What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientHydrogenated Olive Oil Lauryl Esters
Emulsion Stabilising
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Simethicone
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate
Emulsifying
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Polyisobutene
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Emollient
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate
CleansingSorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Methylpropanediol
SolventPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Caramel
Cosmetic Colorant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPoria Cocos Extract
Skin ConditioningCnidium Officinale Root Extract
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningBiota Orientalis Leaf Extract
HumectantMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCoptis Japonica Extract
AntimicrobialGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPhellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningPiper Methysticum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningScrophularia Buergeriana Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Cholesterol
Emollient
Brassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientPhytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Fructose
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin Conditioning
Glucose
Humectant
Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
Humectant
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Asiatic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Ceramide Ns
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Hydrogenated Olive Oil Lauryl Esters, Diisostearyl Malate, Behenyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Simethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyisobutene, Caprylyl Glycol, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate, Sorbitan Oleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopherol, Methylpropanediol, Panthenol, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Maltodextrin, Caramel, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Biota Orientalis Leaf Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Coptis Japonica Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Piper Methysticum Root Extract, Scrophularia Buergeriana Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Cholesterol, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Fructose, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Glucose, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Ceramide NP, Beta-Glucan, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide EOP
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclomethicone
Emollient
Hydrogenated Coconut Oil
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientArbutin
Antioxidant
Petrolatum
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Triethanolamine
BufferingMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone
Emollient
Croton Lechleri Resin Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Damascena Flower Water
Masking
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water
Masking
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Illicium Verum Fruit Extract
Perfuming
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Parfum
Masking
Water, Cyclomethicone, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Arbutin, Petrolatum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan Stearate, Triethanolamine, Microcrystalline Wax, Dimethicone, Croton Lechleri Resin Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Carbomer, Sclerotium Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Illicium Verum Fruit Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Adenosine, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Parfum
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
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl 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 or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractCetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient ester. It comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient that adds a velvety feel to skin without being greasy or oily. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Disodium 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 EDTAGlycerin (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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is made by reacting glycerin with stearic acid (typically sourced from plant oils like palm or coconut). It's an emulsifier, emollient, and mild occlusive.
Emulsifiers help ingredients like oil and water stay mixed so your formula stays nicely blended and uniform in texture.
This ingredient is typically used in concentrations between 1-10%. Studies have found it to be non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic, and non-photoallergenic.
A close cousin of this ingredient is Glyceryl Stearate SE ("self-emulsifying"). This just has a small amount of sodium or potassium stearate added so it can emulsify without a co-emulsifier.
Since this ingredient is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, it may not be fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast can potentially metabolize within the C11-C24 range.
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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
