What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Isododecane
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientPropanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Isopentyldiol
Humectant
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
EmollientStearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer
Emollient
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Olivate
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Squalane
Emollient
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitol
Humectant
Mannitol
Humectant
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Tricaprylin
Perfuming
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Phytate
Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Helianthus Annuus Extract
Emollient
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Glutathione
Decyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Gold
Cosmetic ColorantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Hexadecene
SolventPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Cetyl Diglyceryl Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
Emulsion Stabilising
Polysilicone-11
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantCellulose Acetate Butyrate
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Silica Silylate
Emollient
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Magnesium Stearate
Cosmetic Colorant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Chloride
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Propanediol, Glycerin, Isopentyldiol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Stearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Squalane, Ascorbic Acid, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Sorbitol, Mannitol, Retinol, Tricaprylin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Phytate, Phosphatidylcholine, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Tocopherol, Glutathione, Decyl Glucoside, Gold, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Hexadecene, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Cetyl Diglyceryl Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Dipropylene Glycol, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Silica, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Silica Silylate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Magnesium Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Diethoxyethyl Succinate
Solvent3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Trehalose
Humectant
Betaine
Humectant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCitrus Unshiu Fruit Water
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Propanediol
Solvent
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSilica
Abrasive
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDextrin
AbsorbentCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Sphaerocarpa Peel Extract
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Metaphosphate
BufferingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
MaskingTin Oxide
Abrasive
Cyclodextrin
AbsorbentProtease
Exfoliating
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Acetyl Heptapeptide-4
Humectant
Hexapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingAcetyl Octapeptide-3
Humectant
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trehalose, Betaine, CI 77891, Citrus Unshiu Fruit Water, Citric Acid, Propanediol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Mica, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica, Xanthan Gum, Dextrin, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Citrus Sphaerocarpa Peel Extract, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Metaphosphate, CI 77491, Sorbitan Isostearate, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Tin Oxide, Cyclodextrin, Protease, Caprylyl Glycol, Acetyl Heptapeptide-4, Hexapeptide-9, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sodium Hydroxide, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
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.
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 preservatives
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is one of the most popular "stable" vitamin C derivatives in skincare.
Plain ascorbic acid is fantastic but notoriously fragile; it browns, oxidizes, and loses potency fast. So attaching an ethyl group to the third carbon of the molecule gives it some cool perks:
In a formula, it does the 3 classic vitamin C jobs: it acts as an antioxidant, helps brighten skin tone by inhibiting tyrosinase, and supports collagen.
The evidence is reasonably solid for a cosmetic ingredient; Liao and colleagues (2018) showed it's significantly more stable than ascorbic acid while still being effective.
A 2021 study by Zerbinati and colleagues tested a serum with 30% 3-O-ethyl-l-ascorbic acid and 1% lactic acid significantly increased collagen production, reduced UVB-induced DNA damage, and decreased melanin on a reconstructed pigmented skin model.
Typical real world usage sits around 0.5-5% (and 1-2% is common for daily serums).
Amounts up to 30% have been shown to be non-irritating on human skin samples, but two isolated cases reported allergic contact dermatitis so a patch test is sensible if you have reactive skin.
Learn more about 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
Think of it as a supportive ingredient that helps your gel-creams feel silky, "cloud cream-like", and spread evenly without being greasy.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel evaluated it (along with 22 other acryloyldimethyltaurate polymers) and concluded it's:
Due to its large molecular size, it sits on the surface of skin rather than penetrating it.
Learn more about Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp CopolymerCaprylyl 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, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycerin (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 GlycerinPropanediol 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 PropanediolSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaWater. 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
