Philosophy when hope is not enough serum Versus Philosophy Dose of Wisdom Bouncy Skin Reactivating Serum
This anti-aging serum is formulated around Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 and Palmitoyl Oligopeptide to soften the look of wrinkles and hydrate skin.
This hydrating serum is formulated around 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Squalane to hydrate skin and soften the look of wrinkles.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Oligopeptide
CleansingGlutathione
Allantoin
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPotassium Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Phosphate
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Polyacrylate
Limonene
PerfumingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Chlorphenesin
AntimicrobialBHT
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Glutathione, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, 1,2-Hexanediol, Potassium Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Carbomer, Butylene Glycol, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Parfum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Limonene, Maltodextrin, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, BHT, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialXanthan Gum
Emulsifying3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentSqualane
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientMethylpropanediol
SolventSodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingParfum
MaskingPlantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPEG-8
HumectantMica
Cosmetic ColorantSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingSilica
AbrasiveDimethylmethoxy Chromanol
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientHyaluronic Acid
HumectantGanoderma Lucidum Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningSilanetriol
Ascorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantAgave Americana Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCitral
PerfumingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Propanediol, Alcohol Denat., Xanthan Gum, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Maltodextrin, Squalane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Parfum, Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract, Carbomer, Lactobacillus, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 60, Adenosine, PEG-8, Mica, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tocopherol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Pentylene Glycol, Limonene, Silica, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Ganoderma Lucidum Stem Extract, Silanetriol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Agave Americana Leaf Extract, Citral, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Titanium Dioxide
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
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl 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 CarbomerEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneMaltodextrin is a plant-derived carbohydrate made by breaking down starch (usually from corn, potato, or rice). In cosmetic formulas, it's a multitasking absorbent, emulsion stabilizer, and skin conditioner.
This ingredient is mostly used to stabilize emulsions and improve the powdery, non-greasy feel of products (like dry shampoos).
Safety-wise, this ingredient is pretty solid; it's even recognized as a food additive. Both animal and clinical studies found no adverse effects at the levels used in cosmetics.
Industry data shows this ingredient is used up to 45.7% in spray products and up to 33% in powder products.
Learn more about MaltodextrinParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPentylene Glycol (1,2-pentanediol) is a multitasking little diol with three main roles in a formula:
Research on alkanediols (the family pentylene glycol belongs to) show they work by disrupting microbial cell membranes. This disruption helps the primary preservative system in a product work more effectively at lower doses.
On the safety side, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded this ingredient to be safe as used in current cosmetic practices + concentrations.
Typical use levels in a formula run about 1-5%.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPotassium 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 SorbateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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