What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientLactic Acid
BufferingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingTranexamic Acid
AstringentGlutathione
Allantoin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCeteareth-20
CleansingCeteareth-25
CleansingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingSodium PCA
HumectantCeteareth-12
EmulsifyingCetyl Palmitate
EmollientC10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Acrylates Crosspolymer
AbsorbentTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Alpha-Arbutin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Lactic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Tranexamic Acid, Glutathione, Allantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Ceteareth-20, Ceteareth-25, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Sodium PCA, Ceteareth-12, Cetyl Palmitate, C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Acrylates Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
BufferingC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialNiacinamide
SmoothingGlycerin
HumectantPolyglyceryl-6 Stearate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTranexamic Acid
AstringentDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantKojic Acid
AntioxidantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientBakuchiol
AntimicrobialDimethicone
EmollientHydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePPG-12/Smdi Copolymer
EmollientSqualane
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-6 Behenate
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Water, Glycolic Acid, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tranexamic Acid, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Butylene Glycol, Kojic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Bakuchiol, Dimethicone, Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, Squalane, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This 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 TriglycerideCetearyl 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 AlcoholDimethicone 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 DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideTocopheryl 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 AcetateTranexamic Acid is best used for treating hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and melasma. It can also help build a stronger skin barrier.
Once applied, Tranexamic Acid starts decreasing inflammation from UV exposure. Tranexamic Acid also prevents our skin cells from meeting the pigment production cells.
Its brightening property makes it great at reducing the appearance of acne scars and marks.
Fun fact: Tranexamic Acid is also a medication used to reduce heavy bleeding.
This acid is derived from lysine, an amino acid.
Learn more about Tranexamic AcidWater. 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