What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientCaffeine
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningArnica Montana Flower Extract
MaskingAlthaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentAngelica Gigas Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract
AntimicrobialMorus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPhellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSesamum Indicum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSophora Angustifolia Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingAmorphophallus Konjac Root Powder
AbrasiveCarrageenan
Hydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPropanediol
SolventXylitylglucoside
HumectantSucrose
HumectantAnhydroxylitol
HumectantGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientXylitol
HumectantBetaine
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantLecithin
EmollientMaltodextrin
AbsorbentMagnesium Aspartate
Skin ConditioningZinc Gluconate
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCopper Gluconate
Skin ConditioningPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingGellan Gum
Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum
Emulsion StabilisingCeratonia Siliqua Gum
EmollientCalcium Chloride
AstringentTin Oxide
AbrasiveSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Bis(Glycidoxyphenyl)Propane/Bisaminomethylnorbornane Copolymer
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Disodium EDTA
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningEthyl Hexanediol
SolventChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Caffeine, Ceramide NP, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Allantoin, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder, Carrageenan, Hydroxyacetophenone, Hexylene Glycol, Propanediol, Xylitylglucoside, Sucrose, Anhydroxylitol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Xylitol, Betaine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glucose, Lecithin, Maltodextrin, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Copper Gluconate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Gellan Gum, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Calcium Chloride, Tin Oxide, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Bis(Glycidoxyphenyl)Propane/Bisaminomethylnorbornane Copolymer, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethyl Hexanediol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, CI 42090, CI 77891, CI 77491
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningCeratonia Siliqua Gum
EmollientCellulose Gum
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantSucrose
HumectantPotassium Chloride
Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSaccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCoptis Chinensis Root Extract
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantBis-PEG-15 Methyl Ether Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningBetula Alba Leaf Extract
AstringentPolyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningPearl Extract
AntioxidantMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingTin Oxide
AbrasivePropanediol
SolventHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Tocopherol
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Cellulose Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sucrose, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, CI 77499, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Coptis Chinensis Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica, Adenosine, CI 77891, Bis-PEG-15 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Mica, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Betula Alba Leaf Extract, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Pearl Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Tin Oxide, Propanediol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Ceramide NP, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Sodium Hyaluronate, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
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
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinButylene 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 GlycolCeramide NP (formerly known as Ceramide 3) is one of the skin's naturally occurring lipids.
Since ceramides are the major lipid components of the skin, they are crucial for maintaining skin barrier and hydration. Ceramide NP most closely mirrors the dominant kind in human skin amongst ceramide subtypes.
This ceramide works by slotting into gaps within the stratum corneum's lipid matrix to limit trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and shield the skin against external irritants.
A study with 312 patients found that using a ceramide-containing routine for 4 weeks reduced the severity of atopic dermatitis by over 61%.
Another clinical study in subjects aged 60 and older found that a ceramide body wash and moisturizer improved skin dryness and itchy skin in 15 days.
Overall, ceramides are considered non-irritating and safety tests have found little to no observable adverse effects from using this ingredient.
Ceramide NP is usually sourced from plants (like soybean or rice bran), or produced synthetically.
Learn more about Ceramide NPCeratonia Siliqua Gum is extracted from the seeds of the carob tree. You might know this ingredient as Carob Gum or Locust Bean Gum. It is used to stabilize other ingredients and improve the texture of products.
Carob gum is made up of long-chain polysaccharides. This makes it a natural thickener.
Yes! This ingredient comes from the seeds of a tree. The name 'Locust Bean Gum' can be misleading.
Learn more about Ceratonia Siliqua GumCi 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Disodium 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 EDTAEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinHydrolyzed collagen has a misleading name because it is actually a mixture of various proteins/peptides. This ingredient has skin hydrating properties.
Collagen is the most abundant type of structural protein found in your body. In your skin, it is responsible for keeping it firm and youthful.
Hydrolyzed Collagen is created by breaking up proteins into smaller peptide bonds. These peptides act as humectants and emollients.
Humectants are great at holding onto water, keeping skin hydrated. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
There is ongoing debate about whether hydrolyzed collagen works because it increases skin hydration. Skin hydration is also linked to elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.
Collagen or peptide ingredients can be used in the morning or night. They will not increase sun sensitivity, but you should always wear sunscreen during the day.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is a great hair conditioner as well.
This ingredient can be extracted from different sources, including:
Vegan collagen is derived from yeast, bacteria, or plant sources. Vegan collagen would go by a different INCI name, such as hydrolyzed soy protein.
The results are varied.
A study from 2021 found hydrolyzed collagen increased elasticity and improved wrinkles in 1,125 participants between age 20 and 70. Another study found increased skin thickness in participants between the ages of 45 to 59.
However, It is difficult to prove that oral collagen will end up working on your skin. Many of the studies using hydrolyzed collagen also add several vitamins and nutrients into the test mixture as well.
Further studies are needed at this time.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed CollagenHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
Though naturally occuring in Norwegian spruce needles, this ingredient is usually synthetically created.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing. Recent research also suggests it may have skin-brightening effects through tyrosinase inhibition.
Learn more about HydroxyacetophenoneMica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 HyaluronateSucrose is a natural sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It is the main constituent of white sugar.
In skincare, sucrose is a humectant and can be a mild exfoliant.
Sucrose is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water. This makes it an effective humectant and helps hydrate the skin.
Studies show sugars may worsen acne-prone skin due to it disrupting the skin's natural biome. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
In some products such as body scrubs, sucrose is used as an gentle exfoliant.
The term 'sucrose' comes from the french word for sugar, 'sucre'.
Learn more about SucroseTin Oxide is an inorganic oxide used to add opacity and volume to a product. In nature, it is already found in mineral form. The main ore of tin is an opaque and shiny mineral called casseterite.
Tin Oxide helps remove translucency in a product, or make it more opaque. Besides adding opacity, tin oxide is used for bulking to add volume.
Tocopherol (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 skin’s 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