What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningPhytonadione Epoxide
AstringentLinoleic Acid
CleansingDocosahexaenoic Acid
Skin ConditioningPinus Pinaster Bark Extract
AntioxidantEicosapentaenoic Acid
EmollientPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingNiacinamide
SmoothingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPhenylpropanol
MaskingLinolenic Acid
CleansingArnica Montana Flower Extract
MaskingCordyceps Sinensis Extract
AntioxidantTrametes Versicolor Extract
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantBisabolol
AntioxidantSorbitol
Humectant3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingSodium Citrate
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingWater, Propanediol, Phospholipids, Phytonadione Epoxide, Linoleic Acid, Docosahexaenoic Acid, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Phosphatidylcholine, Niacinamide, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Phenylpropanol, Linolenic Acid, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Trametes Versicolor Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Bisabolol, Sorbitol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, T-Butyl Alcohol, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Citric Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingDistarch Phosphate
AbsorbentPropanediol
SolventOleic Acid
EmollientSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingPunica Granatum Seed Oil
EmollientAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantXylityl Sesquicaprylate
AntimicrobialCetearyl Olivate
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingLinoleic Acid
CleansingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeBisabolol
AntioxidantLauryl Glucoside
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingIron Oxides
Anhydroxylitol
HumectantAlgin
MaskingGlyceryl Undecylenate
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBentonite
AbsorbentGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCaffeine
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCalcium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingResveratrol
AntioxidantSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantWater, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Distarch Phosphate, Propanediol, Oleic Acid, Sclerotium Gum, Sorbitan Olivate, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Xylityl Sesquicaprylate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sodium Benzoate, Decyl Glucoside, Linoleic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Bisabolol, Lauryl Glucoside, Tocopherol, Hyaluronic Acid, Aminomethyl Propanol, Iron Oxides, Anhydroxylitol, Algin, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bentonite, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caffeine, Mica, CI 77163, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Calcium Citrate, Citric Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Resveratrol, Sodium Metabisulfite
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Bisabolol is a gentle skin conditioner, antioxidant, and soothing ingredient.
It's primary claim to fame is soothing and research shows topically applied bisabolol can quiet the chemical messengers that cause your skin to become inflamed, helping to sooth any irritation.
A clinical study found that applying 0.5% bisabolol daily for 8 weeks produced an average 9% decrease in skin pigmentation. Researchers found it can also suppress the process that leads to excess melanin production in skin.
In vitro studies found that bisabolol combined with propylene glycol significantly increased skin permeability by increasing lipid fluidity in the stratum corneum.
You'll likely see use concentrations quite low, usually 0.1-0.2%.
Overall, this is a well-tolerated ingredient that works well in formulas designed for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin.
Learn more about BisabololThis ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. 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. Be sure to 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.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCitric 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 GlycerinLinoleic Acid is also known as Vitamin F. It is a fatty acid with emollient and skin conditioning properties. Our top layer of skin, or epidermis, contains high amounts of linoleic acid naturally.
Your body uses linoleic acid to build ceramides and prostaglandins. Ceramides keep your skin's barrier hydrated and strong while prosaglandins help control inflammation and healing. Needless to say, linoleic acid is crucial for having a strong skin barrier.
One study found applying linoleic acid rich sunflower oil to be more effective at repairing the skin barrier than oleic rich olive oil.
Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid, meaning our bodies cannot create it on its own. We need to get linoleic acid through foods such as nuts and vegetable oils.
Acne-prone skin tends to have linoleic acid and high levels of oleic acid.
Linoleic acid can also help treat acne by softening sebum to prevent clogged pores. Another study found using 2.5% linoleic acid gel for 4 weeks showed a 25% reduction in small comedones.
This ingredient can also help lighten hyperpigmentation or sun spots by disrupting the melanin production process. It also helps your skin shed melanin pigment from your skin caused by UV exposure.
Due to its role in the production of the fatty acid prostaglandin, linoleic acid can also help reduce inflammation and support wound healing.
Linoleic acid is not always fungal-acne safe; it may trigger flare-ups in sensitive individuals.
Learn more about Linoleic AcidNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePotassium 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 SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolSodium 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 BenzoateTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolTocopheryl 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