What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingNylon-12
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientMaltodextrin
AbsorbentLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningMannitol
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantPolyacrylate-13
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyisobutene
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingPolymethyl Methacrylate
Parfum
MaskingGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSaponins
CleansingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCarnosine
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningThymol Trimethoxycinnamate
AntioxidantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Retinol
Skin ConditioningGlycine Max Polypeptide
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPEG-75
HumectantPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic ColorantTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantBHT
AntioxidantGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPapain
Skin ConditioningPearl Powder
Sodium Polyphosphate
Tocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Nylon-12, Caprylyl Methicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbic Acid, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Dimethicone, Maltodextrin, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Mannitol, Trehalose, Polyacrylate-13, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Sodium Citrate, Panthenol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Parfum, Glycine Soja Oil, Xanthan Gum, Saponins, Glyceryl Caprylate, Carnosine, Tromethamine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Thymol Trimethoxycinnamate, CI 77891, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Retinol, Glycine Max Polypeptide, Sodium Hyaluronate, PEG-75, Phospholipids, Mica, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, BHT, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Papain, Pearl Powder, Sodium Polyphosphate, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantTriethylhexanoin
MaskingDimethicone
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPEG-150
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Sorbitol
HumectantHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPEG-5 Glyceryl Stearate
EmulsifyingPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantOphiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingSqualane
EmollientBehenic Acid
CleansingRehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingLactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingTheobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientAsparagus Cochinchinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAcanthopanax Senticosus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingSaccharomyces/Barley Seed Ferment Filtrate
HumectantSaccharomyces/Potato Extract Ferment Filtrate
HumectantAngelica Gigas Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientMyristic Acid
CleansingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAllium Tuberosum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPoria Cocos Sclerotium Extract
AstringentPEG-100 Stearate
Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract
AntioxidantLycium Chinense Fruit Extract
AntioxidantPEG-10 Phytosterol
EmulsifyingSchisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningVelvet Extract
HumectantAchyranthes Bidentata Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Acutiloba Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientPolygala Tenuifolia Root Extract
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Extract
PerfumingTribulus Terrestris Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTrisodium EDTA
Angelica Tenuissima Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBupleurum Falcatum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningEpimedium Koreanum Extract
AntimicrobialSilica
AbrasiveCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientCnidium Officinale Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol
CleansingPlatycodon Grandiflorus Root Extract
AntioxidantPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingSchizonepeta Tenuifolia Extract
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantPropagermanium
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., 1,2-Hexanediol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Triethylhexanoin, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, PEG-150, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Panthenol, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Sorbitol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, PEG-5 Glyceryl Stearate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Stearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, C14-22 Alcohols, Squalane, Behenic Acid, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Parfum, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Behenyl Alcohol, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Stearic Acid, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Carbomer, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Asparagus Cochinchinensis Root Extract, Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract, Acanthopanax Senticosus Root Extract, Arachidyl Glucoside, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Potassium Hydroxide, Saccharomyces/Barley Seed Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces/Potato Extract Ferment Filtrate, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Myristic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Allium Tuberosum Seed Extract, Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract, PEG-100 Stearate, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Eucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, PEG-10 Phytosterol, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Velvet Extract, Achyranthes Bidentata Root Extract, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Lecithin, Polygala Tenuifolia Root Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Tribulus Terrestris Fruit Extract, Trisodium EDTA, Angelica Tenuissima Root Extract, Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract, Epimedium Koreanum Extract, Silica, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol, Platycodon Grandiflorus Root Extract, Polysorbate 80, Schizonepeta Tenuifolia Extract, Tromethamine, Glycolipids, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Tocopherol, Propagermanium
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
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 is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeGlycerin 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 GlycerinHydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobutenePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolParfum 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 āFRAGRANCEā or āPARFUMā 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 ParfumTocopherol (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 skinās 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 TocopherolTromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. 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.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum