What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingGlycerin
HumectantPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientLactobacillus
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, 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
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantBetaine
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentGlycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingStearyl Alcohol
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBrassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingHouttuynia Cordata Extract, Water, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Beta-Glucan, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Ceramide NP, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Biotin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Niacinamide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sorbitan Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Xanthan Gum, Pyridoxine Hcl, Sodium Hydroxide
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 GlycolCeramide NP is a type of ceramide and formally known as ceramide 3.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
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 GlycerinNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideSodium 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 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 HydroxideSodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid. It is naturally occurring in our skin's natural moisturizing factors where it works to maintain hydration.
The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.
This ingredient has skin conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.
Learn more about Sodium PCATocopheryl 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 AcetateWater. 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 WaterXanthan 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 Gum