What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Glycereth-26
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Diethoxyethyl Succinate
SolventTrehalose
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Polydecene
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Methylpropanediol
SolventSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract
Skin Conditioning
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin Conditioning
Cnidium Officinale Rhizome Extract
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Biota Orientalis Leaf Extract
HumectantPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPoria Cocos Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Coptis Japonica Extract
AntimicrobialScrophularia Buergeriana Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPhellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningPiper Methysticum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Glucose
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
Emollient
Brassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Artemisia Capillaris Extract
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Asiatic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ns
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Trideceth-10
CleansingCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantFructose
Humectant
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Polysilicone-15
UV Filter
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Tromethamine
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Niacinamide, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Trehalose, Pentylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Panthenol, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Methylpropanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Cnidium Officinale Rhizome Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Biota Orientalis Leaf Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Beta-Glucan, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Coptis Japonica Extract, Scrophularia Buergeriana Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Piper Methysticum Root Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Glucose, Centella Asiatica Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Cholesterol, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Ceramide NP, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Trideceth-10, Caramel, Fructose, Maltodextrin, Polysilicone-15, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin
Onsen-Sui
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Sorbitol
Humectant
Erythritol
Humectant
Arnica Montana Extract
Skin ConditioningCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Humectant
Saxifraga Stolonifera Leaf Powder
Skin ConditioningTremella Fuciformis Extract
Humectant
Ceramide Ns
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ng
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Eos
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide As
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Oligopeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethanolamine
BufferingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientOnsen-Sui, Water, Propylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Erythritol, Arnica Montana Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Saxifraga Stolonifera Leaf Powder, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide NP, Ceramide Ng, Ceramide Eos, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide As, Ceramide AP, Oligopeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (also known as Argireline) is a synthetic hexapeptide that is often called a "topical Botox alternative".
It works by mimicking how Botox relaxes muscles; it interferes with the signaling process that tells your facial muscles to contract. This can help soften expression lines like forehead wrinkles or crow's feet over time.
The comparison to Botox does have limits because the molecule is water-loving and relatively large.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 has a hard time absorbing deeply enough through the skin's outer barrier to actually reach the muscles.
So whether it truly works the way Botox does at a biological level is still up for debate, but early clinical outcomes are fairly encouraging.
A 12 week human study of a multi-ingredient regimen containing this ingredient saw:
While some studies have observed improvements in wrinkle appearance, it is important to note that more consistent results are seen in multi-ingredient formulations (vs just Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 alone).
Some research studies also used higher concentrations (up to 10%) while this ingredient is usually found in concentrations up to 0.005% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Carbomer 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 CarbomerCeramide EOP is formally known as Ceramide 1.
It is naturally found in skin and part of the intercellular "mortar" holding everything together in your outermost layer.
EOP stands for a linked Ester fatty acid, a linked Omega hydroxy fatty acid, and the Phytosphingosine base.
What makes Ceramide EOP special is its ultra-long fatty acid chain; this unique structure allows it to bridge the lipid layers in your skin barrier to prevent water loss (something no other ceramide can do).
Low levels of Ceramide EOP have been found in people with eczema and psoriasis.
Using it together with other ceramides, cholesterol, and linoleic acid have been shown to meaningfully improve hydration and reduce water loss.
In one clinical study, a regimen using Ceramide EOP, NP, and AP led to significant symptom improvements in patients with eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin in just 4 weeks.
You'll usually see concentrations between 0.1-0.5% in formulations. Overall, this is a well-tolerated and safe ingredient for cosmetic use.
Learn more about Ceramide EOPCeramide 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 NPCeramide NS is formally known as Ceramide 2. It is one of the major ceramides in the stratum corneum (outermost layer of skin) plays a role in forming a protective barrier.
Due to its structure, skin lipids can be packed tightly and in turn, this strengthens the barrier and reduces water loss.
Studies show conditions like atopic dermatitis can worsen when ceramide NS levels are low.
Learn more about Ceramide NsEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinHydroxyacetophenone is a small phenolic molecule that earns its place in a formulas as an antioxidant and preservative booster.
As a phenol, it is able to neutralize free radicals to protect both the product and the skin from oxidative stress.
Though it can't kill microbes on its own, it works as a good supporting agent when combined with other preservatives like Phenoxyethanol or 1,2-Hexanediol.
This ingredient naturally occurs as piceol in Norwegian spruce needles (~0.4-1.1% dry weight and in cloudberries). Though the cosmetic-grade material is synthesized for purity and consistency.
You'll usually see it used at low levels and suppliers recommend up to 1% added to a water phase.
Safety testing was done at concentrations like 0.05% in SPF products and 0.5% in a Human Repeated Insult Patch Test. The safety evidence is assuring; this ingredient is safe for cosmetics in current use and also holds safety status as a food flavoring as well.
An honest caveat: the "soothing" and "anti-inflammatory" claims come mostly from supplier marketing rather than published clinical trials. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review's own literature search found no useful efficacy studies on this ingredient.
So the antioxidant and preservative-boosting roles are the well supported ones while the calming benefit is plausible but thinly evidenced.
Overall, this is a well-tolerated, low-irritation multitasker that quietly helps a formula stay fresh and stable.
Learn more about HydroxyacetophenoneWater. 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
