What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventAlpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
4-Butylresorcinol
Antioxidant
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer
SolventXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLecithin
Emollient
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPullulan
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Water, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Alpha-Arbutin, Ethoxydiglycol, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, 4-Butylresorcinol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Paeonia Albiflora Flower Extract
TonicSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Carboxyethyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Disodium EDTA
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Gluconolactone, Alpha-Arbutin, Butylene Glycol, Paeonia Albiflora Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Saccharide Isomerate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Carboxyethyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Disodium EDTA, CI 19140
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alpha-Arbutin is made from hydroquinone and glucose. It may also be derived from the fermentation of soybeans.
This ingredient an antioxidant, meaning it helps protect your skin cells against damage.
Studies show this ingredient helps improve hyperpigmentation and fade discoloration.
Alpha-Arbutin may be used with other ingredients that help with hyperpigmentation. These ingredients include retinol, Vitamin C, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid.
Learn more about Alpha-ArbutinEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is an emulsifier derived from castor oil.
As an emulsifying agent, it helps other ingredients like fragrances and fat-soluble vitamins dissolve cohesively.
Due to its large molecule size, it doesn't penetrate beyond the skin's surface.
This ingredient has a solid regulatory track record; the CIR Expert Panel first concluded it was safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 100% in 1997. A 2012 reassessment reaffirmed that finding. Safety studies have also found no irritation or evidence of toxicity.
A 2019 study did find this ingredient to grow Malassezia, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilPhenoxyethanol 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 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 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
