What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantHippophae Rhamnoides Water
MaskingCarrageenan
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantCocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
EmollientCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingArginine
MaskingFerulic Acid
AntimicrobialCaffeine
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantCyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum
Emulsion StabilisingCeratonia Siliqua Gum
EmollientPropanediol
SolventCalcium Chloride
AstringentPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPinus Sylvestris Leaf Extract
TonicEthyl Hexanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPotassium Chloride
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSucrose
HumectantCalcium Lactate
AstringentCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSqualane
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Hippophae Rhamnoides Water, Carrageenan, Dipropylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Ascorbic Acid, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Arginine, Ferulic Acid, Caffeine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Propanediol, Calcium Chloride, Pentylene Glycol, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Extract, Ethyl Hexanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Potassium Chloride, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Allantoin, Cellulose Gum, Chlorphenesin, Sucrose, Calcium Lactate, Caprylyl Glycol, Squalane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, CI 77492
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
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 AllantoinCaffeine is a naturally occurring plant compound found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa pods, and guarana.
As an antioxidant, caffeine protects your skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and envionrmnetal stressors.
Early research also shows that caffeine can help calm redness, soothe irritated skin, and support hair growth by stimulating microcirculation in the scalp.
You might have seen eye creams marketing caffeine as a depuffing ingredient. This is because it is a vasoconstrictor meaning it can temporarily constrict blood vessels, though clinical evidence for this specific use is still limited.
Most skincare products contain this ingredient at concentrations between 1-6%. It is able to penetrate skin easily regardless of skin type or thickness.
Just so you know, a very small number of case reports describe caffeine-induced allergy. This ingredient is generally well-tolerated, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for the majority of people.
Learn more about CaffeineCalcium chloride is a white, odorless, crystalline solid. It is an astringent and can be used to change the viscosity of products.
This ingredient is highly soluble in water, acetic acid, and ethanol.
There are many forms of this ingredient, including monohydrate, dihydrate, tetrahydrate, and hexahydrate.
Learn more about Calcium ChlorideCarrageenan comes from red seaweed or algae. It is made up of polysaccharides and a highly flexible compound. Red algae cell walls are rich in carrageenan.
In cosmetics, it helps to thicken the texture. Studies show carrageenan extracted from red algae possess antioxidant properties. Components found in carrageenan include: lipids, fatty acids, Vitamin E, proteins, and several amino acids.
Learn more about different types of algae.
Carrageenan is also commonly used in medicine and food. It is a vegan alternative to animal-based gelatin.
Learn more about CarrageenanCeratonia 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 GumChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinGuar gum is made from the guar bean, a plant native to India. It is considered a form of polysaccharide and naturally contains sugar.
This ingredient is often used to thicken a product or create a gel-like consistency.
It also has emulsion properties to help keep ingredients together.
Learn more about Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba GumDisodium 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 EDTAEthyl Hexanediol is an aliphatic alcohol. It is a solvent.
Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 ExtractPropanediol 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 PropanediolSucrose 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 SucroseWater. 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