Versus

Origins Plantscription SPF 25 Power Anti-Aging Oil-Free Cream Versus Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Power Creme SPF 25 Moisturizer

Day Moisturizer
Day Moisturizer
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on March 06, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both day moisturizers. They have a total of 28 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, peptides, SPF, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain common allergens, fragrances and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Plantscription SPF 25 Power Anti-Aging Oil-Free Cream

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%

UV Absorber
Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Homosalate 5%

Skin Conditioning
Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%

UV Absorber
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Octocrylene 2.8%

UV Absorber
Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Eczema Icon

Water

Skin Conditioning

Butyloctyl Salicylate

Skin Conditioning
Non-Reef-Safe Icon

Nylon-12

Non-Reef-Safe Icon

Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate

Emollient

Behenyl Alcohol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Myristyl Myristate

Emollient
0-5 / 2 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Cetyl Esters

Emollient
1 / 1 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polyethylene

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Rosa Damascena Flower Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Lavandula Angustifolia Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Illicium Verum Fruit/Seed Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil Icon

Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil

Masking
0-2 / 0 Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Myristica Fragrans Kernel Oil

Masking
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Citrus Limon Peel Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil Icon

Hibiscus Abelmoschus Extract

Masking

Geraniol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Linalool

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Citronellol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Limonene

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Citral

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Coffea Arabica Seed Extract

Masking

Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract

Skin Conditioning

Peucedanum Graveolens Extract

Tonic

Hordeum Vulgare Extract

Emollient

Pisum Sativum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Micrococcus Lysate

Skin Conditioning

Bambusa Vulgaris Extract

Skin Conditioning

Glyceryl Stearate

Emollient
1 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract

Skin Conditioning

Crithmum Maritimum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Anogeissus Leiocarpus Bark Extract

Skin Protecting

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial

Caffeine

Skin Conditioning

Centaurium Erythraea Extract

Skin Conditioning

Rubus Idaeus Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Cassia Alata Leaf Extract

Astringent

Phytosphingosine

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Trisiloxane

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Laminaria Digitata Extract

Skin Protecting

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Humectant
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Hydrolyzed Algin

Glucosamine Hcl

PEG-100 Stearate

0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

PEG-6

Humectant

Di-PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate

Emollient

Steareth-21

Cleansing

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Linoleic Acid

Cleansing
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Trehalose

Humectant

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Sodium PCA

Humectant
0 / 0

Lecithin

Emollient

Maltodextrin

Absorbent

Hexylene Glycol

Emulsifying
0-2 / 0-1

Sodium Dehydroacetate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Disodium EDTA

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Aquilaria Agallocha Wood Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 5%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%, Octocrylene 2.8%, Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Nylon-12, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Behenyl Alcohol, Myristyl Myristate, Dimethicone, Cetyl Esters, Polyethylene, Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Glycerin, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Illicium Verum Fruit/Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Myristica Fragrans Kernel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Hibiscus Abelmoschus Extract, Geraniol, Linalool, Citronellol, Limonene, Citral, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Peucedanum Graveolens Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Pisum Sativum Extract, Cholesterol, Micrococcus Lysate, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Anogeissus Leiocarpus Bark Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Caffeine, Centaurium Erythraea Extract, Rubus Idaeus Leaf Extract, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Phytosphingosine, Trisiloxane, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hydrolyzed Algin, Glucosamine Hcl, PEG-100 Stearate, Sodium Hyaluronate, PEG-6, Di-PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate, Steareth-21, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Squalane, Linoleic Acid, Trehalose, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium PCA, Lecithin, Maltodextrin, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Aquilaria Agallocha Wood Oil

Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Power Creme SPF 25 Moisturizer

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%

UV Absorber
Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Homosalate 7%

Skin Conditioning
Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%

UV Absorber
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Octocrylene 6%

UV Absorber
Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Eczema Icon

Butyloctyl Salicylate

Skin Conditioning
Non-Reef-Safe Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Dibutyl Adipate

Emollient

Dextrin Palmitate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Silica

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Cetyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 2 Fatty Alcohol Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Myristyl Myristate

Emollient
0-5 / 2 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Acrylates Copolymer

Glyceryl Stearate

Emollient
1 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

PEG-100 Stearate

0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Vp/Eicosene Copolymer

Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer

Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hibiscus Sinensis Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Humectant
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Laminaria Digitata Extract

Skin Protecting

Lactis Proteinum

Skin Conditioning

Tuna Extract

Skin Conditioning

Acetyl Glucosamine

Skin Conditioning

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract

Astringent
May cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Algae Extract

Emollient
May worsen Oily Skin Icon

Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract

Emollient

Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Silybum Marianum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract

Skin Conditioning

Caffeine

Skin Conditioning

Hordeum Vulgare Extract

Emollient

Sodium Lactate

Buffering

Sorbitol

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Propylene Glycol Dicaprate

Emollient

Sucrose

Humectant

Sodium PCA

Humectant
0 / 0

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Polysorbate 60

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hexylene Glycol

Emulsifying
0-2 / 0-1

Steareth-21

Cleansing

Disodium EDTA

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Trisiloxane

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Myristyl Laurate

C13-15 Alkane

Solvent

Biosaccharide Gum-4

Skin Conditioning

Heptyl Undecylenate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Isoceteth-20

Emulsifying
May cause irritation Icon

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Isohexadecane

Emollient

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

BHT

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Sodium Dehydroacetate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Sodium Benzoate

Masking
Preservative Icon

CI 14700

Cosmetic Colorant
2 / 1

CI 19140

Cosmetic Colorant

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

UV Absorber, UV Filter

Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.

Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.

Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.

However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.

Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!

The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.

Learn more about Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter

Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.

Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.

(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)

Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.

Learn more about Homosalate
UV Absorber, UV Filter

Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.

Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.

The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.

According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber, UV Filter

Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.

Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.

Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.

The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:

Learn more about Octocrylene
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Butyloctyl Salicylate is similar to octisalate. It a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. Its main purpose is to evenly spread out ingredients.

This ingredient is a common sunscreen ingredient carrier and photostabilizer. According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for carrying micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.

Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.

Due to regulation loopholes, this ingredient is not required to be labeled as an active chemical filter like other UV ingredients. This is why you'll likely find this ingredient in mineral sunscreens from the US.

According to EU regulation, this ingredient can cause harmful effects to aquatic life.

Learn more about Butyloctyl Salicylate
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Myristyl Myristate is created from the fatty acids of myristyl alcohol and myristic acid. In skincare, it is an emollient and texture enhancer.

On its own, this ingredient has a comedogenicity index of 5/5. This means it has the potential to clog pores. When diluted with cetyl alcohol or propylene glycol, the comedogenicity will decrease.

This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.

Nutmeg, palm kernel oil, and coconut oil all contain this ingredient naturally.

Learn more about Myristyl Myristate
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.

What it does:

Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:

Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.

Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.

This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.

Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.

Learn more about Dimethicone
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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 Glycerin
Skin Conditioning, Tonic

We don't have a description for Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract yet.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Hordeum Vulgare Extract yet.

Emollient, Emulsifying

Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.

It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.

As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.

In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.

This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe

Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.

Learn more about Glyceryl Stearate
Skin Conditioning

Caffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and is rich in antioxidants.

While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.

Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.

Learn more about Caffeine
Skin Conditioning

Trisiloxane is a type of silicone.

Skin Protecting

Laminaria Digitata Extract comes from the dark brown seaweed, Laminaria Digitata. It is a potent antioxidant, which also provides soothing and hydrating benefits.

Many studies show the antioxidant components of Laminaria Digitata to help with anti-inflammation.

This ingredient is rich in amino acids, proteins, sugars, and vitamins. Small amounts of minerals such as phosphorous, iron, potassium, and copper are also found the seaweed.

These components help hydrate and nourish your skin's natural barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier leads to more youthful looking skin and may help reduce the signs of aging.

Laminaria Digitata is found in the northern Atlantic Ocean.

What's the difference between algae and seaweed? Algae is a broad term that includes seaweed. Not all algae is seaweed.

Learn more about Laminaria Digitata Extract
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is a peptide. A common name for this peptide is Argireline.

Argireline has a similar function to botox; it prevents muscle movement and contractions slightly. By preventing muscles from moving, argireline also prohibits the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. However, research is lacking in proving this ingredient to be as effective as botox.

On the other hand, argireline tells our body to create more collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.

Read more about other common types of peptides here:

Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Peg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.

PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium 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 Hyaluronate
Cleansing, Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Steareth-21 yet.

Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Tocopheryl 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 Acetate
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol
Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD) is a stable and oil-soluble form of Vitamin C.

THD is special in that it has the ability to travel deeper into skin than traditional ascorbic acid while maintaining the same skin benefits (double win!).

Because it’s oil-soluble, THD dives deep into your skin’s fatty layers (think ceramides and cholesterol) to fight off the kind of free radicals that mess with your skin barrier. This makes it a great pair with water-based vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that mainly works on the surface.

Even at just 0.1%, THD is already showing great antioxidant activity. When used up to 2%, it helps keep your skin happy and calm, especially when it’s stressed from pollution or sun.

Want to fade dark spots or tackle hyperpigmentation? You’ll want 5% or more. Pairing it with brightening buddies like niacinamide or licorice root gives even better results. One study even used 30% THD with other brighteners and saw real results on stubborn discoloration, even in melasma-prone skin.

A note on THD: It’s has a slightly silky, oily texture and usually shows up colorless or pale yellow (though the exact shade can vary by supplier).

While you can sneak it into water-based formulas, it really shines when paired with silicones or oils, which help your skin soak it up better.

THD is pretty stable, but it’s still vulnerable to degradation like ascorbic acid. Too much light or heat (above 113°F / 45°C) can break it down over time. Go for dark and opaque packaging that keeps it safe and shady!

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Learn more about Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Buffering, Masking

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.

If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium 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 PCA
Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant. Glycols are a class of alcohols. Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant and emulsifier.

As a surfactant, Hexylene Glycol helps gather dirt and oil on your skin to be washed away.

As an emulsifier, Hexylene Glycol helps keep water and oil together. This prevents them from separating in a product. Hexylene Glycol also thins out the texture of a product by lessening viscosity.

Hexylene Glycol has a small molecular weight.

Learn more about Hexylene Glycol
Preservative

This ingredient is a preservative with antimicrobial properties. It is the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid.

It is especially effective at preventing bacterial and fungal growth in low concentrations.

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 EDTA
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol 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.

When to use

6 Routines
67% use in am
33% use in pm
100% use every day
2 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day