What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide 5%
Smoothing
Squalane
Emollient
Cetearyl Olivate
Dimethicone
Emollient
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Tranexamic Acid 3%
Astringent
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Glutathione
Retinol 0.1%
Skin Conditioning
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Glycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Kojic Dipalmitate 1%
Emollient
Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract 1%
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Propanediol
Solvent
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingIsohexadecane
EmollientCaesalpinia Spinosa Gum
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Cetyl Palmitate
Emollient
Laureth-23
CleansingTrideceth-6 Phosphate
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide 5%, Squalane, Cetearyl Olivate, Dimethicone, Mandelic Acid, Tranexamic Acid 3%, Sorbitan Olivate, Glutathione, Retinol 0.1%, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Kojic Dipalmitate 1%, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract 1%, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Acetyl Glucosamine, Ceramide NP, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Propanediol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Cetyl Palmitate, Laureth-23, Trideceth-6 Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Bacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Myristyl Myristate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Dipentaerythrityl Pentaisononanoate
EmollientLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Plankton Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Arginine Ferulate
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Pistacia Lentiscus Gum
MaskingHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningLactose
HumectantMilk Protein
Skin ConditioningSwertia Chirata Extract
HumectantElettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract
Perfuming
Yogurt Extract
Skin ConditioningHedychium Spicatum Extract
Skin ConditioningJasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract
Masking
Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPlumeria Rubra Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningEugenia Caryophyllus Flower Extract
AstringentGardenia Taitensis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningVanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hibiscus Abelmoschus Seed Extract
Masking
Sophora Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ProtectingCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil
Perfuming
Sodium Phytate
Lecithin
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMethyldihydrojasmonate
MaskingEthylene Brassylate
MaskingMethyl Undecylenate
Perfuming
Ethyl Undecylenate
Perfuming
Phenylisohexanol
MaskingPolystyrene
Sodium Ascorbate
Antioxidant
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Skin ConditioningIsohexadecane
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSodium Lactate
BufferingSodium PCA
Humectant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Tetrasodium EDTA
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingTin Oxide
Abrasive
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Bacillus Ferment, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Propanediol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Maltodextrin, Cetyl Alcohol, Myristyl Myristate, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Dipentaerythrityl Pentaisononanoate, Lactobacillus, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Plankton Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arginine Ferulate, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Pistacia Lentiscus Gum, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Lactose, Milk Protein, Swertia Chirata Extract, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract, Yogurt Extract, Hedychium Spicatum Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract, Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract, Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Extract, Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Hibiscus Abelmoschus Seed Extract, Sophora Japonica Flower Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Sodium Phytate, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Ethylene Brassylate, Methyl Undecylenate, Ethyl Undecylenate, Phenylisohexanol, Polystyrene, Sodium Ascorbate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Behenyl Alcohol, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, Isohexadecane, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polysorbate 80, Alcohol, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Sodium Benzoate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenethyl Alcohol, Tin Oxide, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Mica, CI 77891
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractThis 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 TriglycerideCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolGlycerin 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 GlycerinHexylene Glycol is a surfactant. Glycols are a class of alcohols. Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, Hexylene Glycol helps gather dirt and oil on your skin to be washed away.
As an emulsifier, Hexylene Glycol helps keep water and oil together. This prevents them from separating in a product. Hexylene Glycol also thins out the texture of a product by lessening viscosity.
Hexylene Glycol has a small molecular weight.
Learn more about Hexylene GlycolIsohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.
Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.
Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.
Learn more about IsohexadecanePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
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 PropanediolSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD) is a stable and oil-soluble form of Vitamin C.
THD is special in that it has the ability to travel deeper into skin than traditional ascorbic acid while maintaining the same skin benefits (double win!).
Because it’s oil-soluble, THD dives deep into your skin’s fatty layers (think ceramides and cholesterol) to fight off the kind of free radicals that mess with your skin barrier. This makes it a great pair with water-based vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that mainly works on the surface.
Even at just 0.1%, THD is already showing great antioxidant activity. When used up to 2%, it helps keep your skin happy and calm, especially when it’s stressed from pollution or sun.
Want to fade dark spots or tackle hyperpigmentation? You’ll want 5% or more. Pairing it with brightening buddies like niacinamide or licorice root gives even better results. One study even used 30% THD with other brighteners and saw real results on stubborn discoloration, even in melasma-prone skin.
A note on THD: It’s has a slightly silky, oily texture and usually shows up colorless or pale yellow (though the exact shade can vary by supplier).
While you can sneak it into water-based formulas, it really shines when paired with silicones or oils, which help your skin soak it up better.
THD is pretty stable, but it’s still vulnerable to degradation like ascorbic acid. Too much light or heat (above 113°F / 45°C) can break it down over time. Go for dark and opaque packaging that keeps it safe and shady!
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateWater. 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
