What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialMenthol
MaskingSalicylic Acid
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingPCA
HumectantAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPeat Water
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningNigella Sativa Seed Extract
PerfumingOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentRibes Nigrum Fruit Extract
AstringentRubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract
AstringentSalvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientSesamum Indicum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Arvensis Leaf Oil
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingCitrus Aurantifolia Oil
CleansingWater, Alcohol Denat., Menthol, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Arginine, PCA, Aminomethyl Propanol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Peat Water, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Nigella Sativa Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Ribes Nigrum Fruit Extract, Rubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Biotin, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceramide NP, Propolis Extract, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Limonene, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil
Water
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantStearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeSteartrimonium Chloride
PreservativePropylene Glycol
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningStearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventZinc Pyrithione
AntiseborrhoeicCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSalicylic Acid
MaskingPolyquaternium-10
Menthol
MaskingGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingSodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate
Emulsion StabilisingMilk Protein Extract
Butylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Chloride
MaskingMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Viridis Extract
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningLeonurus Sibiricus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
SoothingNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract
TonicGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningNigella Sativa Seed Extract
PerfumingOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentRibes Nigrum Fruit Extract
AstringentRubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract
AstringentSesamum Indicum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSalvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Corn Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningNonapeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Oligopeptide
CleansingPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantAcetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingWater, Dipropylene Glycol, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Steartrimonium Chloride, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Isopropyl Alcohol, Zinc Pyrithione, Caprylyl Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Polyquaternium-10, Menthol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Arginine, Sodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate, Milk Protein Extract, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Mentha Viridis Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Leonurus Sibiricus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Nigella Sativa Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Ribes Nigrum Fruit Extract, Rubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Biotin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Copper Tripeptide-1, Hexapeptide-9, Nonapeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Parfum
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.Β
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 preservativesΒ
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 ArginineBiotin is a B vitamin that is naturally produced by our bodies. It is also called Vitamin H.
Our bodies use biotin in the metabolism process. It also helps our bodies use enzymes and move nutrients around. A biotin deficiency can lead to brittle hair and nails.
More research is needed on applying biotin topically. However, taking biotin orally has been shown to help nourish the skin, hair, and nails. They play a role in forming skin-hydrating fatty acids.
Biotin is water-soluble. It can be found in foods such as fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, and meat. Vitamin H stands for "haar" and "haut". These are the German words for hair and skin.
Learn more about BiotinButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycine Max Seed Extract comes from the Soybean. This bean is native to Asia.
Soybeans are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants may improve the signs of aging.
Studies show soy may help fade hyperpigmentation from UVB. It does so by disrupting the melanin process caused by UVB induced skin inflammation.
Two powerful components found in the wild soybean include genistein and diadzein. These two isoflavones are potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Genistein in particular has been found to prevent redness caused by UV exposure.
Soybeans are rich in proteins and are part of the legume family. Foods made with soybeans include tofu, soymilk, edamame, miso, and soy sauce.
Learn more about Glycine Max Seed ExtractMenthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholNigella Sativa Seed Extract is a fragrance.
Oryza Sativa Extract comes from the rice grain, Oryza sativa. Rice extract has wound healing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties.
Rice grains contain numerous antioxidants which may help with anti-aging, such as vitamin E. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radical molecules. Unstable free-radical molecules may damage your skin cells and accelerate signs of aging.
A study from 2002 found rice to help increase the rate of wound healing. The same study found an improvement of skin barrier function in the patients after taking rice baths.
Numerous in-vitro studies have found rice water to help decrease sun damage by increasing collagen production and inhibiting the process of tyrosinase.
Long story short- tyrosinase is an enzyme that controls melanin production. Our bodies start producing melanin (AKA tanning) when exposed to UV radiation to protect against damage. Rice water is found to partially block this process.
Though more research is needed on rice's ability to help with UV protection, recent studies seem promising.
Wondering why rice is hydrating? The protein in rice have emollient properties. Emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in, keeping your skin moisturized.
Some rice extract may have mildly-exfoliating properties. These are mainly limited to Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran and Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Powder.
This rice was first cultivated in China over 10,000 years ago. Many cultures throughout Asia have used rice water on skin and hair for centuries.
Learn more about Oryza Sativa ExtractPanthenol 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 PanthenolRibes Nigrum Fruit Extract is from the black currant fruit.
Black currant berries contain Vitamin E and fatty acids. It can help soften the skin.
Blackberry extract is rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C. The majority of antioxidants include flavonoid, phenolic, and anthocyanins.
Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution. This may help reduce the symptoms related to aging.
Vitamin C contains many skin benefits.
Learn more about Rubus Fruticosus Fruit ExtractSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, itβs still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidThis ingredient comes from chia seeds (the same ones you put in your smoothie!). It has emollient and skin conditioning properties due to its rich concentration of linoleic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
One small clinical study of 10 people found that a 4% chia seed oil formulation significantly improved skin hydration and soothed itchiness in 8 weeks. Another study showed using a chia seed extract enriched with vitamin F told skin cells to produce more of their own hydration factors.
There's also some lab evidence that chia seed extract, when paired with pomegranate extract, may help reduce excess pigment production.
Learn more about Salvia Hispanica Seed ExtractSesamum Indicum Seed Extract can be good for oily skin.
This extract comes from the blueberry native to North America. It has great antioxidant and skin soothing properties.
The antioxidant properties from blueberries come from its polyphenolic and vitamin C content. Polyphenols are a compound famous for their antioxidant properties and are commonly found in fruits.
A 2023 study found blueberries to protect skin from UV-B related inflammation. However, this ingredient should not replace your sunscreen.
Learn more about Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit ExtractWater. 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