What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingGlycerin
HumectantTerminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
AntioxidantHamamelis Virginiana Water
AstringentWater
Skin ConditioningAscophyllum Nodosum Extract
Skin ConditioningDextran
Nonapeptide-1
Skin ConditioningMedicago Sativa Extract
TonicGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientSodium Oleate
CleansingOligopeptide-68
BleachingMicrocitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
Propanediol
SolventChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
BufferingPlankton Extract
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientSucrose
HumectantCymbopogon Flexuosus Leaf Oil
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPullulan
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPhyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract
HumectantSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientAvena Sativa Kernel Oil
Skin ConditioningBacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingInonotus Obliquus Extract
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAcetyl Carnitine Hcl
Skin ConditioningUbiquinone
AntioxidantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingAlgin
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCalcium Citrate
BufferingGlutathione
Fructooligosaccharides
HumectantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingBenzoic Acid
MaskingGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Benzyl Alcohol
PerfumingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Water, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Dextran, Nonapeptide-1, Medicago Sativa Extract, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glycine Soja Oil, Sodium Oleate, Oligopeptide-68, Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract, Propanediol, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Lactic Acid, Plankton Extract, Lecithin, Sucrose, Cymbopogon Flexuosus Leaf Oil, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Avena Sativa Kernel Oil, Bacillus Ferment, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Inonotus Obliquus Extract, Squalane, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Acetyl Carnitine Hcl, Ubiquinone, Beta-Glucan, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Algin, Potassium Sorbate, Calcium Citrate, Glutathione, Fructooligosaccharides, Polysorbate 20, Benzoic Acid, Gluconolactone, Disodium EDTA, Benzyl Alcohol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Grape Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingMandelic Acid
AntimicrobialPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Anisate
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPlankton Extract
Skin ConditioningSucrose
HumectantLecithin
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Saccharomyces/Grape Ferment Extract, Propanediol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Niacinamide, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Glyceryl Stearate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Hydroxide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Mandelic Acid, Phospholipids, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Anisate, Parfum, Pentylene Glycol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Plankton Extract, Sucrose, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Linalool, Limonene, Citral, Geraniol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidCoco-Caprylate/Caprate is a lightweight ester created from coconut oil fatty acids, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is an emollient that helps soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). What sets it apart from heavier emollients is its ultralight, non-greasy feel.
Once applied, this ingredient dries down quickly and leaves a dry, silky finish behind. This also helps improve spreadability and texture.
This ingredient has an excellent safety-record and is non-irritating.
Typical concentrations for cosmetics range from 0.5-62%.
Research on Malassezia growth found no growth on fatty acid esters with chain lengths shorter than 12 carbons (it prefers C11-24).
Since Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is built on C8 and C10 fatty acids, it is out of the range that Malassezia metabolizes, and therefore safe for fungal acne.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateGluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneGlycerin (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 GlycerinLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of phospholipids.
Thanks to its amphiphilic structure (water-loving head and oil-loving tail), it is a true multitasker:
It plays well with most ingredients and is typically used at 0.1-1%. However, concentrations up to 50% have been reported in moisturizers.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that causes fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideWe don't have a description for Plankton Extract yet.
Propanediol 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 PropanediolSclerotium Gum is a polysaccharide gum made by the fungus, Sclerotium rolfssii. It is similar to xanthan gum.
In cosmetics, Sclerotium Gum is used to thicken the texture and to help stabilize other ingredients.
As an emulsifier, Sclerotium Gum helps prevent ingredients from separating, such as water and oil.
Learn more about Sclerotium GumSodium 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 HyaluronateSucrose is a natural sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It is the main constituent of white sugar.
In skincare, sucrose is a humectant and can be a mild exfoliant.
Sucrose is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water. This makes it an effective humectant and helps hydrate the skin.
Studies show sugars may worsen acne-prone skin due to it disrupting the skin's natural biome. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
In some products such as body scrubs, sucrose is used as an gentle exfoliant.
The term 'sucrose' comes from the french word for sugar, 'sucre'.
Learn more about SucroseTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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