What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Biosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantSerine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningAspartic Acid
MaskingLeucine
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningAlanine
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingPhenylalanine
MaskingThreonine
Proline
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningSodium
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHistidine
HumectantMethionine
Skin ConditioningCysteine
AntioxidantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-29
AntioxidantOligopeptide-32
AntiseborrhoeicPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSh-Oligopeptide-2
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-22
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Copper Tripeptide-1, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Beta-Glucan, Glycine, Tocopherol, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Pentylene Glycol, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Proline, Valine, Isoleucine, Sodium, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Histidine, Methionine, Cysteine, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Phosphatidylcholine, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Oligopeptide-29, Oligopeptide-32, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Polypeptide-22, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientSesamum Indicum Seed Oil
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantMolasses Extract
Skin ConditioningSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCucurbita Pepo Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rice Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingMyrtus Communis Leaf Extract
PerfumingOlea Europaea Leaf Extract
PerfumingIris Florentina Root Extract
MaskingCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
MaskingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantSaccharomyces Lysate Extract
HumectantPassiflora Incarnata Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantLythrum Salicaria Extract
AstringentLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningNarcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract
AstringentSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientLithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCaffeine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCastor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Citric Acid
BufferingLinalool
PerfumingParfum
MaskingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBHT
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialCI 60725
Cosmetic ColorantCI 61565
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Betaine, Pentylene Glycol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Molasses Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Cucurbita Pepo Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Tocopherol, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Passiflora Incarnata Flower Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Lythrum Salicaria Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trehalose, Caprylyl Glycol, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, 1,2-Hexanediol, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Linalool, Parfum, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, CI 60725, CI 61565
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
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (also known as Argireline) is a synthetic hexapeptide that is often called a "topical Botox alternative".
It works by mimicking how Botox relaxes muscles; it interferes with the signaling process that tells your facial muscles to contract. This can help soften expression lines like forehead wrinkles or crow's feet over time.
The comparison to Botox does have limits because the molecule is water-loving and relatively large.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 has a hard time absorbing deeply enough through the skin's outer barrier to actually reach the muscles.
So whether it truly works the way Botox does at a biological level is still up for debate, but early clinical outcomes are fairly encouraging.
A 12 week human study of a multi-ingredient regimen containing this ingredient saw:
While some studies have observed improvements in wrinkle appearance, it is important to note that more consistent results are seen in multi-ingredient formulations (vs just Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 alone).
Some research studies also used higher concentrations (up to 10%) while this ingredient is usually found in concentrations up to 0.005% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Butylene 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 GlycolCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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 HyaluronateTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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