What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingGlycerin
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningTerminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
AntioxidantEpilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPullulan
Pelvetia Canaliculata Extract
Skin ProtectingPropanediol
SolventChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
BufferingPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingRetinal
Skin ConditioningPlankton Extract
Skin ConditioningSucrose
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningUbiquinone
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
AntioxidantMedicago Sativa Extract
TonicGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantBisabolol
AntioxidantZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingSolanum Aviculare Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientAvena Sativa Kernel Oil
Skin ConditioningBacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCymbopogon Flexuosus Leaf Oil
MaskingHexyldecanol
EmollientCetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingBrassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientAcetyl Carnitine Hcl
Skin ConditioningPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingAlgin
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCalcium Citrate
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Water, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Pelvetia Canaliculata Extract, Propanediol, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Lactic Acid, Phospholipids, Ascorbic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Retinal, Plankton Extract, Sucrose, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Ubiquinone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Medicago Sativa Extract, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Bisabolol, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Solanum Aviculare Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Avena Sativa Kernel Oil, Bacillus Ferment, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cymbopogon Flexuosus Leaf Oil, Hexyldecanol, Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide, Stearic Acid, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Acetyl Carnitine Hcl, Persea Gratissima Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Algin, Potassium Sorbate, Calcium Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Gluconolactone, Benzyl Alcohol
Rice Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingSaccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientMethylpropanediol
SolventPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingInulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingBetaine
HumectantTromethamine
BufferingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentGarcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingMalt Extract
Skin ProtectingRetinol
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCinchona Calisaya Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningLeptospermum Scoparium Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningTranexamic Acid
AstringentDioscorea Villosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantGlyceryl Linolenate
EmollientGlyceryl Arachidonate
EmollientRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicSucrose
HumectantThiamine Hcl
MaskingFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningSodium Chondroitin Sulfate
Skin ConditioningRice Ferment Filtrate, Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Methylpropanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Carbomer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Betaine, Tromethamine, Sodium Polyacrylate, Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract, Adenosine, Polyglutamic Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Oryza Sativa Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Disodium EDTA, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Malt Extract, Retinol, Panthenol, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cinchona Calisaya Bark Extract, Leptospermum Scoparium Leaf Extract, Tranexamic Acid, Dioscorea Villosa Root Extract, Beta-Glucan, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Glyceryl Linolenate, Glyceryl Arachidonate, Retinyl Palmitate, Biotin, Sucrose, Thiamine Hcl, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine, Cyanocobalamin, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate
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
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that it is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid.
In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Just patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideGlycerin (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 GlycerinHydrolyzed 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 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 NiacinamideSodium 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 SucroseTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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