What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCeramide AP
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAcorus Calamus Root Extract
PerfumingTromethamine
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSophora Flavescens Root Extract
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningMorus Alba Root Extract
BleachingPlankton Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientVincetoxicum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningViola Mandshurica Flower Extract
AntioxidantMyristoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicBetaine
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningWater, Butylene Glycol, Ceramide AP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acorus Calamus Root Extract, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Pentylene Glycol, Panthenol, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Disodium EDTA, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Morus Alba Root Extract, Plankton Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Vincetoxicum Atratum Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-4, Biotin, Betaine, Allantoin, Glycerin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantCaffeine
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantHydrolyzed Algin
Aureobasidium Pullulans Ferment
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingAcorus Calamus Root Extract
PerfumingSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningUndaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingSophora Flavescens Root Extract
AntioxidantAngelica Gigas Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract
AntimicrobialPanthenol
Skin ConditioningMorus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-2
Skin ConditioningSh-Oligopeptide-2
Skin ConditioningSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPhellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentIllicium Verum Fruit Extract
PerfumingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitrus Junos Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Princeps Extract
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Lysate, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caffeine, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hydrolyzed Algin, Aureobasidium Pullulans Ferment, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Acorus Calamus Root Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Beta-Glucan, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract, Panthenol, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-2, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Sodium Carbomer, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Illicium Verum Fruit Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Artemisia Princeps Extract
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-8Acorus Calamus Root Extract is a fragrance.
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 GlycolCamellia Japonica Flower Extract comes from the Japanese Camellia plant. This plant is native to East Asia and known as "Tsubaki" in Japanese.
Tsubaki flowers possess antioxidant and soothing properties. This flower has shown to be effective at fighting pollution damage by protecting your skin's fibroblasts. Your skin's fibroblasts help create collagen and collagen is responsible for youthful, plump skin.
This flower also contains many antioxidant enzymes. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. They may originate from sunlight, air pollution, or cigarette smoke. These free-radical molecules are unstable and are often looking for missing electrons. This instability causes free-radicals to damage our cells. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radicals by donating extra electrons.
Thus, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract may help reduce the signs of aging.
Learn more about Camellia Japonica Flower ExtractGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHouttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.
The components found in Heart Leaf give it antioxidant, hydrating, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Heart Leaf is rich in flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, and more. It also contains polysaccharides, the most common type of carbs in food.
Flavonoids have been shown to be effective antioxidants. They help neutralize free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are unstable molecules that may damage our skin cells and DNA. The flavonoids in Heart Leaf also help soothe the skin.
Polysaccharides are naturally found in our skin. They play a role in hydrating and repairing the top layer of skin. The polysaccharides in Heart Leaf help moisturize our skin.
Studies show decanoyl acetaldehyde, a component of Heart Leaf oil, is effective at killing bacteria.
The name 'Fish Mint' comes from the herb's natural fishy smell. Is is native to southeast Asia and used throughout the continent for traditional cooking and medicine.
Learn more about Houttuynia Cordata ExtractGinseng root is a well-loved ingredient in Asian skincare for good reason. It hydrates the skin, soothes irritation, and helps even out skin tone.
In traditional East Asian medicine, ginseng has been used for centuries both as food and as a healing remedy, and modern research continues to confirm its skin benefits.
One of the standout features of ginseng is its ability to improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the skin, bringing a fresh supply of nutrients to support overall skin health. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to protect your skin against damage from UV exposure, pollution, and daily stress.
Additionally, studies suggest that ginseng may help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin production.
There are different types of ginseng used in skincare, and while they all share core benefits, their potency can vary.
Most products use fresh or white ginseng because it’s more affordable. However, red ginseng, produced by steaming the root, contains higher levels of ginsenosides, which are compounds with proven anti-aging effects. These ginsenosides help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
Note: All forms of ginseng are listed simply as “Panax ginseng” in ingredient lists. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about which type of ginseng is used in their ingredients.
For general antioxidant benefits, any ginseng extract will do, but for wrinkle care or firmer skin, red or fermented ginseng is often more effective.
In short, ginseng is a powerhouse ingredient that supports hydration, radiance, and resilience.
Learn more about Panax Ginseng Root ExtractPanthenol 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 PanthenolThis plant derived ingredient has skin conditioning and antioxidant properties.
You may see his ingredient in hair and scalp products because some research suggests it may support hair growth. However, strong human clinical evidence is limited.
Sophora Flavescens Root Extract is an antioxidant. It can help to reduce redness.