What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPolysilicone-11
Squalane
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2
AbsorbentPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Laurate
EmulsifyingUrea
Buffering
Yeast Amino Acids
HumectantTrehalose
Humectant
Inositol
Humectant
Taurine
BufferingBetaine
Humectant
Laureth-12
EmulsifyingChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
CI 77120
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Carbonate
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Glyceryl Oleate
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Polysilicone-11, Squalane, Propanediol, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Laureth-12, Chlorphenesin, CI 77120, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Carbonate, Disodium EDTA, Glyceryl Oleate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Isododecane
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Polysilicone-11
Squalane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Glycereth-26
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Algae Extract
EmollientSesamum Indicum Seed Oil
Emollient
Medicago Sativa Seed Powder
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seedcake
Abrasive
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal
Abrasive
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningCopper Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantMagnesium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningZinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Succinate
Antioxidant
Niacin
SmoothingSesamum Indicum Seed Powder
Skin ConditioningSapindus Mukorossi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLinoleic Acid
Cleansing
Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract
Cleansing
Helichrysum Arenarium Extract
AntiseborrhoeicLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Whey Protein
Skin ConditioningJania Rubens Extract
Skin ConditioningFaex Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Reticulata Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningCladosiphon Okamuranus Extract
Skin ConditioningSucrose
Humectant
Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Cetyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Chondrus Crispus
Masking
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Yeast Polysaccharides
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Trehalose
Humectant
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Triolein
Skin Conditioning
Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningCaesalpinia Spinosa Gum
Skin ConditioningTourmaline
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Gold
Cosmetic ColorantPEG-75
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Isononanoate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
PEG-7m
Emulsion StabilisingDextrin
AbsorbentTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingMaltodextrin
Absorbent
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingOleic Acid
Emollient
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Parfum
Masking
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
BHT
Antioxidant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Linalool
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
CI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Methyl Trimethicone, Isododecane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Squalane, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Propanediol, Algae Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Medicago Sativa Seed Powder, Helianthus Annuus Seedcake, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Sodium Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Magnesium Gluconate, Zinc Gluconate, Tocopheryl Succinate, Niacin, Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder, Sapindus Mukorossi Fruit Extract, Linoleic Acid, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract, Helichrysum Arenarium Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Whey Protein, Jania Rubens Extract, Faex Extract, Citrus Reticulata Peel Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Sucrose, Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Persea Gratissima Oil, Caffeine, Chondrus Crispus, Lactobacillus Ferment, Yeast Polysaccharides, Sodium Hyaluronate, Trehalose, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isononyl Isononanoate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Phospholipids, Triolein, Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Tourmaline, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Gold, PEG-75, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Saccharide Isomerate, PEG-7m, Dextrin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Maltodextrin, Hexylene Glycol, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Alcohol Denat., Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Parfum, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, CI 14700
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.
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-8Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysilicone-11 is a film-forming silicone that creates a non-tacky and matte finish on the skin. It's commonly used to improve texture, absorb excess oil, and help active ingredients spread evenly.
Due to its "rubber-like" structure, it stays on the skin's surface instead of being absorbed. On the skin, it creates a flexible layer that enhances wearability and stability.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
Itâs 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 PropanediolSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSqualane is the hydrogenated and shelf-stable form of squalene (a lipid that naturally occurs in human sebum).
It is an emollient and skin conditioning agent that is able to integrate seamlessly into the skin's lipid barrier without clogging pores.
This is due to how structurally similar it is to what your skin already produces.
Though it is mostly an emollient that helps soften and hydrate skin, it also has some humectant and occlusive action. Humectants help the skin retain moisture while occlusives seal it in, making squalane a triple-threat moisturizer.
Research shows it has antioxidant capabilities that help protect against stressors like UV exposure, specifically UVA induced oxidative stress. This study also found that it supports collagen biosynthesis in human dermal fibroblasts.
No clinical study has reported significant adverse effects and irritation reactions are very rare from this ingredient (even at 100% concentration).
Overall, it's a fantastic ingredient for hydration and is suitable for all skin types.
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Though squalane is often called an oil, itâs technically not one. It is a hydrocarbon, meaning it is only made of carbon and hydrogen. True oils are triglycerides and made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term âoil-freeâ isnât regulated so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
Squalane has a comedogenic rating of 1 from the original 1972 study that tested raw ingredients under occlusion on rabbit ears. This system is not standardized or peer-reviewed, and using the raw ingredients is very different from how diluted cosmetic formulations are used on human skin.
A comedogenic rating of 1 means it is "unlikely to clog pores" according to the original rating system.
The overall formula of a product matters more than the individual ingredients on whether or not it will cause clogged pores.
Learn more about SqualaneTrehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseWater. 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
