MaskingGlutathione
Disodium EDTA
Tocopherol
AntioxidantOpuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningCynara Scolymus Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingSorbitol
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningIndigofera Tinctoria Extract
MaskingSucrose Stearate
EmollientBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningHemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantMyosotis Sylvatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningHesperidin
EmollientErgothioneine
AntioxidantUbiquinone
AntioxidantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantWater, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Dipropylene Glycol, Ascorbic Acid 2%, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dimethicone, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Panthenol, C12-14 Pareth-12, Bisabolol, Glyceryl Stearate, Tromethamine, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Squalane, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, 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, Glutathione, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract, T-Butyl Alcohol, Sorbitol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Beta-Glucan, Indigofera Tinctoria Extract, Sucrose Stearate, Beta-Carotene, Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract, Alpha-Arbutin, Myosotis Sylvatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hesperidin, Ergothioneine, Ubiquinone, Hyaluronic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTrehalose
HumectantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethylamine
Emulsion StabilisingC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningStearyl Alcohol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantXylitylglucoside
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Myristyl Alcohol
EmollientAnhydroxylitol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningXylitol
HumectantNelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbium Speciosum Flower Water
TonicGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPvm/Ma Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Glucoside
HumectantHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Canina Flower Extract
AstringentFicus Carica Fruit Extract
HumectantPunica Granatum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantSea Water
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCI 16185
Cosmetic ColorantUlmus Campestris Bark Extract
AstringentGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantAstaxanthin
Skin ConditioningBacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningAspergillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningThiamine Hcl
MaskingPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningMenadione
MaskingBioflavonoids
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGlutathione
Water, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dipropylene Glycol, C14-22 Alcohols, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Dimethicone, Hydroxyacetophenone, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Trehalose, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Triethylamine, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Allantoin, Stearyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Xylitylglucoside, Disodium EDTA, Myristyl Alcohol, Anhydroxylitol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Xylitol, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Water, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, Glyceryl Glucoside, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Rosa Canina Flower Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Sea Water, Panthenol, CI 16185, Ulmus Campestris Bark Extract, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis Extract, CI 15985, Astaxanthin, Bacillus Ferment, Lactobacillus Ferment, Aspergillus Ferment, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Thiamine Hcl, Pyridoxine, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Biotin, Cyanocobalamin, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Menadione, Bioflavonoids, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glutathione
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 AllantoinAscorbic 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 AcidButylene 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 DimethiconeDipotassium 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 GlycyrrhizateDipropylene 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 GlycolDisodium 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 EDTAGlutathione 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 GlycerinHelianthus 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 OilHyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.
This ingredient helps hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin.
What makes hyaluronic acid so hydrating? It has the capacity to bind or hold large amounts of water.
Fun fact: It is already naturally found in our bodies, such as the fluids of our eyes and our joints.
Studies find this ingredient to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This can help speed up wound-healing.
Hyaluronic acid can be irritating if the molecule has a low-molecular weight, or if the molecules are small.
One study found low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be pro-inflammatory, meaning some people may experience irritation. This is because our bodies use hyaluronic acid in the wound-healing process to signal to our bodies, via irritation, that something needs healing.
The same study found high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be anti-inflammatory.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidPanthenol 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 PanthenolSodium 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 WaterXanthan 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