What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantStearyl Alcohol
EmollientStearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientLactic Acid
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantGanoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingCyclodextrin
AbsorbentCarum Carvi Seed Extract
MaskingCamellia Seed Oil
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil
HumectantPropanediol
SolventGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningXylitylglucoside
HumectantAnhydroxylitol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSmilax China Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningNatto Gum
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingNelumbo Nucifera Extract
Skin ConditioningUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningRehmannia Elata Root Extract
Skin ProtectingGlucose
HumectantHoney
HumectantPyrus Malus Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBacillus
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Rhizome Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentWater, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Dipropylene Glycol, Stearyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Dimethicone, Lactic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hexyl Cinnamal, Alcohol Denat., Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Cyclodextrin, Carum Carvi Seed Extract, Camellia Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Propanediol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Smilax China Bark Extract, Natto Gum, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Nelumbo Nucifera Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Rehmannia Elata Root Extract, Glucose, Honey, Pyrus Malus Stem Extract, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bacillus, Curcuma Longa Rhizome Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingAcrylates Copolymer
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingParfum
MaskingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningSodium Salicylate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingHydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Disodium EDTA
Menthol
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingPPG-3 Caprylyl Ether
SolventCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDi-C12-13 Alkyl Malate
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantLinalool
PerfumingCitric Acid
BufferingClimbazole
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantMentha Arvensis Leaf Extract
MaskingGeraniol
PerfumingMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentLimonene
PerfumingGlycerin
HumectantMalt Extract
Skin ProtectingSorbitol
HumectantZea Mays Starch
Absorbent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
Sucrose
HumectantHydrolyzed Extensin
Skin ConditioningCI 77289
Cosmetic ColorantDextrin
AbsorbentPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantRosa Damascena Flower Extract
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSea Salt
AbrasiveCamellia Sinensis Leaf Water
MaskingCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
HumectantNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingXylitylglucoside
HumectantAnhydroxylitol
HumectantPrunus Mume Fruit Extract
HumectantXylitol
HumectantPhyllostachys Bambusoides Juice
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningWater, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Acrylates Copolymer, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Parfum, Caffeine, Sodium Salicylate, Sodium Benzoate, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Menthol, Sodium Chloride, PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Di-C12-13 Alkyl Malate, Dipropylene Glycol, Linalool, Citric Acid, Climbazole, Butylene Glycol, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract, Geraniol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Limonene, Glycerin, Malt Extract, Sorbitol, Zea Mays Starch, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sucrose, Hydrolyzed Extensin, CI 77289, Dextrin, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sea Salt, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Xylitol, Phyllostachys Bambusoides Juice, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
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
This ingredient is created from dehydrating xylitol in acidic conditions. Xylitol is a famous sugar and humectant.
Much like its predecessor, anhydroxylitol is a humectant. Humectants attract and hold water to moisturize the skin.
This ingredient is most commonly found in a popular trio called Aquaxyl. Aquaxyl is made up of anhydroxylitol (24 - 34%), xylitylglucoside (35 - 50%), and xylitol (5 - 15%).
According to a manufacturer, Aquaxyl is known for a 3-D hydration concept and an anti-dehydration shield to reinforce the outer layer of skin.
This ingredient is often derived from plants such as wood and sugarcane.
Learn more about AnhydroxylitolButylene 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 Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds from the tea plant. This is the same plant we get green, black, and oolong tea from.
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil is rich in oleic acid. This makes it an effective moisturizer. By drawing moisture to the skin, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil helps keep your skin hydrated.
Other components of Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil includes Vitamin E and polyphenols. These are antioxidants that may help slow down the signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or unstable molecules that can damage our skin cells.
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil also has anti-inflammatory properties.
The seed oil comes from the dried kernels of the plant.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Seed OilDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolDisodium 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 GlycerinGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Learn more about Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root ExtractLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolGinseng root is a well-loved ingredient in Asian skincare for good reason. It hydrates the skin, soothes irritation, and helps even out skin tone.
In traditional East Asian medicine, ginseng has been used for centuries both as food and as a healing remedy, and modern research continues to confirm its skin benefits.
One of the standout features of ginseng is its ability to improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the skin, bringing a fresh supply of nutrients to support overall skin health. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to protect your skin against damage from UV exposure, pollution, and daily stress.
Additionally, studies suggest that ginseng may help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin production.
There are different types of ginseng used in skincare, and while they all share core benefits, their potency can vary.
Most products use fresh or white ginseng because it’s more affordable. However, red ginseng, produced by steaming the root, contains higher levels of ginsenosides, which are compounds with proven anti-aging effects. These ginsenosides help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
Note: All forms of ginseng are listed simply as “Panax ginseng” in ingredient lists. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about which type of ginseng is used in their ingredients.
For general antioxidant benefits, any ginseng extract will do, but for wrinkle care or firmer skin, red or fermented ginseng is often more effective.
In short, ginseng is a powerhouse ingredient that supports hydration, radiance, and resilience.
Learn more about Panax Ginseng Root ExtractParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Water. 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 WaterXylitol is a humectant and prebiotic. It can help with dry skin.
In studies, xylitol has been shown to improve dry skin. It decreased transepidermal water loss, or when water passes through the skin and evaporates. Xylitol also showed to help improve the biomechanical properties of the skin barrier.
The prebiotic property of xylitol may also help reinforce our skin's natural microbiome. Having a healthy microbiome prevents infection by bad bacteria and helps with hydration.
As a humectant, Xylitol helps draw moisture from both the air and from deeper skin layers. This helps keep skin hydrated.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol and commonly used as a sugar substitute. It is naturally occurring in plants such as strawberries and pumpkin.
Learn more about XylitolXylitylglucoside is created from xylitol and glucose, two humectants.
Not surprisingly, this ingredient is also a humectant. It attracts and holds water in your skin, helping to maintain hydration.
This ingredient is most commonly found in a popular trio called Aquaxyl. Aquaxyl is made up of anhydroxylitol(24 - 34%), xylitylglucoside (35 - 50%), and xylitol (5 - 15%).
According to a manufacturer, Aquaxyl is known for a 3-D hydration concept and an anti-dehydration shield to reinforce the outer layer of skin.
Learn more about Xylitylglucoside