What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Snail Secretion Filtrate
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Olivate
Propanediol
Solvent
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Asiatic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Betula Alba Juice
AstringentSqualane
Emollient
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPhytosteryl Macadamiate
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Malt Extract
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
C18-36 Acid Triglyceride
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Synthetic Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Hydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract
Skin ProtectingHydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
Antioxidant
C12-18 Acid Triglyceride
EmollientPhytosterols
Skin Conditioning
Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract
Antioxidant
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Humectant
Snail Secretion Filtrate, Water, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Glycerin, Cetearyl Olivate, Propanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Jojoba Esters, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside, Betula Alba Juice, Squalane, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrolyzed Malt Extract, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sorbitan Isostearate, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Tromethamine, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Synthetic Beeswax, Hydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, C12-18 Acid Triglyceride, Phytosterols, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-1
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
Solvent
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Cetearyl Olivate
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingBiosaccharide Gum-1
Humectant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Glucoside
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Trideceth-10
CleansingHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Brassica Oleracea Gemmifera Extract
AstringentHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sedum Sarmentosum Extract
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Linolenic Acid
Cleansing
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Masking
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin Conditioning
Sucrose Palmitate
EmollientSalvia Hispanica Seed Oil
Emollient
Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingWater, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Cetearyl Olivate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Sorbitan Olivate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Carbomer, Glyceryl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Trideceth-10, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Brassica Oleracea Gemmifera Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Sedum Sarmentosum Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Sucrose Palmitate, Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate
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
Biosaccharide Gum-1 is a sugar created by fermenting sorbitol (which usually comes from potato starch!). It is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties.
Manufacturer tests show this ingredient helped reduce irritation from lactic acid by almost half and kept skin hydrated long-term as a humectant
Beyond hydration, Biosaccharide Gum-1 gives formulas a silky, non-sticky feel.
This ingredient is gentle, versatile, and suitable for all skin types.
Fun fact: Similar sugars can be found naturally in fruits like apples and pears.
Learn more about Biosaccharide Gum-1Butylene 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 GlycolCarbomer is a synthetic thickening and gelling agent. It's basically the ingredient that gives a lot of serums, gels, creams, and sunscreens their smooth, non-sticky texture.
Although legally permitted at very high levels, carbomers are normally used at concentrations below 1%.
It also needs to be neutralized to actually thicken, and because it is a large molecule, it doesn't really penetrate the skin barrier.
Allergy-wise, the risk is very low. Clinical studies show carbomers have low potential for skin irritation/sensitization even at concentrations up to 100%.
A 2024 UK study patch-tested 1,302 patients and found true allergy to the parent group of carbomer to be rare with no confirmed relevant reactions.
Learn more about CarbomerCetearyl Olivate is a plant-derived emulsifier and texture enhancer. It helps keep the oil and water phases from separating so your formulas stay stable.
You'll likely see it combined with Sorbitan Olivate (together sold as the trade name Olivem 1000). This combination generates a liquid crystal structure that closely resemble the lipid organization of the stratum corneum.
These "skin-like" liquid crystals improve skin barrier integrity and promote the delivery of actives into the skin.
This ingredient is well-tolerated and has no significant sensitization data.
Because it is derived from the fatty acids in olive oil, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinHyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan (basically a long sugar chain) that your skin already makes on its own. In your skin, HA lives in the extracellular matrix and acts as the body's moisture reservoir.
Topically, HA is a humectant that binds water and helps skin look more plump, smooth, and hydrated.
The only catch is that HA isn't a single thing; it actually comes in a wide range of molecular weights (~50 - 2,000+ kDA) and size matters.
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
This is why the best HA serums blend the two sizes together so you get the best of both worlds.
The majority of cosmetic HA is produced by bacterial fermentation, typically using Streptococcus or Bacillus strains. Typical use levels in skincare sit around 0.1-2%.
A clinical study using a 0.2% low-molecular weight HA gel showed improvement in facial seborrheic dermatitis with excellent tolerance.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidHydrogenated Polydecene is a synthetic emollient. It forms a non-occlusive film on the skin's surface to provide a silky feel without being greasy.
In vivo studies in volunteers with atopic and dry skin showed no irritation or intolerance. The volunteers also saw a positive effect in dryness, scaling, and roughness after 28 days of use.
Concentrations up to 100% in guinea pig tests found it to be non-sensitizing and completely safe for use in cosmetics.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolydeceneHydrolyzed 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 AcidHydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.
This ingredient helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating. It can also help thicken the texture of a product.
This ingredient can also be found in pill medicines to help our bodies digest other ingredients.
Learn more about HydroxyethylcellulosePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium 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 HyaluronateSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Cetearyl Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateTromethamine (aka THAM) is a synthetic amino acid that shows up in skincare as a helper ingredient.
It functions as a pH adjuster to help neutralize acidic ingredients and set a formula's pH to the right spot.
This matters a lot because a lot of actives (like vitamin C) needs a specific pH to work well and feel comfortable on skin.
Concentration use ranges from 0.1-1.0% depending on the formula.
Learn more about TromethamineWater. 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
