What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract
AstringentButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingWater
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polydecene
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Synthetic Beeswax
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingVinyldimethicone
Propanediol
SolventHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCandida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialPolyacrylate-13
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingGelatin
Polyisobutene
Tocopherol
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Malt Extract
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract
Skin ProtectingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantMalpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingLithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAsiaticoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningThioctic Acid
AntioxidantGlutathione
Tremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantUbiquinone
AntioxidantPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantAnastatica Hierochuntica Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Water, Hydrogenated Polydecene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cetearyl Olivate, Synthetic Beeswax, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Vinyldimethicone, Propanediol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Polyacrylate-13, Dipropylene Glycol, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Gelatin, Polyisobutene, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, Hydrolyzed Malt Extract, Adenosine, Hydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract, Cellulose Gum, Polysorbate 20, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Disodium EDTA, Ethoxydiglycol, Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Thioctic Acid, Glutathione, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Ubiquinone, Potassium Hydroxide, Ascorbic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingMethylpropanediol
SolventPropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlyceryl Glucoside
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantArginine
MaskingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingC12-14 Alketh-12
EmulsifyingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Simethicone
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate-13
Disodium EDTA
Cyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningTriethyl Citrate
MaskingBetaine
HumectantPolyisobutene
Glyceryl Stearate
EmollientHydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum
HumectantTranexamic Acid
AstringentAbelmoschus Esculentus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingGlutathione
Fragaria Vesca Fruit Extract
AstringentCastanea Crenata Shell Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Junos Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningBetula Platyphylla Japonica Bark
Skin ConditioningRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingBisabolol
MaskingFerulic Acid
AntimicrobialCymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil
MaskingIllicium Verum Fruit/Seed Oil
MaskingOctyldodecanol
EmollientHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Methylpropanediol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Glucoside, Butylene Glycol, Arginine, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Carbomer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, C12-14 Alketh-12, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Simethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Adenosine, Polyacrylate-13, Disodium EDTA, Cyanocobalamin, Triethyl Citrate, Betaine, Polyisobutene, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum, Tranexamic Acid, Abelmoschus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Panthenol, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Glutathione, Fragaria Vesca Fruit Extract, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Citrus Junos Peel Extract, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Bark, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Bisabolol, Ferulic Acid, Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil, Illicium Verum Fruit/Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alpha-Arbutin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceramide NP, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate
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
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 GlycolThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
Manufacturers use the name Olivem 1000. This ingredient has been found to preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria. This ingredient is grouped with Sorbitan Olivate under the name Olivem 1000.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract is also known as Ivy Gourd Fruit Extract. It has skin conditioning properties.
Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolDisodium 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.
Glutathione is an antioxidant naturally found in our bodies. It is made up of three amino acids: glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid.
As an antioxidant, it prevents oxidative damage to parts of our cell.
While glutathione is said to help with fading dark spots, the results from research are inconclusive. Further studies are needed. With that said, gluthatione has been shown to protect our skin from UV-B induced damage.
This ingredient is naturally occurring in plants, animals, fungi, and some bacteria.
Learn more about GlutathioneGlycerin 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateHyaluronic 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 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 AcidNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePolyacrylate-13 is a type of acrylate polymer. Acrylate polymers are commonly used as adhesives in cosmetics.
Polyacrylate-13 creates a film to protect the skin. It is also used to thicken and stabilize a product. It works by making water a gel-like consistency. This gel consistency helps suspend particles.
Polyacrylate-13 is a copolymer of acrylic acid, acrylamide, sodium acrylate, sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate monomers
Learn more about Polyacrylate-13Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer made from isobutene.
It is a film-forming agent and helps bind ingredients together.
Polyisobutene is not absorbed by the skin.
Learn more about PolyisobutenePolysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolSodium 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 HyaluronateSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.
Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.
Due to its olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateWater. 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