What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningRosa Damascena Flower Oil
MaskingHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningRosa Damascena Extract
MaskingRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentPrunus Persica Fruit Extract
AbrasiveGlutathione
Rubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract
AstringentHyaluronic Acid
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Ascorbate
AntioxidantSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantUbiquinone
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantThiamine Hcl
MaskingInositol
HumectantBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantWater, Glycerin, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Panthenol, Glyceryl Stearate, Adenosine, Ceramide NP, Xanthan Gum, Cyanocobalamin, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Rosa Damascena Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Glutathione, Rubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Riboflavin, Sodium Ascorbate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid, Ubiquinone, Tocopherol, Thiamine Hcl, Inositol, Biotin, Beta-Carotene, Pyridoxine, Folic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingGlycerin
HumectantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantTromethamine
BufferingC12-14 Pareth-12
EmulsifyingWater
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantPhenylethyl Resorcinol
AntioxidantPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningAronia Melanocarpa Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAspalathus Linearis Extract
Skin ConditioningBambusa Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentSaccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantFicus Carica Fruit Extract
HumectantPhoenix Dactylifera Fruit Extract
EmollientTuber Magnatum Extract
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Ficus-Indica Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAdansonia Digitata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingSparassis Crispa Extract
Emulsion StabilisingCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantEuterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Ribes Nigrum Fruit Extract
AstringentRubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract
AstringentRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSpirulina Maxima Extract
SmoothingAstaxanthin
Skin ConditioningInositol
HumectantLinoleic Acid
CleansingThiamine Hcl
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Ascorbic Acid, Tromethamine, C12-14 Pareth-12, Water, Allantoin, Cellulose Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Panthenol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Propolis Extract, Aronia Melanocarpa Fruit Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Maltodextrin, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Phoenix Dactylifera Fruit Extract, Tuber Magnatum Extract, Biotin, Folic Acid, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Pyridoxine, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Sparassis Crispa Extract, Cyanocobalamin, Tocopherol, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Ribes Nigrum Fruit Extract, Rubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Astaxanthin, Inositol, Linoleic Acid, Thiamine Hcl, Disodium EDTA, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Limonene, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Linalool, Caramel
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
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 AdenosineAscorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C and is the biologically active form used directly by skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, but it also has plenty of benefits for your skin. It is best supported by academic literature for:
Topical vitamin C has been shown to help neutralize oxidative stress from UV and pollution, helping to improve photoaging and hyperpigmentation when used consistently.
One clinical study found that using 5% topical vitamin C for six months improved signs of photodamaged skin, both on the surface and in the deeper structural layers of the skin.
While vitamin C doesn’t replace sunscreen, studies show it can boost photoprotection when combined with Vitamin E and ferulic acid. These two ingredients help improve stability and protective effects.
The big downside of this ingredient is formulation difficulty. Vitamin C is prone to oxidation and doesn't penetrate the skin unless formulated correctly. Research found that vitamin C absorbs into the skin best at a low pH (< 3.5) with about 20% being the upper limit for effective absorption.
Skin levels can saturate after repeated application; this means your skin won’t keep absorbing more once it’s full of vitamin C. This is why more isn’t always better with vitamin C and why very high concentrations don’t necessarily give extra benefits.
Ascorbic acid generally works well with many skincare ingredients but can be irritating when combined with other active ingredients. Strong oxidizing acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide can reduce the effectiveness of vitamin C if they are used at the same time; they are often recommended for use at different times of day.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidBiotin 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 GlycolCyanocobalamin is the manufactured version of vitamin B12. It has skin soothing, antioxidant, and barrier protecting properties. Topical cyanocobalamin is used to treat skin irritation and atopic dermatitis.
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 EthylhexylglycerinFolic acid is a form of Vitamin B9. Our bodies use folic acid for creating new cells and for DNA repair.
Folic acid is an antioxidant, making it an effective skin repair ingredient.
In vivo studies show folic acid to decrease UV-C induced DNA damage on human fibroblasts. This is because folic acid is effective at rejoining breaks in the fibroblast DNA. It is believed folic acid may play a role in reducing UV-B damage as well. While the mechanisms are unknown, it is believed folic acid plays a role in disrupting the DNA damage process.
Studies show using moisturizers rich in folic acid led to increased hydration of the skin. Hydrated skin is essential for collagen and elastin, or for keeping skin plump. One study found a reduction in wrinkles from using folic acid creams.
Foods rich in folic acid include leafy vegetables, beans, peanuts, fresh fruit, and eggs.
Learn more about Folic 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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is a more stable version of lecithin.
It's made by taking lecithin (a phospholipid commonly found in soybeans and egg yolks) and hydrogenating it. This just means the unsaturated fatty acids are turned into saturated ones so they don't go bad as easily.
This ingredient is an emollient, emulsifier, and penetration enhancer. As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Hydrogenated Lecithin can form tiny spherical structures made of phospholipid bilayers called liposomes. These liposomes are able to capture compounds inside their structure and deliver them through the skin barrier.
Because phospholipids are a natural component of our cell membranes, this ingredient is inherently compatible with skin.
A 2021 study found lecithin-based surfactants were less harsh and more tolerable comared to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
Learn more about Hydrogenated LecithinInositol is a sugar alcohol naturally found in the human body. Our bodies use this ingredient in the process of growing new cells.
Studies show inositol to be a key component for keratinocyte growth.
Keratinocytes make up the majority of the outermost layer of skin. These cells protect our skin from UV exposure, infection, and help keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient is also considered a humectant. Humectants help hydrate the skin by drawing moisture to it.
Learn more about InositolNiacinamide 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 PanthenolWe don't have a description for Pyridoxine yet.
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 ExtractWe don't have a description for Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract yet.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) is a water-soluble form of Vitamin C. It is the salt of ascorbic acid.
This ingredient is commonly used in skincare because it's more formulation-stable while still offering the same benefits as pure ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is notorious for breaking down when exposed to sunlight and oxygen whereas SAP has been shown to be more stable.
Studies show SAP has anti-acne and antioxidant benefits. One study found 5% of SAP lotion to be an effective ingredient for treating acne vulgaris. This is because research shows that SAP may help control acne by reducing acne-causing bacteria and slowing the oxidation of skin oils caused by UV exposure.
In addition to acne, vitamin C is important for skin structure. Lab studies suggest SAP may support collagen production in skin cells, making it a great ingredient in anti-aging routines.
Vitamin C has many benefits: it helps reduce redness, improve skin texture, fade the appearance of dark spots, and brighten the skin.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateThiamine Hcl is Vitamin B1. The HCL stands for hydrochloride. Thiamine HCL is created using thiamine chloride and hydrochloric acid.
Our bodies use Thiamine HCL for aerobic metabolism, cell growth, and transmission of nerve impulses.
Learn more about Vitamin B in skincare:
Learn more about Thiamine HclTocopherol 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