What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
C13-15 Alkane
SolventDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Betaine
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-1
Emollient
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ns
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Xylitylglucoside
Humectant
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Glucoside
Emulsifying
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
CleansingAnhydroxylitol
Humectant
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil
Emollient
Maltitol
HumectantTocopherol
Antioxidant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Resveratrol
Antioxidant
Fructan
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXylitol
Humectant
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
Masking
Oleic Acid
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPalmitic Acid
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantStearic Acid
Cleansing
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Glucose
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Linolenic Acid
Cleansing
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Masking
Salvia Triloba Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
EmulsifyingSodium Citrate
BufferingPelvetia Canaliculata Extract
Skin ProtectingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitral
Perfuming
Citrus Limon Peel Oil
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, C13-15 Alkane, Diisostearyl Malate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Betaine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Propanediol, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-1, Ceramide AP, Ceramide NP, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide EOP, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Linoleic Acid, Xylitylglucoside, Ectoin, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Lactobacillus Ferment, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Anhydroxylitol, Beta-Glucan, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil, Maltitol, Tocopherol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Resveratrol, Fructan, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xylitol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Arginine, Oleic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Palmitic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Stearic Acid, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Glucose, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Sodium Benzoate, Linolenic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Salvia Triloba Leaf Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Sodium Citrate, Pelvetia Canaliculata Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citral, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Arginine
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Copper PCA
HumectantAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingT-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Guaiazulene
Antimicrobial
Water, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Methyl Trimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Beta-Glucan, Centella Asiatica Extract, Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Copper PCA, Allantoin, Zinc PCA, Sodium PCA, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, T-Butyl Alcohol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Guaiazulene
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
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineBeta-Glucan is a soluble polysaccharide (a chain of glucose sugars) sourced from the cells walls of oats, baker's yeast, mushrooms, and seaweed.
It's a rare ingredient that pulls double-duty as a heavy-duty hydrator and skin-soothing repair agent.
On the surface, it acts as a humectant that holds water in place and reduces moisture loss for a plumper, smoother feel, while its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a great pick for calming redness or sensitive skin
The more interesting story is underneath:
Despite its large molecular size, oat beta-glucan has been shown to penetrate the epidermis and reach the dermis by slipping between skin cells. Here, it interacts with fibroblasts and macrophages to nudge collagen synthesis and support wound repair.
A small 2005 split-face clinical study of 27 subjects found topical beta-glucan produced measurable reductions in wrinkle depth, height, and roughness after 8 weeks of use.
It is worth noting the trial was small and the penetration testing used frozen, irradiated skin so the anti-aging data is encouraging rather than definitive.
This ingredient gets along with pretty much everything and is typically used around 0.1-1%.
Fungal acne: This ingredient is not a food source for the Malassezia yeast because it is a glucose polysaccharide with no fatty acid or ester component.
Learn more about Beta-GlucanButylene 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 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 ExtractEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is a more stable version of lecithin.
It's made by taking lecithin (a phospholipid commonly found in soybeans and egg yolks) and hydrogenating it. This just means the unsaturated fatty acids are turned into saturated ones so they don't go bad as easily.
This ingredient is an emollient, emulsifier, and penetration enhancer. As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Hydrogenated Lecithin can form tiny spherical structures made of phospholipid bilayers called liposomes. These liposomes are able to capture compounds inside their structure and deliver them through the skin barrier.
Because phospholipids are a natural component of our cell membranes, this ingredient is inherently compatible with skin.
A 2021 study found lecithin-based surfactants were less harsh and more tolerable comared to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
Learn more about Hydrogenated LecithinSodium 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 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
