What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Glycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingIsopentyldiol
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Alanyl Glutamine
HumectantPropanediol
SolventDunaliella Salina Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingLauryl Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer
CleansingAlcohol
AntimicrobialMyristica Fragrans Extract
MaskingPEG-8 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentTrisodium EDTA
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantRhus Semialata Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningAmodimethicone
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingTrehalose
HumectantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Bicarbonate
AbrasiveDisodium Adenosine Triphosphate
Skin ConditioningMyrtus Communis Extract
AstringentCI 77480
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Lactate
BufferingGlucose
HumectantSodium Phosphate
BufferingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingGlycoproteins
Skin ConditioningPotassium Chloride
Glycine
BufferingCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningThioctic Acid
AntioxidantGlycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin ConditioningLysine Hcl
Skin ConditioningSodium Pyruvate
Skin ConditioningIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningLeucine
Skin ConditioningTyrosine
MaskingThreonine
Valine
MaskingArginine Hcl
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
MaskingCystine
MaskingCalcium Chloride
AstringentHistidine Hcl
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingMethionine
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Branch/Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningTryptophan
MaskingPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningInositol
HumectantFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningThiamine Hcl
MaskingCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantLimonene
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingWater, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Isopentyldiol, Panthenol, Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Alanyl Glutamine, Propanediol, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Lauryl Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Alcohol, Myristica Fragrans Extract, PEG-8 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Carbomer, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Tromethamine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Parfum, Sodium Polyacrylate, Trisodium EDTA, Mica, Rhus Semialata Extract, CI 77891, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Amodimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Trehalose, CI 77491, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate, Myrtus Communis Extract, CI 77480, Sodium Lactate, Glucose, Sodium Phosphate, Disodium Phosphate, Glycoproteins, Potassium Chloride, Glycine, Cyanocobalamin, Thioctic Acid, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Lysine Hcl, Sodium Pyruvate, Isoleucine, Leucine, Tyrosine, Threonine, Valine, Arginine Hcl, Phenylalanine, Cystine, Calcium Chloride, Histidine Hcl, Serine, Methionine, Paeonia Suffruticosa Branch/Flower/Leaf Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Tryptophan, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Inositol, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hcl, Thiamine Hcl, Copper Tripeptide-1, Riboflavin, Limonene, Citronellol, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantPEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer
SolventDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPolysorbate 80
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPEG-150 Distearate
EmulsifyingDiethoxyethyl Succinate
SolventBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingOlive Oil PEG-8 Esters
EmollientParfum
MaskingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Methoxy PEG-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientAchillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingHoney
HumectantRehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLilium Candidum Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningBHT
AntioxidantGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingTocopherol
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAcetyl Heptapeptide-4
HumectantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAcetyl Octapeptide-3
HumectantWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Dipropylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-150 Distearate, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Polysorbate 20, Olive Oil PEG-8 Esters, Parfum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Methoxy PEG-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Chloride, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Honey, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, BHT, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Acetyl Heptapeptide-4, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sodium Hydroxide, Acetyl Octapeptide-3
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.
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
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 GlycolDipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.
Learn more about Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPentylene 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 GlycolPolysorbate 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 20Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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