What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
Emollient
Avena Strigosa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningChamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningCinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Masking
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Chloride
MaskingSorbeth-30 Tetraoleate
Emulsifying
Glycerin
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Lecithin
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Water, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Avena Strigosa Seed Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Glycerin, Allantoin, Lecithin, Butylene Glycol
Water
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningChamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Masking
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Polyglyceryl-3 Cocoate
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-6 Ricinoleate
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
EmulsifyingCapryl/Capramidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Polyquaternium-51
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Dipropylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Pentylene Glycol, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Cocoate, Polyglyceryl-6 Ricinoleate, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Capryl/Capramidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-51, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin
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
Butylene 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 GlycolThis ingredient comes from the leaves of the Japanese cypress tree that is also called Hinoki. The leaves are rich in flavonoids with quercitrin being one of its key actives.
A 2023 study tested a 70% ethanol extract on UVA-stressed, collagen-producing skin cells. Across multiple antioxidant tests, this extract protected skin from free radicals at meaningful rates.
And the coolest part? At 1000 µg/mL, it blocked two enzymes (collagenase and elastase) almost as well as vitamin C did at the same dose. Collagenase and elastase are the enzymes that break down your skin's collagen and elastin over time.
The same study found this ingredient lowered skin-breakdown enzymes and inflammation signals while bumping up collagen production in UV-stressed cells.
A 2024 follow-up tested a fermented version (fermented with mushroom) and it calmed down several key inflammation markers in irritated immune cells. So besides anti-aging, this ingredient can also help soothe skin.
Most of the data right now is still at the cell-culture stage rather than from human clinical trials. However, there's no harm in adding this ingredient to your routine.
Just be sure to patch test if you have a history of sensitivity toward botanical extracts.
Learn more about Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf ExtractThis ingredient comes from the cinnamon tree native to southern China.
Though cinnamon has a wonderful taste, it can cause skin irritation due to its rich coumarins, cinnamaldehyde, and styrene content.
This ingredient is created by fermenting soybean extract with the bacteria, lactobacillus.
Some studies have shown it to have antioxidant properties. One study found this ingredient to have stronger properties than non-fermented soybean extract.
Another study found in increase of isoflavones, amino acids, and peptides in fermented soy milk.
Learn more about Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment ExtractOregano leaf is a culinary and medicinal herb with skin conditioning properties.
This extract comes from Purslane, a succulent. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hydrating properties.
Purslane is very nutritious. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, NMFs, many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The vitamins found in purslane include: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E.
Fun fact: Purslane is a succulent with an extensive habitat. It is used in traditional Korean medicine to treat irritated skin.
Nowadays, purslane is becoming a superfood due to its highly nutritious content.
Learn more about Portulaca Oleracea ExtractSalix Alba Bark Extract comes from the bark of the white willow tree. The official CosIng listing states this ingredient to have astringent, skin conditioning, soothing, and tonic properties.
Its star compound is salicin, a natural glucoside that is chemically related to salicylic acid. That's why you'll often see it marketed as a "natural BHA alternative" but that's a bit of a stretch.
Your skin can't convert salicin to salicylic acid because it needs specific enzymes that aren't present on the skin's surface. It won't behave like true salicylic acid, especially at the concentrations used in cosmetics.
However, this ingredient has its own perks. It contains flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins that give it proven antioxidant and soothing properties.
An 8-week clinical study found a cream with 2% of this extract improved skin microcirculation, elasticity, and dark circles. This is most likely due to its role in increasing hyaluronic acid synthesis in fibroblasts and improved vascular integrity.
Another study found a topical serum with 0.5% salicin showed improvements in visible signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, and texture.
Just be careful if you have a known aspirin/salicylate allergy and be sure to consult with a medical professional about using this ingredient if you do.
Fun fact: Willow Bark extract has been used for thousands of years and ancient civilizations used white willow to help treat pain and fevers.
Learn more about Salix Alba Bark ExtractScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract comes from the Baikal skullcap or Chinese skullcap plant. This plant is native to Northeast Asia and can be found in China, Mongolia, Korea, and Siberia.
In cosmetics, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. This is due to the flavonoid composition of Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract.
In Chinese traditional folk medicine, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract is used to help treat lung issues and hypertension.
Learn more about Scutellaria Baicalensis Root ExtractChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideWater. 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
