What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Isopentyldiol
Humectant
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingAmorphophallus Konjac Root Extract
HumectantTremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide
Emulsion Stabilising
Chlorella Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Flower Extract
HumectantArginine
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Magnesium Chloride
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCalcium Chloride
AstringentSodium Chloride
MaskingPotassium Chloride
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Propanediol, Isopentyldiol, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Amorphophallus Konjac Root Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Chlorella Ferment, Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Flower Extract, Arginine, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Magnesium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Xanthan Gum, Calcium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Citric Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Propanediol Dicaprylate/Caprate
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Coconut Alkanes
Emollient
Spirulina Platensis Extract
Skin ProtectingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Betaine
Humectant
Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract
Antioxidant
Haematococcus Pluvialis Oil
Antioxidant
Codium Fragile Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide
Emulsion Stabilising
Polyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Cetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Copper Chlorophyll
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Propanediol, Propanediol Dicaprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Coconut Alkanes, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Niacinamide, Caffeine, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Betaine, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Oil, Codium Fragile Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Polyglutamic Acid, Lactobacillus Ferment, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Copper Chlorophyll
Alternatives
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
Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidPhenoxyethanol 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 Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide are the sugars from the snow mushroom.
Snow mushroom is rich in polysaccharides, giving it moisturizing benefits. As a humectant, snow mushroom helps draw moisture from the air to the skin. Polysaccharides are able to mimic our skin's natural carbohydrates to help the skin retain water.
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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum
