What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCeratonia Siliqua Gum
EmollientChondrus Crispus Powder
AbrasiveButylene Glycol
HumectantChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientCocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin ConditioningSyringa Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialMentha Arvensis Leaf Extract
MaskingMonarda Didyma Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningJasminum Officinale Extract
MaskingFreesia Refracta Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Tetrapeptide-5
HumectantTrideceth-6
EmulsifyingBetaine
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPotassium Chloride
Sodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentSucrose
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Polysorbate 20
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPantolactone
HumectantPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningUrea
BufferingYeast Amino Acids
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantInositol
HumectantTaurine
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeGlutathione
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingWater, 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 ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningResveratrol
AntioxidantPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingChamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin ConditioningCrataegus Monogyna Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantSalicylic Acid
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGelidiella Acerosa Extract
Skin ProtectingAlteromonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningLens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGeranium Robertianum Extract
AstringentAscophyllum Nodosum Extract
Skin ConditioningCistus Incanus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningAsparagopsis Armata Extract
Skin ProtectingHypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingSorbitol
HumectantSaccharomyces Lysate Extract
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingPropylene Glycol Caprylate
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
HumectantCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Sulfate
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantCI 60730
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Resveratrol, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Caffeine, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Salicylic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Geranium Robertianum Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Cistus Incanus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Asparagopsis Armata Extract, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Sorbitol, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Sodium Lactate, Propylene Glycol Caprylate, Sodium PCA, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Sulfate, Caprylyl Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, CI 14700, CI 60730, CI 17200, CI 42090, CI 19140
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCaffeine 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 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 EDTAGlycerin (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 GlycerinPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract comes Peony plant. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Emerging studies also show peony root may help reduce hyperpigmentation.
Ancient Chinese medicine has used peony root to treat dark spots, but studies are looking into this claim more.
Learn more about Paeonia Suffruticosa 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 ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSodium 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