What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningTranexamic Acid
Astringent
Propanediol
Solvent
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantArisaema Amurense Extract
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Cetearyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
PEG-40
HumectantDimethicone
Emollient
Isohexadecane
EmollientMagnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantSteareth-2
EmulsifyingSteareth-21
CleansingDecyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Tranexamic Acid, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Ethoxydiglycol, Arisaema Amurense Extract, Alpha-Arbutin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Cetearyl Methicone, PEG-40, Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Magnesium Stearate, Steareth-2, Steareth-21, Decyl Glucoside, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Propanediol
Solvent
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Water
MaskingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Steareth-21
CleansingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Triethanolamine
BufferingEDTA
Citric Acid
Buffering
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningIngredients 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 EthylhexylglycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s 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 PropanediolSteareth-21 is a nonionic emulsifier made by reacting stearyl alcohol with 21 units of ethylene oxide. It is mainly a cleansing agent and emulsifier.
The "21" in the name just tells you it has a longer water-loving chain. This makes it more gentle and less likely to irritate skin compared to lower-numbered steareths.
You'll most likely see it paired with steareth-2 because the two work together to create stable formulations.
1,4-dioxane is often brought up as a concern but this is usually removed through purification.
Learn more about Steareth-21Water. 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
