What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantOctyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingDextrin
AbsorbentCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentButylene Glycol
HumectantLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingGuaiazulene
AntimicrobialGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Charcoal Powder
AbrasiveAdenosine
Skin ConditioningAlgin
MaskingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
PerfumingKaolin
AbrasiveCaffeine
Skin ConditioningCalamine
AbsorbentCanadian Colloidal Clay
Skin ConditioningChamaecyparis Obtusa Oil
MaskingCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingButyl Avocadate
Skin ConditioningLitsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
MaskingCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPelargonium Graveolens Oil
MaskingOcimum Basilicum Oil
MaskingSilt
AbsorbentOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCollagen
MoisturisingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPeat Water
Skin ConditioningEnteromorpha Compressa Extract
Skin ProtectingLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingSpirulina Platensis Extract
Skin ProtectingGelidium Cartilagineum Extract
Skin ProtectingUndaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingRutin
AntioxidantHydroxycinnamic Acid
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantTriticum Vulgare Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPropyl Gallate
AntioxidantCitrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantOligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantAlginic Acid
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Trehalose, Octyldodeceth-16, Ethylhexylglycerin, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Dextrin, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Maltodextrin, Butylene Glycol, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Guaiazulene, Gluconolactone, Glutathione, Charcoal Powder, Adenosine, Algin, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Kaolin, Caffeine, Calamine, Canadian Colloidal Clay, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Oil, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Butyl Avocadate, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Cyanocobalamin, Glycerin, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Ocimum Basilicum Oil, Silt, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Acacia Senegal Gum, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Propolis Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Collagen, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Caprylyl Glycol, Peat Water, Enteromorpha Compressa Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Rutin, Hydroxycinnamic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Triticum Vulgare Sprout Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Propyl Gallate, Citrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Oligopeptide-1, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Potassium Sorbate, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Alginic Acid, Limonene, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantBetaine Salicylate
AntimicrobialArginine
MaskingGlycereth-25 PCA Isostearate
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantGuaiazulene
AntimicrobialGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
BufferingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialDiospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingZanthoxylum Schinifolium Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDiospyros Kaki Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantWater, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Betaine Salicylate, Arginine, Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Guaiazulene, Gluconolactone, Panthenol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Glycolic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Zanthoxylum Schinifolium Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
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
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 AcidEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGluconolactone 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 GluconolactoneGlycerin (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 GlycerinGuaiazulene is a fragrance.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidThis form of hyaluronic acid is produced through fermentation.
According to a manufacturer, it has a positive charge by ionic binding to help moisturize and give hair a smooth feel. This is why you'll find this ingredient in shampoos and body washes.
We don't have a description for Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract yet.
Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolWe don't have a description for Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract yet.
This ingredient comes from the Kudzu root.
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate is a type of Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic Acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read about common types of Hyaluronic Acid here:
Learn more about Sodium Acetylated HyaluronateSodium 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 HyaluronateSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is a crosslinked version of sodium hyaluronate. This just means it's linked into a 3D mesh network that lets it be more stable and sit on skin as a cohesive, gel-like film rather than sinking into skin.
A 2016 human skin study found crosslinked HA increased epidermal water content by 7.6% over the control group and reduced transepidermal water loss by 27.8%.
A follow-up clinical trial found that a topical crosslinked HA serum applied after fillers, microneedling, or chemical peels was well-tolerated and enhanced skin quality at 14 / 28 days.
More recent research suggests that concentrations as low as 0.03% can act as a penetration enhancer for other skincare actives.
Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerThis tree is also known as the David Elm. It contains the ingredient bakuchiol.
Other great compounds found in this ingredient include galactose, glucose, and phenolics. The sugar content gives it great skin hydrating properties. Phenolics are potent antioxidants commonly found in fruits and veggies.
A 2020 study found the phenolics of this root to have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Fun fact: This ingredient is used in traditional Asian medicine.
Learn more about Ulmus Davidiana Root ExtractWater. 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