What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantCeratonia Siliqua Gum
EmollientTrehalose
HumectantInositol
HumectantTaurine
BufferingBetaine
HumectantArnica Montana Flower Extract
MaskingCedrus Atlantica Bark Extract
PerfumingSqualane
EmollientRetinol
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantPentapeptide-18
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAcetyl Tetrapeptide-5
HumectantGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Callus Culture
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientAureobasidium Pullulans Ferment
Skin ConditioningChondrus Crispus
MaskingAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum
Emulsion StabilisingCalcium Chloride
AstringentPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDisodium EDTA
Ultramarines
Parfum
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Extract, Squalane, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Lecithin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Adenosine, Scutellaria Baicalensis Callus Culture, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Aureobasidium Pullulans Ferment, Chondrus Crispus, Acetyl Glucosamine, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Polyglutamic Acid, Allantoin, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Calcium Chloride, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, CI 77891, Disodium EDTA, Ultramarines, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCarrageenan
Butylene Glycol
HumectantCyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum
Emulsion StabilisingCeratonia Siliqua Gum
EmollientDextrin
AbsorbentCalcium Chloride
AstringentPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPropanediol
SolventAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCyclodextrin
AbsorbentSucrose
HumectantUltramarines
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingBetaine
HumectantCocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantPotassium Chloride
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCalcium Lactate
AstringentArginine
MaskingSorbitan Caprylate
EmulsifyingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingHypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin ConditioningEnteromorpha Compressa Extract
Skin ProtectingSargassum Fulvellum Extract
Skin ConditioningSpirulina Platensis Extract
Skin ProtectingLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingUndaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningHizikia Fusiforme Extract
Skin ConditioningCodium Fragile Extract
Skin ConditioningPearl Extract
AntioxidantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Hydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningPentapeptide-18
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Oligopeptide
CleansingOligopeptide-29
AntioxidantOligopeptide-32
AntiseborrhoeicPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningPinus Sylvestris Leaf Extract
Tonic1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthyl Hexanediol
SolventDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Carrageenan, Butylene Glycol, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Dextrin, Calcium Chloride, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cellulose Gum, Propanediol, Allantoin, Cyclodextrin, Sucrose, Ultramarines, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Betaine, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Potassium Chloride, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Calcium Lactate, Arginine, Sorbitan Caprylate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Enteromorpha Compressa Extract, Sargassum Fulvellum Extract, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Codium Fragile Extract, Pearl Extract, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Beta-Glucan, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Pentapeptide-18, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Oligopeptide-29, Oligopeptide-32, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Ethyl Hexanediol, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Parfum, 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.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, commonly known as Argireline or Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, is a popular peptide in skincare. It’s often referred to as a “Botox-like” ingredient because it helps reduce muscle movement.
By relaxing these micro-movements, Argireline may help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. That said, it’s not as powerful as Botox, and research on its long-term effectiveness is still limited.
Beyond smoothing, Argireline may also support collagen production. Collagen is the protein that helps keep your skin firm, bouncy, and well-hydrated by strengthening the skin barrier.
So while Argireline isn’t a miracle fix, it can be a helpful addition to a routine focused on both prevention and skin health.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinBetaine is a humectant. Like hyaluronic acid, it helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. It’s known for being gentle and for helping the skin maintain balanced hydration.
Betaine is mainly used to improve hydration and support calmer skin. It helps skin cells regulate water balance because it functions as an osmolyte.
Some studies suggest betaine may support making skin tone more even.
Fun fact: Betaine naturally exists in the skin and the body. In cosmetic products, it can be either plant-derived (most commonly from sugar beets) or synthetically produced for consistency and stability.
Betaine is also known as 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 GlycolCalcium chloride is a white, odorless, crystalline solid. It is an astringent and can be used to change the viscosity of products.
This ingredient is highly soluble in water, acetic acid, and ethanol.
There are many forms of this ingredient, including monohydrate, dihydrate, tetrahydrate, and hexahydrate.
Learn more about Calcium ChlorideCaprylyl 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 GlycolCeratonia Siliqua Gum is extracted from the seeds of the carob tree. You might know this ingredient as Carob Gum or Locust Bean Gum. It is used to stabilize other ingredients and improve the texture of products.
Carob gum is made up of long-chain polysaccharides. This makes it a natural thickener.
Yes! This ingredient comes from the seeds of a tree. The name 'Locust Bean Gum' can be misleading.
Learn more about Ceratonia Siliqua GumChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinGuar gum is made from the guar bean, a plant native to India. It is considered a form of polysaccharide and naturally contains sugar.
This ingredient is often used to thicken a product or create a gel-like consistency.
It also has emulsion properties to help keep ingredients together.
Learn more about Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba GumDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinParfum 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 ParfumPeg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil comes from hydrogenated castor oil. It is a solubilizer and emulsifier.
As a solubilizer, it helps dissolve ingredients into a water-based version. It is also an emulsifer. Emulsifier help prevent oils and water from separating. Both these properties help create evenly-spread and uniform products.
Basically, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil helps hold ingredients together.
Learn more about PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor OilThis peptide is more commonly known as Leuphasyl. It has similar properties to argireline, the "botox peptide".
According to a manufacturer, Pentapeptide-18 mimics botulinum to freeze muscles and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Their study found this 5% of this ingredient reduced wrinkles by 11%.
Combining this ingredient with Argireline showed improved results.
Learn more about Pentapeptide-18Ricinus Communis Seed Oil is the INCI name for castor oil.
Castor Oil helps moisturize the skin. It is rich in a fatty acid called ricinoleic acid. This fatty acid helps prevent moisture loss on the skin. This helps keep your skin soft and hydrated. Ricinoleic acid also has anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties.
Besides hydrating the skin, castor oil is also used to hydrate hair. By keeping the hair shaft moisturized, breakage is decreased. More studies are needed to show castor oil's effective on stimulating hair growth.
Castor oil is created by cold-pressing castor seeds and then purifying the oil with heat. It was used in Ancient Egypt as fuel in lamps and to help treat eye irritation.
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 Ricinus Communis Seed OilUltramarines are a group of synthetic pigments. They can be either blue, green, pink, red, or violet.
Mineral sources are often used to create ultramarines. The FDA regulates this ingredient due to it potentially containing (trace) amounts of heavy metals.
Water. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water