What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantAlgae Oligosaccharides
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethanolamine
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCrambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningHazelnut Seed Oil Decyl Esters
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGlycosyl Trehalose
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialMagnolia Officinalis Bark Extract
AntimicrobialPlantago Major Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPlantago Psyllium Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningMichelia Alba Leaf Oil
MaskingMagnolol
AntioxidantTranexamic Acid
AstringentCitrus Limon Peel
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingRhizobian Gum
Goat Fat
Skin Conditioning3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantSucrose
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientNephelium Longana Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientStearyl Caprylate
EmollientCetyl Caprylate
EmollientLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningGarcinia Mangostana Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningArbutin
AntioxidantHydrogen
AntioxidantTremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantKalanchoe Spathulata Extract
AntioxidantKalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract
MaskingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingScutellaria Alpina Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPeucedanum Ostruthium Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGinkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Umbelliformis Extract
Skin ConditioningLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningLeontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningEpilobium Fleischeri Extract
Skin ConditioningFragaria Vesca Leaf Extract
AstringentCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingCalendula Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPropylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventCarnosine
Skin ConditioningIodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
PreservativeMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingDaemonorops Draco Extract
AstringentZea Mays Kernel Extract
Acetyl Tyrosine
Skin ConditioningSaxifraga Sarmentosa Extract
Skin ConditioningFragaria Ananassa Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAtelocollagen
Skin ConditioningAminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantAmmonium Phosphate
BufferingScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentSodium Chondroitin Sulfate
Skin ConditioningPlankton Extract
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Water, Butylene Glycol, Saccharide Isomerate, Algae Oligosaccharides, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Hazelnut Seed Oil Decyl Esters, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycosyl Trehalose, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Chlorphenesin, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Plantago Major Seed Extract, Plantago Psyllium Seed Extract, Michelia Alba Leaf Oil, Magnolol, Tranexamic Acid, Citrus Limon Peel, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Phospholipids, Xanthan Gum, Rhizobian Gum, Goat Fat, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ascorbic Acid, Sucrose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Nephelium Longana Seed Extract, Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Stearyl Caprylate, Cetyl Caprylate, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Garcinia Mangostana Seed Oil, Arbutin, Hydrogen, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Kalanchoe Spathulata Extract, Kalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Scutellaria Alpina Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Peucedanum Ostruthium Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Artemisia Umbelliformis Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Epilobium Fleischeri Extract, Fragaria Vesca Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Propylene Glycol, Propanediol, Carnosine, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Citric Acid, Daemonorops Draco Extract, Zea Mays Kernel Extract, Acetyl Tyrosine, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Fragaria Ananassa Fruit Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Atelocollagen, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ammonium Phosphate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Plankton Extract, Glutathione
Water
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Caprylic Acid
CleansingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Sterols
EmollientHelichrysum Italicum Extract
AntiseborrhoeicPhaseolus Angularis Seed Extract
AntioxidantArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientVetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingSclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
HumectantBacillus
Skin ConditioningCordyceps Sinensis Extract
AntioxidantGanoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingInonotus Obliquus Extract
Skin ConditioningLentinus Edodes Extract
Skin ConditioningPhellinus Linteus Ferment Filtrate
Schizophyllum Commune Mycelium
EmollientTricholoma Matsutake Mycelium Ferment Extract
HumectantLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingGleditsia Australis Thorn Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningPhellodendron Amurense Bark
AbrasivePolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantPrunella Vulgaris
Skin ConditioningTorilis Japonica Extract
AntimicrobialRice Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Lysate
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Camellia Sinensis Extract Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBisabolol
AntioxidantXylitylglucoside
HumectantAcrylates Copolymer
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAnhydroxylitol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantSphingolipids
EmollientLinoleic Acid
CleansingAcetic Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantWater, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Caprylic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Glycine Soja Sterols, Helichrysum Italicum Extract, Phaseolus Angularis Seed Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Bacillus, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Inonotus Obliquus Extract, Lentinus Edodes Extract, Phellinus Linteus Ferment Filtrate, Schizophyllum Commune Mycelium, Tricholoma Matsutake Mycelium Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactobacillus, Centella Asiatica Extract, Gleditsia Australis Thorn Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Prunella Vulgaris, Torilis Japonica Extract, Rice Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces Lysate, Saccharomyces/Camellia Sinensis Extract Ferment Filtrate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Bisabolol, Xylitylglucoside, Acrylates Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Anhydroxylitol, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caffeine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Xylitol, Phospholipids, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Sphingolipids, Linoleic Acid, Acetic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken, emulsify, and improve the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions to give products an elegant feel when applied.
It can also form a thin protective film on skin. One study found that a formula using this polymer helped slow down how quickly other ingredients (like DEET) were absorbed through skin.
A 2024 study of over 1,300 patients confirmed that sensitization to this ingredient is rare. It is also non-mutagenic and has a clean track record.
Learn more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerButylene 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 GlycolChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.
Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds found in chamomile help with soothing, such as bisbolol.
Antioxidant components in chamomile make it an effective ingredient to help slow the signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, or molecules that may damage your skin.
Essential oils from chamomile have been found to improve wound healing due to its antimicrobial properties.
Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used Chamomile to treat skin redness and dryness. Chamomile has also been used to help treat stomach issues.
Learn more about Chamomilla Recutita Flower 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Phospholipids are a family of skin-identical lipids that makeup the structural backbone of every cell membrane in your body.
In cosmetics, they function as skin conditioning agents with emulsifier and surfactant properties. They're typically sourced from soybean or sunflower lecithin (or sometimes egg yolk or marine sources).
Because they mirror the lipids naturally found in the deeper layers of your skin, topical phospholipids help reinforce the lipid matrix, reduce transepidermal water loss, and leave skin feeling conditioned.
They're also used to form liposomes, or tiny self-assembling vesible used to stabilize actives like vitamin c or retinol. This helps these ingredients integrate into the upper layers of skin more easily.
Phospholipids are compatible with everything and the CIR Expert Panel has concluded them to be safe at current use levels.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe since phospholipids contain fatty acid chains in the C11-24 range that the malassezia yeast likes to feed on.
Some types of phospholipids include:
Learn more about PhospholipidsSodium 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 HyaluronateTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum