What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Sorbitol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientC10-18 Triglycerides
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Cetearyl Glucoside
Emulsifying
Collagen Extract
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Dipeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5
Humectant
Sh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Copper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Nonapeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Hexapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Serine
Masking
Methionine
Skin ConditioningCysteine
Antioxidant
Arginine
Masking
Tremella Fuciformis Extract
Humectant
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningPolyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Glyceryl Glucoside
Humectant
Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate
Skin Conditioning
Prunus Mume Fruit Extract
Humectant
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Panax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingOriganum Majorana Leaf Extract
AntiseborrhoeicMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
EmollientPhellinus Linteus Extract
Skin Conditioning3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Glucose
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Tropolone
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Water, Butylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polydecene, C10-18 Triglycerides, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Glucoside, Collagen Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Dipeptide-2, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Copper Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Nonapeptide-1, Hexapeptide-9, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Serine, Methionine, Cysteine, Arginine, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Polyglutamic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Glucoside, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Panax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Adenosine, Tocopherol, Sorbitan Stearate, Carbomer, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Origanum Majorana Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glucose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tropolone, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientBakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Citrus Junos Seed Oil
Emollient
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
Skin Protecting
Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract
Antioxidant
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Betaine
Humectant
Copernicia Cerifera Wax
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPropanediol
Solvent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDextrin
AbsorbentTin Oxide
Abrasive
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sorbitol
Humectant
Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingDocosahexaenoic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Emollient
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Citrus Junos Peel Oil
Astringent
Sodium Phytate
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Monascus Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Tromethamine
BufferingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Stearic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Bakuchiol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Junos Seed Oil, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Betaine, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Carbomer, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Dextrin, Tin Oxide, Tocopherol, Sorbitol, Phosphatidylcholine, Docosahexaenoic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Citrus Junos Peel Oil, Sodium Phytate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Phytosphingosine, Monascus Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tromethamine, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexylglycerin
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
This ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredientās final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCarbomer is a high-molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid. It is used to form gels and thicken formulas.
Due to its large molecular size, carbomer has minimal skin penetration and is considered an inert ingredient.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Learn more about CarbomerCurcuma Longa Root Extract is from the spice, turmeric. Besides being a healthy and delicious spice, turmeric also has plenty of skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties.
Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant. Antioxidants help neutralize unstable free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules may damage your skin's cells and DNA. Curcumin may help with anti-aging.
Curcumin also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe skin and reduce irritation. On top of that, curcumin has been shown to help prevent hyperpigmentation from sun damage.
The anti-microbial property of turmeric can make it effective in treating acne. This property has also been shown to help regulate the production of sebum.
Learn more about Curcuma Longa Root ExtractEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinSodium 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 HyaluronateSorbitol is a sugar alcohol. It is a hydrating and moisturizing agent created from the reduction process of glucose.
Most sorbitol is usually made from potato starch. It is also found in fruits such as apples and pears.
As a humectant, Sorbitol helps draw water to the skin. This helps keep the skin hydrated. Sorbitol also helps create a thicker texture in products. You might find sorbitol in your toothpaste and other gels.
It is a non-irritating ingredient that is great for those with dry skin.
Sorbitol is a prebiotic. It helps promote the growth of healthy bacteria on your skin. The bacteria on your skin form a microbiome. This microbiome helps protect your skin from infection and harmful bacteria.
Learn more about SorbitolStearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skinās lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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
