What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingHydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSaccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingBroussonetia Kazinoki Callus Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSqualane
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientBetula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Skin ConditioningCoptis Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingDiethoxyethyl Succinate
SolventHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
MaskingCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantDextrin
AbsorbentAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Propanediol
SolventHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Broussonetia Kazinoki Callus Culture Extract, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Squalane, Ceramide NP, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer, Arginine, Caramel, Dextrin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Propanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningCeratonia Siliqua Gum
EmollientCellulose Gum
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantSucrose
HumectantPotassium Chloride
Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSaccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCoptis Chinensis Root Extract
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantBis-PEG-15 Methyl Ether Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningBetula Alba Leaf Extract
AstringentPolyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningPearl Extract
AntioxidantMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingTin Oxide
AbrasivePropanediol
SolventHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Tocopherol
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Cellulose Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sucrose, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, CI 77499, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Coptis Chinensis Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica, Adenosine, CI 77891, Bis-PEG-15 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Mica, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Betula Alba Leaf Extract, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Pearl Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Tin Oxide, Propanediol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Ceramide NP, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Sodium Hyaluronate, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
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.
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 GlycolCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractCeramide NP is a type of ceramide and formally known as ceramide 3.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.
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.
Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.
Learn more about Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinGlycine Max Seed Extract comes from the Soybean. This bean is native to Asia.
Soybeans are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants may improve the signs of aging.
Studies show soy may help fade hyperpigmentation from UVB. It does so by disrupting the melanin process caused by UVB induced skin inflammation.
Two powerful components found in the wild soybean include genistein and diadzein. These two isoflavones are potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Genistein in particular has been found to prevent redness caused by UV exposure.
Soybeans are rich in proteins and are part of the legume family. Foods made with soybeans include tofu, soymilk, edamame, miso, and soy sauce.
Learn more about Glycine Max Seed ExtractHyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.
This ingredient helps hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin.
What makes hyaluronic acid so hydrating? It has the capacity to bind or hold large amounts of water.
Fun fact: It is already naturally found in our bodies, such as the fluids of our eyes and our joints.
Studies find this ingredient to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This can help speed up wound-healing.
Hyaluronic acid can be irritating if the molecule has a low-molecular weight, or if the molecules are small.
One study found low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be pro-inflammatory, meaning some people may experience irritation. This is because our bodies use hyaluronic acid in the wound-healing process to signal to our bodies, via irritation, that something needs healing.
The same study found high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be anti-inflammatory.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidHydrolyzed collagen has a misleading name because it is actually a mixture of various proteins/peptides. This ingredient has skin hydrating properties.
Collagen is the most abundant type of structural protein found in your body. In your skin, it is responsible for keeping it firm and youthful.
Hydrolyzed Collagen is created by breaking up proteins into smaller peptide bonds. These peptides act as humectants and emollients.
Humectants are great at holding onto water, keeping skin hydrated. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
There is ongoing debate about whether hydrolyzed collagen works because it increases skin hydration. Skin hydration is also linked to elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.
Collagen or peptide ingredients can be used in the morning or night. They will not increase sun sensitivity, but you should always wear sunscreen during the day.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is a great hair conditioner as well.
This ingredient can be extracted from different sources, including:
Vegan collagen is derived from yeast, bacteria, or plant sources. Vegan collagen would go by a different INCI name, such as hydrolyzed soy protein.
The results are varied.
A study from 2021 found hydrolyzed collagen increased elasticity and improved wrinkles in 1,125 participants between age 20 and 70. Another study found increased skin thickness in participants between the ages of 45 to 59.
However, It is difficult to prove that oral collagen will end up working on your skin. Many of the studies using hydrolyzed collagen also add several vitamins and nutrients into the test mixture as well.
Further studies are needed at this time.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed CollagenHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.
Low molecular weight HA has been shown to hydrate and increase elasticity of the skin. Increasing elasticity is also associated with reduction of wrinkle depth.
One study found topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid may be considered for the treatment of rosacea in the adult population. However, we always recommend speaking with a professional about your skin concerns.
Hyaluronic acids are a humectant. This means they draw moisture from the air. Hyaluronic acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read more about other common forms of hyaluronic acid:
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.
Niacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 PropanediolThis combination of bacteria + black tea + fermentation = kombucha.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps boost radiance, smoothness, and thickens skin.
You can read about the skin benefits of the individual parts here:
Saccharomyces
Black tea
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is a type of hyaluronic acid. In fact, it is modified version of hyaluronic acid.
The structure of Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer allows it to stay in the skin's top layer for a longer period of time. This allows for even more hydration and humectant action than hyaluronic acid.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is a polymer and used to help stabilize other ingredients.
Emulsion stabilizers hold ingredients together, helping to create an even texture throughout the product.
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate can also be used to thicken the texture.
Learn more about Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl TaurateWater. 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 Water