What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingNiacinamide
SmoothingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPinus Densiflora Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientTriethylhexanoin
MaskingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientVinyldimethicone
Cetearyl Olivate
Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPalmitic Acid
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate-13
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSphingomonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientDecyl Glucoside
CleansingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingBeta-Sitosterol
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCladosiphon Okamuranus Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
MaskingCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Ceramide NP
Skin ConditioningGlycoproteins
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Leaf Extract
AstringentDextrin
AbsorbentAsiaticoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Triethylhexanoin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Vinyldimethicone, Cetearyl Olivate, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Arginine, Sorbitan Olivate, C14-22 Alcohols, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyacrylate-13, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Adenosine, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Decyl Glucoside, Sorbitan Isostearate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Beta-Sitosterol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Glucose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate, Glutathione, Ceramide NP, Glycoproteins, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Leaf Extract, Dextrin, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside, Disodium EDTA, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBetula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Glucoside
HumectantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDiospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialZanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCastanea Crenata Shell Extract
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingC30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
EmollientSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingDextrin
AbsorbentGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningC12-16 Alcohols
EmollientPalmitic Acid
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Water, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Phenyl Trimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Glyceryl Glucoside, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Betaine, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Methicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Polyacrylate, Polyquaternium-51, Sorbitan Isostearate, Dextrin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, C12-16 Alcohols, Palmitic Acid, Disodium EDTA
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Butylene 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 GlycolCamellia 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 more commonly known as the coffee bean from the Coffea Arabica tree. Besides being a delicious drink, coffee beans have a ton of skin benefits.
Coffea Arabica Seed Extract (CASE) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and UV-protective properties. (It should not replace your sunscreen!)
CASE contains several ingredients that protect and soothe skin. These include caffeine, polysaccharides, sucrose, lipids, minerals, and proteins.
The star ingredient in coffee is caffeine.
Caffeine helps with anti-aging, antioxidant, and photo-protection.
How? It has been shown to block collagenase (~41%), elastase (~35%), and tyrosinase (~13%).
Collagenase and elastase are enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, respectively. Tyrosinase is the enzyme that controls melanin production.
Our skin creates melanin when exposed to UV as a defense mechanism.
It should be noted most studies looked at caffeine's ability to inhibit damage from UV-B rays.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is often dissolved using water, glycerin, and propanediol. The caffeine content of this ingredient is about 100 ppm.
Coffea Arabica is native to Ethiopia.
Learn more about Coffea Arabica Seed ExtractDextrin is used to thicken a product and helps bind ingredients together. It is created from starch and glycogen.
As an emulsifier, dextrin prevents ingredients from separating. This helps elongate a product's shelf life.
Studies show coating UV filters with dextrin prevents these ingredients from being absorbed. This helps UV ingredients last longer on the skin.
Learn more about DextrinDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (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 GlycerinHyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.
This ingredient helps hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin.
What makes hyaluronic acid so hydrating? It has the capacity to bind or hold large amounts of water.
Fun fact: It is already naturally found in our bodies, such as the fluids of our eyes and our joints.
Studies find this ingredient to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This can help speed up wound-healing.
Hyaluronic acid can be irritating if the molecule has a low-molecular weight, or if the molecules are small.
One study found low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be pro-inflammatory, meaning some people may experience irritation. This is because our bodies use hyaluronic acid in the wound-healing process to signal to our bodies, via irritation, that something needs healing.
The same study found high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be anti-inflammatory.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidHydrogenated 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.
This is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.
It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.
Palmitic Acid is a fatty acid naturally found in our skin and in many plant and animal sources. In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It serves many purposes in skincare, acting as a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.
As an emollient, palmitic acid helps soften and smooth the skin by preventing water loss. In cleansers, it helps remove oil and dirt while creating foam.
Its emulsifying properties help stabilize products by keeping water and oil-based ingredients from separating.
This may not be suitable for fungal acne-prone skin, as fatty acids like this can sometimes trigger breakouts in sensitive individuals.
Learn more about Palmitic AcidPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate is created from the diester of stearic acid and the condensation product of methylglucose and Polyglycerin-3.
As an emulsifier, it is used to bind ingredients together. Many ingredients, such as oils and water, separate naturally. Emulsifiers prevent them from separating to ensure even consistency in texture.
One of the manufacturer for this ingredient states it is vegetable-based. It is also claimed to be stable at both high and low temperatures.
This ingredient may not be safe for fungal acne. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose DistearateSodium 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 IsostearateWater. 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