What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Betaine
Humectant
Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberAlbizia Julibrissin Bark Extract
MaskingSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Glyceryl Linoleate
Emollient
Arginine
Masking
Glyceryl Linolenate
Emollient
Phytonadione Epoxide
AstringentSodium Phytate
Darutoside
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantPhospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Lecithin
Emollient
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Ceratonia Siliqua Gum
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningOctadecyl Di-T-Butyl-4-Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Coumarin
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Betaine, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Linoleate, Arginine, Glyceryl Linolenate, Phytonadione Epoxide, Sodium Phytate, Darutoside, Lactic Acid, Retinol, CI 77499, Phospholipids, Lecithin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Octadecyl Di-T-Butyl-4-Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, Linalool, Limonene, Coumarin, Geraniol, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Coconut Alkanes
Emollient
Tribehenin PEG-20 Esters
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Zea Mays Starch
Absorbent
Deschampsia Antarctica Leaf Extract
Antioxidant
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPalmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningHydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Arginine
Masking
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Mannitol
Humectant
Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingGlycerin
Humectant
Phytonadione Epoxide
AstringentCholesterol
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
PEG-8
HumectantPolysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingCitric Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
BHT
Antioxidant
BHA
Antioxidant
Water, Butylene Glycol, Coconut Alkanes, Tribehenin PEG-20 Esters, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tranexamic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Zea Mays Starch, Deschampsia Antarctica Leaf Extract, Retinol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Pentylene Glycol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Arginine, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Polyacrylate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Chlorphenesin, Mannitol, Phosphatidylcholine, Glycerin, Phytonadione Epoxide, Cholesterol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polysorbate 20, PEG-8, Polysorbate 80, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Tocopherol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, BHT, BHA
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneGlycerin (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.
We don't have a description for Phytonadione Epoxide yet.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateRetinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolSodium 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 BenzoateTocopheryl 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 Water
