What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingBetaine
HumectantCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningGuaiazulene
AntimicrobialNiacinamide
SmoothingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantZinc PCA
HumectantCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAdansonia Digitata Seed Oil
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningSaururus Chinensis Extract
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Madecassoside
AntioxidantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientAcorus Calamus Root Extract
PerfumingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Betaine, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Panthenol, Gluconolactone, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Allantoin, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Guaiazulene, Niacinamide, Adenosine, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Zinc PCA, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Saururus Chinensis Extract, Propolis Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Madecassoside, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Acorus Calamus Root Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide As, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide AP, Glucose, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Limonene, Linalool
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientPEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningHippophae Rhamnoides Oil
EmollientCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingCinnamomum Camphora Bark Oil
MaskingMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingLitsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
MaskingMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientPelargonium Graveolens Oil
MaskingOcimum Basilicum Oil
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningLactobionic Acid
BufferingCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningMalpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Unshiu Peel Extract
MaskingNiacinamide
SmoothingCitrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentRibes Nigrum Seed Oil
EmollientHippophae Rhamnoides Extract
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
HumectantCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingBrassica Oleracea Italica Seed Oil
EmollientSolanum Lycopersicum Seed Oil
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbate
AntioxidantSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantUbiquinone
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantThiamine Hcl
MaskingInositol
HumectantBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingCetyl Ethylhexanoate, Isopropyl Palmitate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Cinnamomum Camphora Bark Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Ocimum Basilicum Oil, Water, Butylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Lactobionic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Niacinamide, Citrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Panthenol, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Brassica Oleracea Italica Seed Oil, Solanum Lycopersicum Seed Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Ascorbic Acid, Riboflavin, Cyanocobalamin, Sodium Ascorbate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ubiquinone, Tocopherol, Thiamine Hcl, Inositol, Biotin, Beta-Carotene, Pyridoxine, Folic Acid, Limonene
Reviews
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
Butylene 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 GlycolCapryloyl Salicylic Acid comes from salicylic acid, the famous acne-fighting BHA.
It usually goes by a more common name of LHA, or lipohydroxy acid.
Like salicylic acid, this ingredient is a chemical exfoliant that can help break down the oil in your pores and reduce inflammation.
Though studies for LHA do show it to be less effective than salicylic acid. To be fair, salicylic acid is the reigning monarch of acne treatments.
However, a study from 2009 found LHA to be comparable to BPO, making it a good alternative for people with sensitive skin. Another study of 14 patients found a significant decrease in comedones after using LHA.
Another pro of LHA? It is less irritating than salicylic acid due to its large molecule size.
Large molecules cannot penetrate skin as well, so they are gentler on the skin. LHA is much less penetrative than salicylic acid.
An in-vitro study (not done on a living organism) found only 6% of LHA penetrated past the statum corneum compared to 58% of salicylic acid. An in-vivo (done on a living organism) analysis revealed ~17% of LHA was still present in the top layer of skin after 4 days, versus ~9% of salicylic acid.
Interestingly, a study from 2008 found LHA comparable to another famous acid, glycolic acid.
This study found about 10% of LHA is as effective as 20-50% of glycolic acid in treating hyperpigmentation and fine-lines.
Hydroxy acids have been found to stimulate skin protein, lipids, and thermal thickening. This may have anti-aging benefits.
Learn more about Capryloyl Salicylic AcidCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is the oil from the bergamot orange. It is native to Italy.
This ingredient is used to add fragrance to products. It contains limonene, linalool, and linalyl acetate.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
When used topically, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is a photosensitizer due to its furanocoumarins. Photosensitizers make the skin and eyes much more sensitive to sunlight. Photosensitizers are linked to skin cancer.
However, more cosmetics using Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil are removing the furanocoumarins.
Bergamot oil was also found to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit OilEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Gluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneNiacinamide 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 PanthenolWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water