What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingGlycerin
HumectantPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientLactobacillus/Panax Ginseng Root Extract Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin Conditioning3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingSodium PCA
HumectantPunica Granatum Sterols
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningGlucosamine Hcl
Oryzanol
Skin ConditioningSucrose
HumectantZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Algin
Sorbitol
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantHydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Sodium Phytate
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCitrus Grandis Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingMentha Viridis Leaf Oil
AstringentLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingWater, Butylene Glycol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Lactobacillus/Panax Ginseng Root Extract Ferment Filtrate, Caffeine, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Yeast Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Sodium PCA, Punica Granatum Sterols, Ceramide NP, Glucosamine Hcl, Oryzanol, Sucrose, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Algin, Sorbitol, Tocopherol, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Citral
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate 2%
UV AbsorberOctocrylene 2%
UV AbsorberTitanium Dioxide 3%
Cosmetic ColorantZinc Oxide 3%
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDimethicone
EmollientLaureth-4
EmulsifyingPolyethylene
AbrasivePEG-100 Stearate
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Grandis Peel Oil
MaskingMentha Viridis Leaf Oil
AstringentCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingGarcinia Mangostana Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Wax
Castanea Sativa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPsidium Guajava Fruit Extract
AstringentCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Water
MaskingLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningAdenosine Phosphate
Skin ConditioningPantethine
EmollientCreatine
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningTourmaline
Cordyceps Sinensis Extract
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Carnitine Hcl
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningRhodochrosite
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTrehalose
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
EmulsifyingPvp
Emulsion StabilisingSqualane
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningIsostearic Acid
CleansingPolymethyl Methacrylate
Dimethicone Silylate
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantNylon-12
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasiveBHT
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeIron Oxides
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 2%, Octocrylene 2%, Titanium Dioxide 3%, Zinc Oxide 3%, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dimethicone, Laureth-4, Polyethylene, PEG-100 Stearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Wax, Castanea Sativa Seed Extract, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Water, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Adenosine Phosphate, Pantethine, Creatine, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Folic Acid, Tourmaline, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acetyl Carnitine Hcl, Caffeine, Rhodochrosite, Sodium Hyaluronate, Isopropyl Myristate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Trehalose, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Pvp, Squalane, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Yeast Extract, Isostearic Acid, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Dimethicone Silylate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Nylon-12, Xanthan Gum, Hexylene Glycol, Polysorbate 60, Silica, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides, CI 77891
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCaffeine is a naturally occurring plant compound found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa pods, and guarana.
As an antioxidant, caffeine protects your skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and envionrmnetal stressors.
Early research also shows that caffeine can help calm redness, soothe irritated skin, and support hair growth by stimulating microcirculation in the scalp.
You might have seen eye creams marketing caffeine as a depuffing ingredient. This is because it is a vasoconstrictor meaning it can temporarily constrict blood vessels, though clinical evidence for this specific use is still limited.
Most skincare products contain this ingredient at concentrations between 1-6%. It is able to penetrate skin easily regardless of skin type or thickness.
Just so you know, a very small number of case reports describe caffeine-induced allergy. This ingredient is generally well-tolerated, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for the majority of people.
Learn more about CaffeineCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitral is the molecule responsible for the fresh lemon scent in lemon, lime, and lemongrass. It is a fragrance ingredient that can be created from plant essential oils or synthetically.
Though Citral has documented antimicrobial activity against acne bacteria (which is where the marketing claims about it being good for acne-prone skin originate), real formulas use it at fragrance-level concentrations under 1% so there's likely no skin benefit.
You should know this ingredient is a known EU fragrance allergen.
Animal studies classifies this ingredient as a weak-to-moderate skin sensitizer and clinical patch testing on eczema patients confirmed it to be both a contact allergen and irritant.
The term 'citral' is a collective term for two geometric isomers: geranial/Citral A and neral/Citral B.
The term '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.
Learn more about CitralCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil is oil from the peel of an orange fruit.
Limonene and linalool make up the majority of oils from citrus peels. Limonene has a "citrus" fragrance. Citrus peels also contain flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Citrus peel is also a rich source of flavonoids. Flavonoids are natural antioxidants and help protect your skin against damage. Flavonoids are a group of compounds naturally found in vegetables and fruits.
The term '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.
Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel OilCitrus Grandis Peel Oil is an essential oil that is derived from the peel of a Grapefruit. It is composed largely of limonene, which is a fragrance that can cause irritation for sensitive skin.
Citrus Limon Peel Oil is created from the peels of the lemon. It is used to add a lemon-scent to products. Lemon peel oil also has antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. However, it may also cause phototoxicity and sensitize skin.
Lemon peel oil contains limonene, a skin sensitizing ingredient. Another component is furanocoumarin, which induces phototoxicity in skin.
Furanocoumarins bind and destabilize your DNA to increase the rate of sunburn.
Most reputable companies will remove furanocoumarins from their formulations.
Learn more about Citrus Limon Peel OilEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinWe don't have a description for Laminaria Saccharina Extract yet.
Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolThis ingredient is also called spearmint oil. It contains carvone (41-79%), limonene (10-22%), and small amounts of other monoterpenes depending on where it's grown.
In cosmetics, this ingredient mostly acts as a fragrancing/masking ingredient and mild astringent.
Lab studies show carvone to have antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, but it is a recognized fragrance allergen. Carvone is a mild skin sensitizer while limonene is a well-known one.
In a 21-year retrospective from a Swedish patch test clinic, 3.5% of patients tested positive for sensitive towards carvone.
Learn more about Mentha Viridis Leaf OilGinseng root is a well-loved ingredient in Asian skincare for good reason. It hydrates the skin, soothes irritation, and helps even out skin tone.
In traditional East Asian medicine, ginseng has been used for centuries both as food and as a healing remedy, and modern research continues to confirm its skin benefits.
One of the standout features of ginseng is its ability to improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the skin, bringing a fresh supply of nutrients to support overall skin health. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to protect your skin against damage from UV exposure, pollution, and daily stress.
Additionally, studies suggest that ginseng may help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin production.
There are different types of ginseng used in skincare, and while they all share core benefits, their potency can vary.
Most products use fresh or white ginseng because it’s more affordable. However, red ginseng, produced by steaming the root, contains higher levels of ginsenosides, which are compounds with proven anti-aging effects. These ginsenosides help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
Note: All forms of ginseng are listed simply as “Panax ginseng” in ingredient lists. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about which type of ginseng is used in their ingredients.
For general antioxidant benefits, any ginseng extract will do, but for wrinkle care or firmer skin, red or fermented ginseng is often more effective.
In short, ginseng is a powerhouse ingredient that supports hydration, radiance, and resilience.
Learn more about Panax Ginseng Root ExtractPhenoxyethanol 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.
Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumYeast extract is a silky, clear liquid derived from yeast (usually Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Torula yeast).
This ingredient has plenty of skin benefits:
Bioferments of yeast and soy have been found to reduce hyperpigmentation at low levels.
Due to its fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Yeast Extract