What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingPropanediol
SolventNiacinamide
Smoothing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientMalva Sylvestris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAnthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
MaskingHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningThuja Occidentalis Leaf Oil
MaskingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningLactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract
RefreshingTrideceth-10
CleansingGlucose
HumectantCollagen Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningLinum Usitatissimum Seed Oil
PerfumingSalvia Hispanica Seed Oil
EmollientSqualane
EmollientCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantThiamine Hcl
MaskingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentPersea Gratissima Fruit Extract
EmollientXylitylglucoside
HumectantCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientAnhydroxylitol
HumectantSodium Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentCalcium Pantothenate
Xylitol
HumectantLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingLupinus Albus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningHydroxydecyl Ubiquinone
AntioxidantLecithin
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingMenadione
MaskingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveTocopherol
AntioxidantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Disodium EDTA
Copper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantTripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-2
Skin ConditioningHexapeptide-11
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningNonapeptide-1
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Propanediol, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Stearate, Panthenol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Allantoin, Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Oil, Adenosine, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Ascorbic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract, Trideceth-10, Glucose, Collagen Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Ceramide NP, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil, Squalane, Cyanocobalamin, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Riboflavin, Thiamine Hcl, Biotin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Maltodextrin, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Anhydroxylitol, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Calcium Pantothenate, Xylitol, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate, Lupinus Albus Seed Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pyridoxine Hcl, Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone, Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polysorbate 20, Menadione, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Silica, Tocopherol, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Copper Tripeptide-1, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-2, Hexapeptide-11, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Hexapeptide-9, Nonapeptide-1
Water
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDicaprylyl Carbonate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPhellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningCordyceps Sinensis Extract
AntioxidantGanoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingSpirodela Polyrhiza Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
MaskingCitrus Nobilis Peel Oil
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantLitsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientDaucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientGlyceryl Glucoside
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientPolyisobutene
Sodium Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingGlycerin
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantSilica
AbrasiveAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingWater, Propolis Extract, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Royal Jelly Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Spirodela Polyrhiza Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Glyceryl Glucoside, Panthenol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Polyisobutene, Sodium Carbomer, Glycerin, Allantoin, Adenosine, Glucose, Sorbitan Oleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Tocopherol, Silica, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Beta-Carotene, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Limonene, Citral
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineAllantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinButylene 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 GlycolThis 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 TriglycerideDicaprylyl Carbonate comes from carbonic acid and caprylyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It is an emollient and gives skin a velvet feel. The sources of Dicaprylyl Carbonate may be synthetic or from animals.
As an emollient, Dicaprylyl Carbonate creates a film on the skin. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlucose is a simple sugar (a monosaccharide). In skincare, it is mostly a humectant and skin conditioning agent.
Mechanistically, it has multiple hydroxyl groups that hydrogen-bond to water. This pulls moisture into the upper layers of skin to keep the surface soft and hydrated.
It's worth knowing sugars are already a natural component of the skin's NMF (natural moisturizing factor) so it's a molecule that your stratum corneum is well-acquainted with.
Just so you know, glucose is hydrophilic (water-loving) and the stratum corneum is a strong barrier to hydrophilic compounds. This just means penetration is slow and most of the action is happening on the surface.
Gram-to-gram, glucose is not as efficient as a humectant as glycerin. This is why you'll likely see glycose paired with stronger humectants for a bigger hydration payoff.
In skincare, glucose is typically derived from corn or other starch sources.
Learn more about GlucoseGlycerin (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 GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilNiacinamide 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 PanthenolPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate is created from the diester of stearic acid and the condensation product of methylglucose and Polyglycerin-3.
As an emulsifier, it is used to bind ingredients together. Many ingredients, such as oils and water, separate naturally. Emulsifiers prevent them from separating to ensure even consistency in texture.
One of the manufacturer for this ingredient states it is vegetable-based. It is also claimed to be stable at both high and low temperatures.
This ingredient may not be safe for fungal acne. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose DistearateSilica, 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 SilicaSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopherol 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 TocopherolWater. 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