What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantSorbitol
HumectantCoco-Glucoside
CleansingTea-Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingSodium Citrate
BufferingButylene Glycol
HumectantCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientPrunus Persica Fruit Extract
AbrasiveHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingPropanediol
SolventAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPantolactone
HumectantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantPolyglyceryl-10 Caprylate/Caprate
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Coco-Glucoside, Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Citrate, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Panthenol, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Propanediol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Cellulose Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pantolactone, Chlorphenesin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Polyglyceryl-10 Caprylate/Caprate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingLauryl Betaine
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantSodium Chloride
MaskingLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Soymilk Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialAllantoin
Skin ConditioningXylitol
HumectantPanax Ginseng Berry Extract
Skin ConditioningSaponaria Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPropylene Glycol Laurate
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantSodium Bicarbonate
AbrasivePhytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningPapain
Skin ConditioningXylitylglucoside
HumectantAnhydroxylitol
HumectantFructan
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantLevulinic Acid
PerfumingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientLaurylpyridinium Chloride
AntimicrobialXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Lauryl Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Lactobacillus, Lactobacillus/Soymilk Ferment Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Xylitol, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Saponaria Officinalis Leaf Extract, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Maltodextrin, Hexylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol Laurate, Ceramide NP, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glucose, Sodium Bicarbonate, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Papain, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Fructan, Ethylhexylglycerin, Gluconolactone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Metabisulfite, Levulinic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Laurylpyridinium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
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 GlycolCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (tea extract) is one of the most well-researched plant extracts in skincare with an impressive resume.
Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from the Camellia Sinensis plant.
Studies show green tea extract and its catechins (like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)) help your skin cells product energy more efficiently and reducing the number of free-radicals that can damage your skin from the inside.
In lab-grown skin models, this translated to younger, healthier, and stronger skin.
There's also good sun protection data; researchers saw less DNA damage and redness on human skin when green tea was applied before UVB exposure. And the more they applied, the better the protection.
Needless to say, this ingredient shouldn't replace your sunscreen. But it is a great supportive ingredient that you can already find in many sunscreens and antioxidant serums.
A 2009 study found a 2% green tea lotion was effective for mild-to-moderate acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity.
The quality of the extract matters a lot here:
Good extracts contain 50-90% catechins while lower quality ones are mostly there for marketing. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the quality or source of their ingredients.
Human Repeated Insult Patch Testing showed no irritation or sensitization at use concentrations (0.86% in leave-on products and up to 30% as leaf water).
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractChamomilla 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 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 GlycerinGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.
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.
Learn more about Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root ExtractHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract comes from the Japanese Knotweed plant native to Japan, Korea, and China.
This plant contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It contains high amounts of resveratrol, a potent antioxidant.
The root of the plant has been used in traditional folk medicine throughout Asia.
Learn more about Polygonum Cuspidatum Root ExtractRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.
While Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil can be volatile due to its fragrant properties, the fragrance components are usually removed in the leaf extract.
Rosemary Leaf Extract contains many antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid. Rosemarinic acid, a compound found in rosemary leaf, has been found to help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf ExtractScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract comes from the Baikal skullcap or Chinese skullcap plant. This plant is native to Northeast Asia and can be found in China, Mongolia, Korea, and Siberia.
In cosmetics, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. This is due to the flavonoid composition of Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract.
In Chinese traditional folk medicine, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract is used to help treat lung issues and hypertension.
Learn more about Scutellaria Baicalensis Root ExtractSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate is a type of Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic Acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read about common types of Hyaluronic Acid here:
Learn more about Sodium Acetylated HyaluronateSodium 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 Water