What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantHouttuynia Cordata Powder
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin ConditioningLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentButylene Glycol
HumectantSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantLactobacillus/Bean Seed Extract/Sodium Glutamate Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantArtemisia Capillaris Extract
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantAsiaticoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingMadecassoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPvm/Ma Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
C12-14 Alketh-12
EmulsifyingTromethamine
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Houttuynia Cordata Powder, Gluconolactone, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Butylene Glycol, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lactobacillus/Bean Seed Extract/Sodium Glutamate Ferment Filtrate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Carbomer, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Caramel, Pentylene Glycol, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, C12-14 Alketh-12, Tromethamine, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Maltodextrin, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventBetaine
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingDiglycerin
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingFicus Carica Fruit Extract
HumectantLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingEclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantArtemisia Princeps Extract
Skin ConditioningDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningSpiraea Ulmaria Extract
AstringentHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingCitrus Paradisi Peel Oil
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientAnthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
MaskingAniba Rosodora Wood Oil
AstringentPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Powder
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Allantoin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Polyacrylate
Disodium EDTA
Fructooligosaccharides
HumectantDextrin
AbsorbentBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantMadecassoside
AntioxidantPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Betaine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Diglycerin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Artemisia Princeps Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Aniba Rosodora Wood Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Panthenol, Houttuynia Cordata Powder, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Allantoin, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Disodium EDTA, Fructooligosaccharides, Dextrin, Beta-Glucan, Ceramide NP, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Madecassoside, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Betaine is a humectant. Like hyaluronic acid, it helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. It’s known for being gentle and for helping the skin maintain balanced hydration.
Betaine is mainly used to improve hydration and support calmer skin. It helps skin cells regulate water balance because it functions as an osmolyte.
Some studies suggest betaine may support making skin tone more even.
Fun fact: Betaine naturally exists in the skin and the body. In cosmetic products, it can be either plant-derived (most commonly from sugar beets) or synthetically produced for consistency and stability.
Betaine is also known as trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineButylene 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 GlycolCarbomer is a high-molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid. It is used to form gels and thicken formulas.
Due to its large molecular size, carbomer has minimal skin penetration and is considered an inert ingredient.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Learn more about CarbomerCentella 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 ExtractDisodium 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 EDTAEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinHouttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.
The components found in Heart Leaf give it antioxidant, hydrating, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Heart Leaf is rich in flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, and more. It also contains polysaccharides, the most common type of carbs in food.
Flavonoids have been shown to be effective antioxidants. They help neutralize free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are unstable molecules that may damage our skin cells and DNA. The flavonoids in Heart Leaf also help soothe the skin.
Polysaccharides are naturally found in our skin. They play a role in hydrating and repairing the top layer of skin. The polysaccharides in Heart Leaf help moisturize our skin.
Studies show decanoyl acetaldehyde, a component of Heart Leaf oil, is effective at killing bacteria.
The name 'Fish Mint' comes from the herb's natural fishy smell. Is is native to southeast Asia and used throughout the continent for traditional cooking and medicine.
Learn more about Houttuynia Cordata ExtractHouttuynia Cordata Powder comes from the Fish Mint or Chameleon plant. It is an herb native to southeast Asia and used throughout the continent. It is used in traditional cooking and medicine.
The components found in Fish Mint give it antioxidant, hydrating, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidLavandula Angustifolia Oil is more commonly known as lavender essential oil. It is considered a fragrancing ingredient.
Lavender imparts a famous scent. While the smell is lovely, this ingredient and may sensitize skin in topical products. This is because about 85% of the oil is made up of linalool and linalyl acetate.
When exposed to air, these two compounds become strong allergens. This ingredient exhibits cytotoxicity at low concentrations; amounts of 0.25% have been shown to damage skin cells.
A study from Japan found this ingredient caused lavender sensitivity after widespread exposure.
Lavender essential oil has some antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the cons of this ingredient may outweight the pros.
More research is needed to confirm lavender essential oil's effects when used in aromatherapy.
Lavandula Angustifolia is known as the English Lavender and famous for creating purple fields in Provence, France.
Learn more about Lavandula Angustifolia OilMadecassoside is one of four active compounds found in Centella asiatica and is one of the main reasons Centella is so effective at calming irritated skin and supporting the moisture barrier.
There's a solid body of peer-reviewed research backing Madecassoside for several skin benefits. Studies have found:
Madecassoside pairs well with other hydrating or antioxidant ingredients like Ascorbic Acid or Hyaluronic Acid.
Learn more about MadecassosideMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract is from the Neem tree. Neem trees originate from India.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
The flowers of this tree are lilac colored.
Learn more about Melia Azadirachta Flower ExtractMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is extract from the neem plant.
The leaves of this tree contain flavonoids and polyphenols. These two compounds are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Further research is needed as to their effects when applied on skin.
Tromethamine 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water