What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingPEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether
StabilisingCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingSilica
AbrasivePanthenol
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningAminobutyric Acid
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolysilicone-11
Raffinose
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Tromethamine
BufferingHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Tocopherol
AntioxidantPotassium Laurate
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningColloidal Gold
AntimicrobialAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningLinoleic Acid
CleansingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingDecylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningOleic Acid
EmollientTotarol
AntioxidantPalmitic Acid
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingLinolenic Acid
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, PEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Silica, Panthenol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentylene Glycol, Aminobutyric Acid, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysilicone-11, Raffinose, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Carbomer, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Potassium Laurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Colloidal Gold, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Polysorbate 20, Biotin, Cyanocobalamin, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Pyridoxine Hcl, Linoleic Acid, Hexylene Glycol, Decylene Glycol, Oleic Acid, Totarol, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientTriethylhexanoin
MaskingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMalva Sylvestris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAnthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
MaskingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningThuja Occidentalis Leaf Oil
MaskingLactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract
RefreshingCollagen Extract
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientMaltodextrin
AbsorbentMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantGlucose
HumectantSodium Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCalcium Pantothenate
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantPolyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyphosphate
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Ascorbate
AntioxidantMenadione
MaskingTricalcium Phosphate
AbrasiveSilica
AbrasiveHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantThiamine Hcl
MaskingLinoleic Acid
CleansingBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Panthenol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Triethylhexanoin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Adenosine, Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Oil, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Ascorbic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract, Collagen Extract, Cyanocobalamin, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Maltodextrin, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Glucose, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Calcium Pantothenate, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Sodium Polyphosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Pyridoxine, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Ascorbate, Menadione, Tricalcium Phosphate, Silica, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Biotin, Potassium Hyaluronate, Folic Acid, Tocopherol, Riboflavin, Thiamine Hcl, Linoleic Acid, Beta-Carotene
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
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate is a version of ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C.
This ingredient has many benefits including reducing wrinkles, skin soothing, dark spot fading, and fighting against free radicals.
It helps with dark spot fading by interfering with the process of skin darkening, helping to reduce hyperpigmentation. Like other forms of vitamin C, this ingredient encourages the skin to create more collagen.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
One study found Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate to degrade in sunlight, but is stabilized when combined with acetyl zingerone.
Learn more about Ascorbyl TetraisopalmitateBiotin 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 GlycolCaprylyl 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 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 (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.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Linoleic 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 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 PanthenolSilica, 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 SilicaTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water