What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Squalane
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Arachidyl Alcohol
Emollient
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Olivate
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Methyl Hydrogenated Rosinate
Perfuming
Vinyldimethicone
Glycereth-26
Humectant
Arachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate-13
Tromethamine
BufferingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientSodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Agar
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Calcium Alginate
MaskingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingCollagen Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Brassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCholesterol
Emollient
Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningCarnosine
Skin Conditioning
Polylactic Acid
Abrasive
Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate
Emulsion StabilisingHydrolyzed Elastin
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Chitosan
Cyperus Rotundus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTin Oxide
Abrasive
Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate
StabilisingSilica
Abrasive
Colloidal Gold
AntimicrobialGold
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Squalane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Behenyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Methyl Hydrogenated Rosinate, Vinyldimethicone, Glycereth-26, Arachidyl Glucoside, Carbomer, Polyacrylate-13, Tromethamine, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Sodium Polyacrylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Agar, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Calcium Alginate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitan Isostearate, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Ceramide NP, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Collagen Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Brassica Campestris Sterols, CI 77491, Cholesterol, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Carnosine, Polylactic Acid, Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Chitosan, Cyperus Rotundus Root Extract, Tin Oxide, Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate, Silica, Colloidal Gold, Gold
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Masking
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sodium Polyacrylate, Retinol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Propanediol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Propylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
This ingredient is a lightweight 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. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredientās final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideGlycerin (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 GlycerinPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Ā
Itās 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 PropanediolRetinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSodium Polyacrylate is the sodium salt of polyacrylic acid. It is used as an absorber, emollient, and stabilizer.
This ingredient is a super-absorbent polymer - meaning it can absorb 100 to 1000 times its mass in water. As an emollient, Sodium Polyacrylate helps soften and soothe skin. Emollients work by creating a barrier to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
