What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Artemisia Capillaris Extract
Glycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingTetrasodium EDTA
Tributyl Citrate
SolventSodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate
UV AbsorberBHT
Antioxidant
Buteth-3
SolventWater, Methylpropanediol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polysorbate 20, Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Retinol, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Panthenol, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium PCA, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tributyl Citrate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, BHT, Buteth-3
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Honey
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyacrylamide
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin Conditioning
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingViola Tricolor Extract
EmollientLaureth-7
EmulsifyingHydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Sargassum Fulvellum Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Brassica Campestris Flower Extract
AntimicrobialCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientCentaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
Astringent
Cosmos Sulphureus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningMagnolia Kobus Flower Extract
Antioxidant
Narcissus Pseudo-Narcissus Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Hybrid Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Tetrasodium EDTA
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Dextran
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Honey, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Ferulic Acid, Panthenol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylamide, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Chlorphenesin, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Viola Tricolor Extract, Laureth-7, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Sargassum Fulvellum Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Brassica Campestris Flower Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Cosmos Sulphureus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Magnolia Kobus Flower Extract, Narcissus Pseudo-Narcissus Flower Extract, Rosa Hybrid Flower Extract, Retinol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dextran, Sodium Metabisulfite, Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
This ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredientās final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideGlycerin (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 GlycerinThis ingredient is used in skincare as a delivery system.
It works by "encapsulating" active ingredients with its unique ring shape that is water-loving on the outside and oil-loving on the inside. This improves the stability and absorption of the product into the skin.
According to a manufacturer, it also offer some moisturizing effects.
Learn more about Hydroxypropyl CyclodextrinPanthenol 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 PanthenolPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Polysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolSodium metabisulfite is also known as Sodium Pyrosulfite. It is a preservative, antioxidant, and disinfectant.
As a preservative, it helps stabilize cosmetic formulas without affecting their color or scent.
Tetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable.
Tetrasodium EDTA comes as a white solid and is soluble in water.
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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
