Versus

Numbuzin 9+ NAD Bio Lifting-Sil Essence Versus Teeheehee Beta-Glucan + Growth Factor Tension Up Serum

Essence
Serum
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on January 29, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 23 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and peptides

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain oils

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
9+ NAD Bio Lifting-Sil Essence

Water

Skin Conditioning

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)

Emollient

Polyglycerin-3

Humectant

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate

Emollient

Propanediol

Solvent

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Methylpropanediol

Solvent

Cetearyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 1 Fatty Alcohol IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glyceryl Stearate

Emollient
1 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil

Emollient
3 / 0 Oil IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Dimethicone Crosspolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer

Sodium Polyacrylate

Absorbent

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Emulsifying

Carbomer

Emulsion Stabilising
1 / 0

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

Tromethamine

Buffering

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Adenosine

Skin Conditioning
Good for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Palmitic Acid

Emollient
2 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Stearic Acid

Cleansing
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sodium Phytate

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Adenosine Triphosphate

Skin Conditioning

Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin

Masking

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide

Skin Conditioning

Beta-Glucan

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Copper Gluconate

Skin Conditioning

Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment

Skin Conditioning

Saccharomyces/Iron Ferment

Skin Conditioning

Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment

Saccharomyces/Silicon Ferment

Skin Conditioning

Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment

Skin Conditioning

Capryloyl Dipeptide-17

Emollient
Peptide Icon

Thioctic Acid

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate

Antimicrobial
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glutathione

Good for Dark Spots Icon

Tremella Fuciformis Extract

Humectant

Haematococcus Pluvialis Oil

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconOil Icon

Potassium Hydroxide

Buffering

Resveratrol

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconSilicon Icon

Sorbitan Laurate

Emulsifying
1-2 / 1-2 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Steareth-20

Cleansing
2 / 1

Astaxanthin

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Lactate

Buffering

Hydroxyethylcellulose

Emulsion Stabilising

Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Heptasodium Hexacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Polysorbate 20

Emulsifying
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sodium Citrate

Buffering

Chlorhexidine Digluconate

Antimicrobial
Preservative Icon

Dextran

Hexapeptide-2

Bleaching
Peptide Icon

Magnesium Chloride

Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate

Skin Conditioning

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5

Humectant
Peptide Icon

Dipeptide-2

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Humectant
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Biotin

Antiseborrhoeic

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1

Peptide Icon

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3

Skin Protecting
Peptide Icon

Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract

Astringent
Good for Minimizing Pores Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Dipeptide-4

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Hexapeptide-11

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Pentapeptide-18

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Tripeptide-3

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sh-Decapeptide-7

Antioxidant
Peptide IconAntioxidant Icon

Sh-Octapeptide-4

Antioxidant
Peptide IconAntioxidant Icon

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconPeptide IconAntioxidant IconGood for Skin Texture IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Hexapeptide-9

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Oligopeptide-3

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Tripeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ubiquinone

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Copper Tripeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconGood for Skin Texture IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Caffeoyl Tripeptide-1

Antioxidant
Peptide IconAntioxidant Icon

Caffeoyl Sh-Octapeptide-4

Antioxidant
Peptide IconAntioxidant Icon

Galloyl Pentapeptide-33

Antioxidant
Peptide IconAntioxidant Icon

Kojyl Carboxy Dipeptide-23

Antioxidant
Peptide IconAntioxidant Icon

Nicotinoyl Tripeptide-1

Antioxidant
Peptide IconAntioxidant Icon

Octapeptide-7

Skin Protecting
Peptide Icon

Oligopeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Sh-Decapeptide-9

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Sh-Oligopeptide-9

Humectant
Peptide Icon

Sh-Pentapeptide-19

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Asparagine

Masking

Glutamine

Skin Conditioning

Tryptophan

Masking

Oligopeptide-2

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Sh-Oligopeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Sh-Oligopeptide-2

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Sh-Polypeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Sh-Polypeptide-22

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Sh-Polypeptide-3

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Acetyl Octapeptide-3

Humectant
Peptide Icon

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Carnosine

Skin Conditioning

Nonapeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Water, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Polyglycerin-3, Butylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Propanediol, Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Methylpropanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Sodium Polyacrylate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Sodium Phytate, Cholesterol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine Triphosphate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Beta-Glucan, Tocopherol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Copper Gluconate, Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment, Saccharomyces/Iron Ferment, Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment, Saccharomyces/Silicon Ferment, Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment, Capryloyl Dipeptide-17, Thioctic Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Glutathione, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Oil, Potassium Hydroxide, Resveratrol, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Sorbitan Laurate, Steareth-20, Astaxanthin, Sodium Lactate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Heptasodium Hexacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12, Panthenol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Citrate, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Dextran, Hexapeptide-2, Magnesium Chloride, Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Dipeptide-2, Potassium Sorbate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine, Citric Acid, Biotin, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Dipeptide-4, Hexapeptide-11, Pentapeptide-18, Tripeptide-3, Sh-Decapeptide-7, Sh-Octapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide, Hexapeptide-9, Oligopeptide-3, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Ubiquinone, Copper Tripeptide-1, Caffeoyl Tripeptide-1, Caffeoyl Sh-Octapeptide-4, Galloyl Pentapeptide-33, Kojyl Carboxy Dipeptide-23, Nicotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Octapeptide-7, Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Decapeptide-9, Sh-Oligopeptide-9, Sh-Pentapeptide-19, Asparagine, Glutamine, Tryptophan, Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-22, Sh-Polypeptide-3, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Carnosine, Nonapeptide-1

Beta-Glucan + Growth Factor Tension Up Serum

Water

Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking

Propanediol

Solvent

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Lavandula Angustifolia Flower

Skin Conditioning

Centella Asiatica Leaf Water

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Emulsifying

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Artemisia Annua Extract

Masking

Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract

Masking
Fragrance IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Portulaca Oleracea Extract

Skin Conditioning

Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract

Antimicrobial

Taraxacum Platycarpum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Ulmus Campestris Bark Extract

Astringent

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil

Emollient
Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil

Humectant
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil

Emollient
0-2 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil

Skin Conditioning
3 / 0 Oil IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Lactobacillus Ferment

Skin Conditioning

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Bifida Ferment Filtrate

Skin Conditioning

Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate

Humectant

Ceramide NP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Beta-Glucan 0.2%

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil

Skin Protecting
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Rosa Canina Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glyceryl Caprylate

Emollient

Sodium Carbomer

Emulsion Stabilising

Fructan

Skin Conditioning

Fucoidan

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Sucrose Stearate

Emollient
0 / 0

Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine

Emulsifying

Gellan Gum

Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate

Emulsion Stabilising

Hydrolyzed Collagen 0.05%

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Polyglutamic Acid

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Adenosine

Skin Conditioning
Good for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Sodium PCA

Humectant
0 / 0

Disodium EDTA

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Serine

Masking

Glycine

Buffering
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Madecassoside

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Alanine

Masking

Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Asiaticoside

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Neofinetia Falcata Callus Culture Extract

Skin Conditioning

Lavandula Angustifolia Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Centella Asiatica Extract

Cleansing
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Glycosphingolipids

Emollient

Phytosphingosine

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Humectant
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Copper Tripeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconGood for Skin Texture IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Hexapeptide-9

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Nicotinoyl Dipeptide-22

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Tripeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Tranexamoyl Dipeptide-22

Bleaching
Peptide Icon

Tripeptide-29

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Sh-Oligopeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Sh-Polypeptide-11

Peptide Icon

Sr-(Oligopeptide-91 Clostridium Botulinum Polypeptide-1)

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Sh-Oligopeptide-2

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Sh-Polypeptide-22

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Sh-Polypeptide-3

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Sh-Polypeptide-9

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Water, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Artemisia Annua Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Taraxacum Platycarpum Extract, Ulmus Campestris Bark Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Bifida Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Beta-Glucan 0.2%, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil, Rosa Canina Seed Oil, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Carbomer, Fructan, Fucoidan, Sucrose Stearate, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Gellan Gum, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Hydrolyzed Collagen 0.05%, Polyglutamic Acid, Adenosine, Sodium PCA, Disodium EDTA, Cholesterol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Serine, Glycine, Madecassoside, Alanine, Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone, Asiaticoside, Neofinetia Falcata Callus Culture Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycosphingolipids, Phytosphingosine, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Hexapeptide-9, Nicotinoyl Dipeptide-22, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Tripeptide-1, Tranexamoyl Dipeptide-22, Tripeptide-29, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-11, Sr-(Oligopeptide-91 Clostridium Botulinum Polypeptide-1), Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Polypeptide-22, Sh-Polypeptide-3, Sh-Polypeptide-9

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. 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
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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 Glycerin
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Solvent

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin. 

It’s often used to:

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 
Smoothing

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.

Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.

The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.

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.

Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.

Learn more about Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is a plant lipid from the fruit of the Shea Tree. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.

Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. It does this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.

Shea butter is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may harm the body. It is also full of fatty acids including stearic acid and linoleic acid. These acids help replenish the skin and keep skin moisturized.

While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.

Shea butter may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated 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.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Glycol
Skin Conditioning

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.

Skin Conditioning

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 Adenosine
Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.

Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.

Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.

Learn more about Cholesterol
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning

Beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide. It can be derived from the cell walls of seaweed, oats, yeast, and fungi. It hydrates the skin and helps boost your skin's natural barrier.

As an antioxidant, beta-glucan helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

Studies show this ingredient may be an effective wrinkle reducer as it can deeply penetrate into skin. It has also been show to help with wound healing.

Learn more about Beta-Glucan
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is a peptide. A common name for this peptide is Argireline.

Argireline has a similar function to botox; it prevents muscle movement and contractions slightly. By preventing muscles from moving, argireline also prohibits the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. However, research is lacking in proving this ingredient to be as effective as botox.

On the other hand, argireline tells our body to create more collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.

Read more about other common types of peptides here:

Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Skin Conditioning

Hexapeptide-9 is a peptide.

Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Tripeptide-1 is a peptide. It can help to reduce the effects of aging.

Skin Conditioning

You might know this ingredients as Matrixyl, a famous peptide.

Peptides are building blocks for protein. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 consists of five amino acids. These amino acids include: 2 lysines, 2 threonines, and serine

This ingredients tells our body to create more collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.

Thus, Matrixyl may help improve the look of wrinkles.

Read more about other common types of peptides here:

Learn more about Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning

Copper Tripeptide-1 is a peptide naturally found in body fluids. Peptides are building blocks for protein.

Studies show this ingredient tells our body to create more collagen and elastin. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Elastin is the protein responsible for giving our skin elasticity. Our bodies start to slow down collagen and elastin production with age.

Boosting collagen and elastin production can help create a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin. It's a win-win situation!

This ingredient helps with scar healing. This is because it breaks down damaged collagen, the main component of scar tissue. It may also help with reducing sunspots, acne scars, and uneven skin tone.

On top of all this, Copper Tripeptide-1 is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants help the body fight off free-radicals. Free radicals are molecules that damage our cells, such as pollution and tobacco smoke.

More benefits: Copper Tripeptide-1 helps maintain tissues in blood vessels and promote natural hyaluronic acid in skin.

Read more about other common types of peptides here:

Learn more about Copper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning

sh-Oligopeptide-1 is a peptide found naturally in our bodies. Peptides are the building blocks for collagen and elastin in our skin.

In cosmetics, this ingredient is bioengineered to be identical to a human gene that codes for epidermal growth factor (EGF). EGF are signal molecules that simulate cell growth and healing.

Studies find EGF help with:

In South Korea and China, EGF is considered a controversial ingredient. The South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has cracked down on companies with products including EGF due to false advertisement claims.

According to Dr. Zoe Draelos, growth factors have some drawbacks:

There is also controversy surrounding growth factors. The controversy is due to their mitogenic activity, or their ability to increase the number of cells. It is best to avoid using growth factors if you have psoriasis or are at risk of skin cancer. However, it should be noted EGF are not mutagenic - meaning they will not cause cancer.

Learn more about Sh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

This peptide has similar properties to Sh-Oligopeptide-1.

In cosmetics, this ingredient is bioengineered to be identical to a human gene that codes for epidermal growth factor (EGF). EGF are signal molecules that simulate cell growth and healing.

There is also controversy surrounding EGF. The controversy is due to their mitogenic activity, or their ability to increase the number of cells. It is best to avoid using growth factors if you have psoriasis or are at risk of skin cancer. However, it should be noted EGF are not mutagenic - meaning they will not cause cancer.

Learn more about Sh-Oligopeptide-2
Skin Conditioning

Peptides are amino acids naturally found in your skin. These amino acids make up many proteins your skin uses. Collagen is made up of peptides. Collagen is responsible for keeping your skin plump and youthful.

As you age, your body naturally produces less collagen. Since peptides are the building blocks of collagen, it may have anti-aging effects.

Skin Conditioning

Sh-Polypeptide-3 is a peptide.

When to use

79 Routines
37% use in am
62% use in pm
82% use every day
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