What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingOctyldodecanol
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantKaolin
AbrasiveGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPolyacrylamide
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantXylitylglucoside
HumectantBrassica Campestris Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningAnhydroxylitol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingAlthaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract
AbrasiveCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingPEG-100 Stearate
SurfactantC13-14 Isoparaffin
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentStearyl Stearate
EmollientLaureth-7
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingPropanediol
SolventPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingGlucose
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingCoumarin
PerfumingAmyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Octyldodecanol, CI 77891, Kaolin, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyacrylamide, Panthenol, Betaine, Alpha-Arbutin, Xylitylglucoside, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, PEG-100 Stearate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Microcrystalline Wax, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Sodium Polyacrylate, Stearyl Stearate, Laureth-7, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Stearic Acid, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Glucose, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Linalool, Coumarin, Amyl Cinnamal, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialSaccharomyces Lysate Extract
HumectantHydrogenated Rapeseed Alcohol
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingPhytosteryl Oleate
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearates
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantSynthetic Wax
AbrasivePEG-100 Stearate
SurfactantDimethicone
EmollientPropanediol
SolventBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylamide
C13-14 Isoparaffin
EmollientSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingTuber Magnatum Extract
Skin ConditioningCarnosine
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantTromethamine
BufferingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Butylene Glycol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Alcohol, Niacinamide, Phytosteryl Oleate, Glyceryl Stearates, Panthenol, Alpha-Arbutin, Synthetic Wax, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tuber Magnatum Extract, Carnosine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Dipropylene Glycol, Tromethamine, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Laureth-7, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alpha-Arbutin is a brightening active used to fade dark spots, melasma, and post-acne marks. Structurally, it is a hydroquinone with a sugar molecule attached (but is much gentler than raw hydroquinone).
It has a pretty elegant way of working; it slots into tyrosinase, or the key enzyme that your skin uses to make melanin), and competitively blocks it so your skin produces less pigment over time.
There are two forms of arbutin and alpha is the better one to reach for: it works at lower amounts, absorbs into skin more easily, and has a strong safety record.
The science backs this up too: lab and animal studies confirm it lowers melanin by blocking tyosinase and the more you use (up to a point), the more it works.
Human studies look good too.
A 2024 trial found a cream with 5% alpha-arbutin and 2% kojic acid worked about as well as a prescription melasma cream but with fewer side effects. Another study showed 2% alpha-arbutin paired with 10% Trihydroxybenzoic Acid Glucoside and sunscreen faded dark spots and melasma without causing irritation.
Concentration-wise, most serums land in the 1-2% range.
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety concluded that alpha-arbutin is safe in face creams up to 2% and body lotions up to 0.5%.
Overall, this is a well-studied and low-irritation brightener that's a great pick for anyone dealing with uneven skin tone. It also pairs well with vitamin C, niacinamide, and sunscreen.
Learn more about Alpha-ArbutinC13-14 Isoparaffin is a synthetic emollient, solvent, and thickening agent. It helps soften skin and improves spreadability without leaving a greasy residue.
This ingredient has been found to be non-sensitizing and safe for use in cosmetics.
Two things floating around online that cause fear-mongering:
There's one scary-sounding study related to kidney tumors in male rats; this depends on a protein called alpha-2u-globulin that binds the ingredient and clogs up kidney cells. Female rats barely make this protein, and humans don't make it at all so this effect cannot happen to us. Regulatory bodies have states this rat-only pathway shouldn't be used to judge human risk.
The other thing you'll see is 1,4-dioxane being a trace byproduct that can form during manufacturing of petroleum-derived ingredients. This is a real, but heavily managed/monitored issue. This byproduct is removed through purification steps before the ingredients goes into the formula. Regulatory bodies also actively monitor residual levels for safety.
One last thing to note: this ingredient is a pure hydrocarbon with no fatty-acid or ester chains for Malassezia to feed on, so it's considered fungal acne safe.
Learn more about C13-14 IsoparaffinCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that it is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid.
In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Just patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinLaureth-7 is created by the ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol using ethylene oxide. Lauryl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with hydrating properties.
This ingredient is an emulsifier and cleansing ingredient. As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps cleanse the skin by gathering dirt, oil, and pollutants to be rinsed away.
Niacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePanthenol 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 PanthenolPeg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.
PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer. It is used to stabilize products and bind ingredients. When hydrated, Polyacrylamide forms a soft gel.
Polyacrylamide is low-toxicity. If source properly, it is deemed safe to use in cosmetics.
It should be noted the precursor to Polyacrylamide is acrylamide. Acrylamide is a carcinogen. Most reputable sources of Polyacrylamide will screen for residual acrylamide to make sure the count is in a safe range. Acrylamide is not able to be absorbed through the skin.
We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about PolyacrylamidePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s 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 PropanediolWater. 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