What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
Smoothing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMannitol
HumectantHydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
MaskingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentAllantoin
Skin ConditioningSucrose
HumectantHydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPvm/Ma Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Sprout Extract
AntioxidantMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicOenothera Biennis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningClitoria Ternatea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Salicylic Acid
MaskingSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Mannitol, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Carbomer, Arginine, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Propanediol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Allantoin, Sucrose, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Ethylhexylglycerin, Zea Mays Starch, Panthenol, Betaine, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Hordeum Vulgare Sprout Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Clitoria Ternatea Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alpha-Arbutin, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate
Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycereth-26
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningIsopentyldiol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Water
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Diphenyl Dimethicone
EmollientTriethylhexanoin
MaskingSalicylic Acid
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningDextrin
AbsorbentTranexamic Acid
AstringentGlutathione
Calamine
AbsorbentSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingLactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Glycol
SolventCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantRaspberry Ketone
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Isopentyldiol, Niacinamide, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Water, Panthenol, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Adenosine, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, Diphenyl Dimethicone, Triethylhexanoin, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Cyanocobalamin, Dextrin, Tranexamic Acid, Glutathione, Calamine, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Benzyl Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Raspberry Ketone, Limonene, Linalool
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
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 AdenosineAllantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizingg properties. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Studies show higher concentrations of this ingredient can promote wound healing.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinButylene 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 GlycolCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (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 GlycerinHyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.
This ingredient helps hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin.
What makes hyaluronic acid so hydrating? It has the capacity to bind or hold large amounts of water.
Fun fact: It is already naturally found in our bodies, such as the fluids of our eyes and our joints.
Studies find this ingredient to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This can help speed up wound-healing.
Hyaluronic acid can be irritating if the molecule has a low-molecular weight, or if the molecules are small.
One study found low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be pro-inflammatory, meaning some people may experience irritation. This is because our bodies use hyaluronic acid in the wound-healing process to signal to our bodies, via irritation, that something needs healing.
The same study found high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be anti-inflammatory.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.
Low molecular weight HA has been shown to hydrate and increase elasticity of the skin. Increasing elasticity is also associated with reduction of wrinkle depth.
One study found topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid may be considered for the treatment of rosacea in the adult population. However, we always recommend speaking with a professional about your skin concerns.
Hyaluronic acids are a humectant. This means they draw moisture from the air. Hyaluronic acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read more about other common forms of hyaluronic acid:
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic 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 PanthenolPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate is an ester of lauric acid and Polyglycerin-10.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is a cleansing agent and emulsifier. It helps gather dirt, oil, and other pollutants to be rinsed away. As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating, such as oil and water.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-10 LauratePropanediol 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 PropanediolSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSodium 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 HyaluronateSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is a type of hyaluronic acid. In fact, it is modified version of hyaluronic acid.
The structure of Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer allows it to stay in the skin's top layer for a longer period of time. This allows for even more hydration and humectant action than hyaluronic acid.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerWater. 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