What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Water
AntioxidantDibutyl Adipate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberTerephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberPolymethylsilsesquioxane
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingTromethamine
BufferingPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterPolysilicone-15
UV FilterGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingMethylpropanediol
SolventCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCoptis Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDextrin
AbsorbentAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPolyether-1
Madecassoside
AntioxidantGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantPolygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLycium Chinense Fruit Extract
AntioxidantVelvet Extract
HumectantOphiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAstragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
EmollientLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAnastatica Hierochuntica Extract
AstringentUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAtractylodes Lancea Root Extract
Skin ConditioningViola Mandshurica Flower Extract
AntioxidantDimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHyacinthus Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Tromethamine, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Methicone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polysilicone-15, Glyceryl Stearate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Methylpropanediol, Carbomer, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Dextrin, Adenosine, Polyether-1, Madecassoside, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Velvet Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Atractylodes Lancea Root Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyacinthus Orientalis Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientPropanediol
SolventPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingDisiloxane
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Centella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingTriticum Aestivum Seed Extract
PerfumingHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientArtemisia Capillaris Extract
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningViola Mandshurica Flower Extract
AntioxidantDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Kernel Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningWhey Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Potato Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Oat Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Barley Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Corn Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Pea Protein
EmollientHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Zinc Oxide, Cyclohexasiloxane, Propanediol, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Titanium Dioxide, Caprylyl Methicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Disiloxane, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Centella Asiatica Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Triticum Aestivum Seed Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Mica, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Ascorbic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Avena Sativa Kernel Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Whey Protein, Hydrolyzed Potato Protein, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Hydrolyzed Barley Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
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.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
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.
Aloe is one of the most well-known natural soothing ingredients, and for good reason. It’s full of water and has a cooling, calming effect on the skin, especially when it’s sunburned, itchy, or irritated. Aloe also helps your skin stay hydrated and smooth by mimicking what healthy skin naturally produces. On top of that, it contains vitamins and nutrients that support skin recovery.Â
It doesn’t protect you from the sun, but it can help your skin bounce back after too much time in it.
Let’s get into the details:
Aloe contains antioxidant Vitamins A, C, and E, which help fight off free radicals (unstable molecules from things like pollution that can damage your skin).
It’s also rich in polysaccharides, which are natural sugars that help hydrate the skin by acting like the skin’s own moisturizing agents. These, along with other sugars like monosaccharides, help form a protective barrier that locks in moisture.
Aloe works as both a humectant and an emollient. That means it draws water into the skin (humectant) and helps trap it there (emollient), making it an effective natural moisturizer.
You’ll also find a mix of other skin-supporting ingredients in aloe, including folic acid, choline, calcium, amino acids, fatty acids, and even Vitamin B12.
Out of the 420+ species of aloe, Aloe barbadensis is the most widely used in skincare products thanks to its gentle yet effective properties.
There are over 420 species of aloe but Aloe Barbadensis is the most commonly used for topical products.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractButylene 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 GlycolButyloctyl Salicylate is a chemical UV filter structurally similar to octisalate. It is a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. This ingredient helps evenly spread out ingredients.
According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for pairing with micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateCaprylyl Methicone is a type of silicone.
It helps soften and soothe the skin by creating a thin film on top. This film helps trap moisture, keeping your skin hydrated.
Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractDioscorea Japonica Root Extract comes from the Asian Mountain Yam. It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Antioxidants help neutralize free-radical molecules. These molecules may damage your skin cells and DNA.
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 GlycerinHouttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.
The components found in Heart Leaf give it antioxidant, hydrating, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Heart Leaf is rich in flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, and more. It also contains polysaccharides, the most common type of carbs in food.
Flavonoids have been shown to be effective antioxidants. They help neutralize free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are unstable molecules that may damage our skin cells and DNA. The flavonoids in Heart Leaf also help soothe the skin.
Polysaccharides are naturally found in our skin. They play a role in hydrating and repairing the top layer of skin. The polysaccharides in Heart Leaf help moisturize our skin.
Studies show decanoyl acetaldehyde, a component of Heart Leaf oil, is effective at killing bacteria.
The name 'Fish Mint' comes from the herb's natural fishy smell. Is is native to southeast Asia and used throughout the continent for traditional cooking and medicine.
Learn more about Houttuynia Cordata ExtractLaminaria Japonica Extract comes from a kelp more commonly known as 'sweet kelp'. It is commonly eaten in Japan, Korea, and China.
Sweet kelp is a humectant and helps hydrate your skin. Humectants draw moisture from the air to your skin.
Studies show Laminaria Japonica has antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging. Kelp also contains magnesium and zinc, making it great for calming inflammation and redness.
Learn more about Laminaria Japonica ExtractNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePentylene 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 GlycolPolymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxanePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolTocopherol (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 TocopherolThis 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 ExtractViola Mandshurica Flower Extract is an antioxidant.
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