What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Glycereth-26
Humectant
Sorbus Commixta Extract
Skin ConditioningJuniperus Chinensis Xylem Extract
Skin ConditioningBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialBetaine
Humectant
Grifola Frondosa/Ophioglossum Vulgatum Extract Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Rice Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Hydrolyzed Rice Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sea Water
HumectantCarthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Extensin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Beta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAronia Arbutifolia Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Antioxidant
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Lactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningManilkara Multinervis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
Antioxidant
Cassia Alata Leaf Extract
AstringentLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
Humectant
Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Viscum Album Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningYeast Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningPogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
Masking
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Humectant
Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningBeta-Sitosterol
Emulsion Stabilising
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Humectant
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicBrassica Campestris Sterols
Emollient
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Tripeptide-10 Citrulline
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Copper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Acacia Arabica Stem Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
Emollient
Glyceryl Linolenate
Emollient
Glyceryl Linoleate
Emollient
Glyceryl Arachidonate
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Ethyl Hexanediol
SolventDimethicone
Emollient
PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone
Emulsifying
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
PPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientTriethanolamine
BufferingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCyclomethicone
Emollient
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Disodium EDTA
Dextrin
AbsorbentLauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer
Glyceryl Polyacrylate
Dimethiconol
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Ceteth-24
CleansingCholeth-24
EmulsifyingHydroxypropyltrimonium Maltodextrin Crosspolymer
Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Lecithin
Emollient
PEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol
Cleansing
BHT
Antioxidant
Ceteth-3
EmulsifyingCeteth-5
EmulsifyingSilica
Abrasive
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glycereth-26, Sorbus Commixta Extract, Juniperus Chinensis Xylem Extract, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate, Betaine, Grifola Frondosa/Ophioglossum Vulgatum Extract Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, Sea Water, Carthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes, Hydrolyzed Extensin, Adenosine, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Aronia Arbutifolia Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Manilkara Multinervis Leaf Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Saccharomyces/Viscum Album Ferment Extract, Yeast Ferment Extract, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Beta-Sitosterol, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Ubiquinone, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Retinol, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Biotin, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Tripeptide-10 Citrulline, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-1, Acacia Arabica Stem Bark Extract, Cholesterol, Glyceryl Linolenate, Glyceryl Linoleate, Glyceryl Arachidonate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethyl Hexanediol, Dimethicone, PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Triethanolamine, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Octyldodecanol, Xanthan Gum, Dipropylene Glycol, Cyclomethicone, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, Dextrin, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Dimethiconol, Propylene Glycol, Ceteth-24, Choleth-24, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Maltodextrin Crosspolymer, Cetyl Phosphate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lecithin, PEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol, BHT, Ceteth-3, Ceteth-5, Silica, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Steareth-21
CleansingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Dimethicone
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Steareth-2
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Polyacrylamide
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Bisabolol
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Tetrasodium EDTA
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Laurate
Emulsifying
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingInulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingAcetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Skin Conditioning
Sucrose Laurate
Emollient
Behentrimonium Chloride
Preservative
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBenzoic Acid
Masking
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Water, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Steareth-21, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Steareth-2, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyacrylamide, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Caprylyl Glycol, Laureth-7, Sodium Benzoate, Bisabolol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Laurate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Retinol, Carbomer, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Sucrose Laurate, Behentrimonium Chloride, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Ceramide AP, Cholesterol, Xanthan Gum, Benzoic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Benzyl Alcohol, Ceramide EOP
Reviews
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene 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 TriglycerideCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolDimethicone 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 DimethiconeGlycerin 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 GlycerinPanthenol 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 PanthenolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Retinol 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 RetinolWater. 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
