What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningStearyl Heptanoate
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningBakuchiol
AntimicrobialHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningAnemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSalvia Sclarea Extract
AntiseborrhoeicLavandula Angustifolia Flower Water
Skin ConditioningHyacinthus Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCentaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
AstringentBorago Officinalis Extract
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningNonapeptide-1
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetearyl Olivate
Benzyl Glycol
SolventSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingIsohexadecane
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingWater, Panthenol, Stearyl Heptanoate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Bakuchiol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Adenosine, Propolis Extract, Betaine, Allantoin, Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract, Salvia Sclarea Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Water, Hyacinthus Orientalis Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Borago Officinalis Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Beta-Glucan, Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hexapeptide-9, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Nonapeptide-1, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Olivate, Benzyl Glycol, Sorbitan Olivate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sorbitan Oleate
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingSodium Dna
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingButylene Glycol
HumectantCeteareth-6 Olivate
EmulsifyingCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantPentapeptide-18
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-91 Rh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSqualane
EmollientAnemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingTrehalose
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingLactic Acid
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantSodium Bicarbonate
AbrasiveSodium Carbonate
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingWater, Propylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Myristate, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Dna, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Ceteareth-6 Olivate, Cyclopentasiloxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, Oligopeptide-91 Rh-Oligopeptide-1, Adenosine, Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract, Ceramide NP, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Trehalose, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Chloride, Cellulose Gum, Lactic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Glycerin, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Carbonate, Citric Acid
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
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, commonly known as Argireline or Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, is a popular peptide in skincare. It’s often referred to as a “Botox-like” ingredient because it helps reduce muscle movement.
By relaxing these micro-movements, Argireline may help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. That said, it’s not as powerful as Botox, and research on its long-term effectiveness is still limited.
Beyond smoothing, Argireline may also support collagen production. Collagen is the protein that helps keep your skin firm, bouncy, and well-hydrated by strengthening the skin barrier.
So while Argireline isn’t a miracle fix, it can be a helpful addition to a routine focused on both prevention and skin health.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Adenosine 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 AdenosineThis ingredient is more commonly known as Zhi Mu root. You might see this ingredient listed under 'Volufiline' products.
That's because 'Volufiline' is comprised of this ingredient and Hydrogenated Polyisobutene.
Zhi Mu root is rich in sarsasapogenin. This compound has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
It is commonly used in East Asian medicine.
Learn more about Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root ExtractButylene 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 a lightweight 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. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. 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. Be sure to 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.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCeramide NP (formerly known as Ceramide 3) is one of the skin's naturally occurring lipids.
Since ceramides are the major lipid components of the skin, they are crucial for maintaining skin barrier and hydration. Ceramide NP most closely mirrors the dominant kind in human skin amongst ceramide subtypes.
This ceramide works by slotting into gaps within the stratum corneum's lipid matrix to limit trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and shield the skin against external irritants.
A study with 312 patients found that using a ceramide-containing routine for 4 weeks reduced the severity of atopic dermatitis by over 61%.
Another clinical study in subjects aged 60 and older found that a ceramide body wash and moisturizer improved skin dryness and itchy skin in 15 days.
Overall, ceramides are considered non-irritating and safety tests have found little to no observable adverse effects from using this ingredient.
Ceramide NP is usually sourced from plants (like soybean or rice bran), or produced synthetically.
Learn more about Ceramide NPCetearyl 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
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Sorbitan Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may feed that yeast, so it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinHydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolSorbitan 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.
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Cetearyl Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may feed that yeast, so it 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water