What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer
SolventNiacinamide
SmoothingCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimethicone
EmollientPropanediol
SolventButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantRosa Centifolia Flower Water
Skin ConditioningOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientAngelica Gigas Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBupleurum Falcatum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningOphiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialLinum Usitatissimum Seed Oil
PerfumingGlycine
BufferingSerine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantAspartic Acid
MaskingLeucine
Skin ConditioningAlanine
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingPhenylalanine
MaskingThreonine
Proline
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningMethionine
Skin ConditioningCysteine
AntioxidantHistidine
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingWater, Glycerin, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Niacinamide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Panthenol, Betaine, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Glycine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Proline, Valine, Isoleucine, Methionine, Cysteine, Histidine, Ceramide NP, Butylene Glycol, Adenosine, Carbomer, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Arachidyl Glucoside, Disodium EDTA, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Arginine
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialCoceth-7
EmulsifyingPPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether
EmulsifyingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientRosa Rugosa Stem Extract
HumectantTremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantOlea Europaea Fruit
AbrasiveSaussurea Involucrata Extract
HumectantHydrolyzed Hemp Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantEcklonia Cava Extract
Skin ConditioningGelidium Cartilagineum Extract
Skin ProtectingMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin ConditioningRubus Occidentalis Fruit Extract
AstringentCornus Officinalis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSchisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMorus Alba Fruit Extract
AntioxidantPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Disodium EDTA, Arginine, Panthenol, Betaine, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Carbomer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Alcohol Denat., Coceth-7, PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Parfum, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Rosa Rugosa Stem Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit, Saussurea Involucrata Extract, Hydrolyzed Hemp Seed Extract, Butylene Glycol, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Rubus Occidentalis Fruit Extract, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin
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
Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.
As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.
Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineBetaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Another name for betaine is trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl 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 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer is made up of glycerin and polyacrylic acid. It helps hydrate your skin as a humectant.
This ingredient forms a hydrogel that delivers moisturizing, water-based ingredients to the skin. It is also used to thicken a product and to give it a smooth texture.
Acrylic acid itself is toxic, but the polymer form (this ingredient) is too large to penetrate skin, making it non-toxic.
Learn more about Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid CopolymerGinseng 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 ExtractPanthenol 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 PanthenolParfum 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 ParfumPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 PropanediolWater. 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