What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantPolysilicone-11
Bellis Perennis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSh-Pentapeptide-5
Skin ConditioningHieracium Pilosella Extract
MaskingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPotassium Glutathione Isomerized Linoleate
Glucomannan
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingSilica
AbrasiveSilica Silylate
EmollientSodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientLauryl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Benzoate
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Chloride
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Propylene Glycol
HumectantDecyl Glucoside
CleansingTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Polysilicone-11, Bellis Perennis Flower Extract, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Sh-Pentapeptide-5, Hieracium Pilosella Extract, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Glutathione Isomerized Linoleate, Glucomannan, Sodium Chloride, Silica, Silica Silylate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Trihydroxystearin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Chloride, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Propylene Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, Trisiloxane, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Mica, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPolysilicone-11
Squalane
EmollientPolyamide-5
Skin ConditioningC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingTocopherol
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Carnitine
Skin ConditioningTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientAesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Extract
AntimicrobialHypericum Perforatum Extract
AntimicrobialLycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
AstringentMalus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningRhododendron Ferrugineum Leaf Cell Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningChrysin
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantN-Hydroxysuccinimide
Skin ConditioningIsomalt
HumectantLecithin
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPropylene Glycol
HumectantAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Steareth-20
CleansingC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingLaureth-12
EmulsifyingTrisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantChlorhexidine Digluconate
AntimicrobialCitric Acid
BufferingLactic Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Polysilicone-11, Squalane, Polyamide-5, C14-22 Alcohols, Tocopherol, Panthenol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Carnitine, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Biotin, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Caffeine, Chrysin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hydroxyacetophenone, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Isomalt, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Propylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Steareth-20, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Laureth-12, Trisodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Citrate, CI 42090
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and is rich in antioxidants.
While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.
Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.
Learn more about CaffeineCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
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.
Polysilicone-11 is a film-forming silicone that creates a non-tacky and matte finish on the skin. It's commonly used to improve texture, absorb excess oil, and help active ingredients spread evenly.
Due to its "rubber-like" structure, it stays on the skin's surface instead of being absorbed. On the skin, it creates a flexible layer that enhances wearability and stability.
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 SorbatePropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water