What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningVinyldimethicone
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDiglycerin
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingWater
Skin ConditioningPolyisobutene
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-2 Stearate
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientArginine
MaskingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCoptis Chinensis Root Extract
AntioxidantVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCarica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Mume Fruit Extract
HumectantPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingTrehalose
HumectantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningMentha Arvensis Extract
MaskingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
PerfumingCymbopogon Citratus Extract
Skin ConditioningErythritol
HumectantPsidium Guajava Leaf Extract
AstringentSasa Quelpaertensis Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingHordeum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Dna
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Phytate
Dextrin
AbsorbentGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Methyl Trimethicone, Vinyldimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diglycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Water, Polyisobutene, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sorbitan Oleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Isododecane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Arginine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Coptis Chinensis Root Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Trehalose, Beta-Glucan, Mentha Arvensis Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Cymbopogon Citratus Extract, Erythritol, Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract, Sasa Quelpaertensis Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hordeum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Sodium Dna, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Phytate, Dextrin, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantSqualane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyacrylate-13
Sodium Dna
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlycereth-26
HumectantPolyisobutene
Gold
Cosmetic ColorantPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Allantoin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingStearic Acid
CleansingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningPalmitic Acid
EmollientMadecassoside
AntioxidantAsiaticoside
AntioxidantArachidic Acid
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantMyristic Acid
CleansingIllicium Verum Fruit Extract
PerfumingJasminum Officinale Flower Extract
MaskingChamomilla Recutita Oil
MaskingHoney Extract
HumectantFucus Vesiculosus Extract
EmollientAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningWater, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Glyceryl Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Stearyl Alcohol, Polyacrylate-13, Sodium Dna, Panthenol, Glycereth-26, Polyisobutene, Gold, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Olivate, Allantoin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sorbitan Oleate, Polysorbate 20, Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Palmitic Acid, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Arachidic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Myristic Acid, Illicium Verum Fruit Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Oil, Honey Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Copper Tripeptide-1
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizingg properties. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Studies show higher concentrations of this ingredient can promote wound healing.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinButylene 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 TriglycerideCetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
Manufacturers use the name Olivem 1000. This ingredient has been found to preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria. This ingredient is grouped with Sorbitan Olivate under the name Olivem 1000.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearatePanthenol 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 PanthenolPolyisobutene is a synthetic polymer made from isobutene.
It is a film-forming agent and helps bind ingredients together.
Polyisobutene is not absorbed by the skin.
Learn more about PolyisobuteneSodium DNA is an emerging anti-aging ingredient.
It is created by taking deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and purifying it with sodium hydroxide.
The DNA is extracted from several different animal sources, including: calf thymus, the gonadic tissue of a male sturgeon, or herring / salmon sperm.
You have probably seen this ingredient in anti-aging skincare. But what is it?
DNA is composed of nucleotides, or chemical building blocks. Nucleotides include adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). Talk about a flashback to biology! Nucleosides are formed from these nucleotides.
The science behind Sodium DNA is based on an ingredient called Polydeoxyribonucleotide or PDRN.
PDRN are DNA fragments mainly extracted from the sperm cells of trout or salmon. Meaning, PDRN can be derived from Sodium DNA.
PDRN consists of chains of nucleotides and nucleosides mentioned above. They can range anywhere from 80 - 2000 pairs.
Studies show PDRN has the following properties:
Most of the research on PDRN has been done using injectable forms. That’s important, because PDRN is a large molecule and doesn’t absorb well through the skin. So if you’re applying it topically, the effects are likely to be much milder.
Still, topical Sodium DNA is emerging as a trendy anti-aging ingredient. It’s generally well-tolerated and offers good biocompatibility with human skin, making it a low-risk addition to most routines.
Further studies are needed to truly confirm this ingredients anti-aging ability (Remember, retinol has decades of research!).
When using this ingredient, is is best to ask a brand about the source of their Sodium DNA. You'll want to find products where the Sodium DNA is sourced from fish. Some Sodium DNA is derived from calf / cow thymus.
Needless to say, this ingredient is not vegan.
Learn more about Sodium DnaSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.
Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateSorbitan Oleate is created from compounds in oleic acid and sorbitol.
It is used to stabilize a product by preventing ingredients from separating. Emulsifiers help keep ingredients together, such as oils and water.
According to a manufacturer, the ingredient Sorbitan Monooleate shares an INCI name with this one.
Sorbitan Oleate may not be fungal acne safe. It can also worsen oily skin.
Learn more about Sorbitan OleateStearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients.
Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent alcohols. FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Stearyl AlcoholWater. 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 Water