What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingJojoba Esters
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetyl Esters
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCetyl Palmitate
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantLauryl Lactate
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingDimethicone
EmollientBakuchiol
AntimicrobialHordeum Distichon Extract
Skin ProtectingSantalum Album Extract
CleansingPhellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningDicetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCeteth-10 Phosphate
CleansingButylene Glycol
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantSqualane
EmollientUrsolic Acid
MaskingPseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
HumectantSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingEthoxydiglycol
HumectantAstragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSilanetriol
Rhamnose
HumectantLycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
AstringentAcetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientCocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
EmollientRetinol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningSorbic Acid
PreservativePalmitoyl Hexapeptide-14
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Methylpropanediol
SolventUbiquinone
AntioxidantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSodium Citrate
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingBenzoic Acid
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAllyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingBHT
AntioxidantSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingPropyl Gallate
AntioxidantWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Jojoba Esters, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Esters, Pentylene Glycol, Cetyl Palmitate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Lauryl Lactate, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Dimethicone, Bakuchiol, Hordeum Distichon Extract, Santalum Album Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Dicetyl Phosphate, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Squalane, Ursolic Acid, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethoxydiglycol, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Silanetriol, Rhamnose, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Lecithin, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Retinol, Sodium Hydroxide, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, Sorbic Acid, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-14, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Methylpropanediol, Ubiquinone, Dipropylene Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Propanediol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, BHT, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Propyl Gallate
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingPolyglyceryl-2 Stearate
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantGlycereth-26
HumectantPolyacrylate-13
Glyceryl Stearate
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientPropanediol
SolventHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientEctoin
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientParfum
MaskingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCoptis Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Malt Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract
Skin ProtectingAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingBakuchiol
AntimicrobialSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantOleic Acid
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingGlutathione
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantSodium Lactate
BufferingHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingOctyldodecanol
EmollientPhytosterols
Skin ConditioningRetinol
Skin ConditioningResveratrol
AntioxidantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil
Skin ProtectingWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Polyacrylate-13, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Ectoin, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Tocopherol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Parfum, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Adenosine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Pentylene Glycol, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, Hydrolyzed Malt Extract, Hydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Bakuchiol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Oleic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Carbomer, Glutathione, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Lactate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Ceramide NP, Polysorbate 20, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Centella Asiatica Extract, Octyldodecanol, Phytosterols, Retinol, Resveratrol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Beta-Glucan, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived antioxidant (it's vegan!). It is often called the replacement for retinol although it is not part of the same family.
It has similar effects as retinol: skin smoothing, reducing discoloration, and preventing wrinkles. It does not cause as much irritation as traditional retinoids.
Bakuchiol works by breaking down free radicals and stimulating collagen production in skin.
Combining bakuchiol with retinol will not have adverse side effects. Studies show using them will just boost the benefits. Bakuchiol is also found to help stabilize retinol.
While bakuchiol does not make the skin more sun sensitive, we recommend wearing SPF on a daily basis.
Read more about traditional retinol
Learn more about BakuchiolButylene 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.
Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide and formally known as ceramide 3.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
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 AlcoholEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPolysorbate 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 PropanediolRetinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolSodium 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 IsostearateStearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients.
Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent alcohols. FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Stearyl AlcoholTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water