What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantCeratonia Siliqua Gum
EmollientChondrus Crispus Powder
Abrasive
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin Conditioning
Syringa Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialMentha Arvensis Leaf Extract
MaskingMonarda Didyma Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningJasminum Officinale Extract
Masking
Freesia Refracta Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Tetrapeptide-5
Humectant
Trideceth-6
EmulsifyingBetaine
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPotassium Chloride
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Sucrose
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Pantolactone
Humectant
Polyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Urea
Buffering
Yeast Amino Acids
HumectantTrehalose
Humectant
Inositol
Humectant
Taurine
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Glutathione
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Butylene Glycol, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Panthenol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Caffeine, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Syringa Vulgaris Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract, Monarda Didyma Leaf Extract, Jasminum Officinale Extract, Freesia Refracta Extract, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Trideceth-6, Betaine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Caprylate, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sucrose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Polysorbate 20, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Pantolactone, Polyglutamic Acid, Acetyl Glucosamine, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Potassium Sorbate, Glutathione, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891, Mica, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Calcium Chloride
AstringentCeratonia Siliqua Gum
EmollientXanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Chondrus Crispus Powder
Abrasive
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Phytate
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Ribes Nigrum Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Rubus Coreanus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Extract
TonicVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Arginine
Masking
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
Masking
Camellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Gold
Cosmetic ColorantCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Calcium Chloride, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Allantoin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Caffeine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Niacinamide, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Phytate, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ribes Nigrum Leaf Extract, Rubus Coreanus Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Arginine, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Gold, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77288
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
Allantoin 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 AllantoinAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.
Aloe is one of the most well-known natural soothing ingredients, and for good reason. It’s full of water and has a cooling, calming effect on the skin, especially when it’s sunburned, itchy, or irritated. Aloe also helps your skin stay hydrated and smooth by mimicking what healthy skin naturally produces. On top of that, it contains vitamins and nutrients that support skin recovery.
It doesn’t protect you from the sun, but it can help your skin bounce back after too much time in it.
Let’s get into the details:
Aloe contains antioxidant Vitamins A, C, and E, which help fight off free radicals (unstable molecules from things like pollution that can damage your skin).
It’s also rich in polysaccharides, which are natural sugars that help hydrate the skin by acting like the skin’s own moisturizing agents. These, along with other sugars like monosaccharides, help form a protective barrier that locks in moisture.
Aloe works as both a humectant and an emollient. That means it draws water into the skin (humectant) and helps trap it there (emollient), making it an effective natural moisturizer.
You’ll also find a mix of other skin-supporting ingredients in aloe, including folic acid, choline, calcium, amino acids, fatty acids, and even Vitamin B12.
Out of the 420+ species of aloe, Aloe barbadensis is the most widely used in skincare products thanks to its gentle yet effective properties.
There are over 420 species of aloe but Aloe Barbadensis is the most commonly used for topical products.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractCaffeine 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 CaffeineCellulose Gum is a water-soluble polymer that comes from cellulose. It is used to change the texture of a product and to help stabilize emulsions.
As an emulsifier, cellulose gum specifically thicken the texture of water-based products.
This ingredient is considered hypoallergenic and non-toxic. Cellulose Gum can be found in cosmetics, food, and other household goods such as paper products.
Learn more about Cellulose GumCeratonia 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 GumChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.
Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds found in chamomile help with soothing, such as bisbolol.
Antioxidant components in chamomile make it an effective ingredient to help slow the signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, or molecules that may damage your skin.
Essential oils from chamomile have been found to improve wound healing due to its antimicrobial properties.
Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used Chamomile to treat skin redness and dryness. Chamomile has also been used to help treat stomach issues.
Learn more about Chamomilla Recutita Flower ExtractChondrus Crispus Powder is an exfoliant.
Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract comes from the meat of the coconut fruit. It is an emollient and skin conditioner with antioxidant properties.
Coconut fruit is naturally rich in amino acids, sugars, and nutrients including Vitamin C and small amounts of vitamin B. Malic acid can also be found in coconut fruit extract.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.
Learn more about Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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 HyaluronateWater. 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 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
