What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingOctyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingTromethamine
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMenthol
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingSalicylic Acid
MaskingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeFructooligosaccharides
HumectantFructose
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMenthyl PCA
HumectantEthyl Menthane Carboxamide
TonicGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPropanediol
SolventPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCocoglycerides
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCynanchum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningOctanediol
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientAlthaea Rosea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantSerine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingAspartic Acid
MaskingLeucine
Skin ConditioningSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSphinganine
Skin ConditioningPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingAlanine
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingPhenylalanine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Valine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantCysteine
AntioxidantMethionine
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientAlanine/Histidine/Lysine Polypeptide Copper Hcl
Skin ConditioningHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSh-Oligopeptide-14
Skin ConditioningSh-Oligopeptide-2
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-45
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-7
AntiseborrhoeicSh-Polypeptide-9
Skin ConditioningWater, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Octyldodeceth-16, Polysorbate 20, Tromethamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Menthol, Sodium Benzoate, Salicylic Acid, Caffeine, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Glucose, Panthenol, Potassium Sorbate, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Menthyl PCA, Ethyl Menthane Carboxamide, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Cocoglycerides, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Octanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Stearic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Sphinganine, Phosphatidylcholine, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Threonine, Valine, Isoleucine, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Histidine, Cysteine, Methionine, Tocopherol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Tripeptide-1, Glycine Soja Oil, Alanine/Histidine/Lysine Polypeptide Copper Hcl, Hexapeptide-9, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-14, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Polypeptide-45, Sh-Polypeptide-7, Sh-Polypeptide-9
Lactobacillus/Leaf Ferment Filtrate 60%
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantSaccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningEcklonia Cava Extract
Skin ConditioningC12-13 Alketh-9
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingNiacinamide
SmoothingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningBetaine Salicylate
AntimicrobialCaffeine
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantCoptis Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMorus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningSophora Flavescens Root Extract
AntioxidantScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentSodium Phytate
Alteromonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingBetaine
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPerilla Frutescens Leaf Extract
MaskingGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantAspartic Acid
MaskingLeucine
Skin ConditioningAlanine
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningTyrosine
MaskingPhenylalanine
MaskingValine
MaskingThreonine
Proline
Skin ConditioningIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicHistidine
HumectantCysteine
AntioxidantMethionine
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningLinoleic Acid
CleansingThiamine Hcl
MaskingRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantMenthol
MaskingMenthyl Lactate
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingParfum
MaskingLactobacillus/Leaf Ferment Filtrate 60%, Water, Butylene Glycol, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ecklonia Cava Extract, C12-13 Alketh-9, Glycerin, Propanediol, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Arginine, Niacinamide, Allantoin, Betaine Salicylate, Caffeine, Hydrolyzed Silk, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sodium Phytate, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Glycine, Betaine, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Alanine, Lysine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Valine, Threonine, Proline, Isoleucine, Biotin, Histidine, Cysteine, Methionine, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Beta-Glucan, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine, Tocopherol, Cyanocobalamin, Beta-Carotene, Linoleic Acid, Thiamine Hcl, Riboflavin, Menthol, Menthyl Lactate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylyl Glycol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil, Parfum
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-8Alanine is an amino acid and is already found in the human body. Our skin uses alanine to build collagen, elastin, and keratin.
Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.
As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.
Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineAspartic Acid is an amino acid that our bodies produce naturally. It is an antioxidant.
Our body uses Aspartic Acid to help build collagen and elastin. It also plays a role in hydrating skin.
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 GlycolCaffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and is rich in antioxidants.
While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.
Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.
Learn more about CaffeineCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCysteine is an amino acid found in our bodies. It becomes an antioxidant when converted into gluthatione.
Once it becomes gluthatione, it prevents oxidative damage to parts of our cell. Gluthatione has also been shown to protect our skin from UV-B induced damage.
Ethylhexylglycerin (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.
Glutamic Acid is an amino acid that is found in all living organisms. Our bodies use this to help nerve cells in the brain communicate with other cells.
In cosmetics, glutamic acid is a famous humectant. It draws water from the air to your skin, keeping your skin hydrated (like hyaluronic acid).
An in-vitro study from 2024 found glutamic acid to play a role in inhibiting inflammation and thus a potential skin-soothing ingredient.
Other studies show it to be have potential wound healing, skin barrier repair, and hair growth properties.
Glutamic acid has poor solubility in water and other solvents.
Learn more about Glutamic AcidGlycerin 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 GlycerinHistidine is a semi-essential amino acid used by our bodies to create protein. It has humectant and skin conditioning properties.
Our bodies use histidine to create filaggrin - filaggrin is a structural protein that the skin uses in maintaining skin barrier.
One study found histidine and carnosine to be a dynamic duo for your skin:
Oral histidine has also been found to help with filaggrin-deficit skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis.
Why is it considered a semi-essential amino acid? This is because adults are able to create it but children must get it from their diet.
Learn more about HistidineHydrogenated 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.
Isoleucine is an amino acid that helps reinforce our skin barrier. This amino acid plays a role in creating protein for the body.
Fun fact: Isoleucine is found in meat, fish, dairy, legumes, and nuts.
We don't have a description for Leucine yet.
Lysine is an essential amino acid. Your body is unable to produce it naturally and we mainly get lysine from food sources.
Our bodies use lysine for growth and tissue repair. The skin uses amino acids as a precursor for building protein, and therefore keratins, collagen and elastin.
Menthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholMethionine is an essential amino acid. It is a conditioning agent and commonly found in both skin and hair products.
This amino acid is a precursor to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant.
Fun fact: Methionine can be found in meat, fish, and dairy. It cannot be naturally produce and requires dietary intake.
Learn more about MethionineNiacinamide 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 PanthenolPhenylalanine is an amino acid. It is a skin soothing and hydrating ingredient. Amino acids play a crucial role in wound healing and skin hydration.
This ingredient is also used to help even out skin tone due to its ability to disrupt the melanin production process.
Two structures of phenylalanine exist: L-phenylalanine and D-phenylalanine. L-phenylalanine is essential, this means our bodies cannot produce it naturally and we must get it from foods. Our bodies convert D-phenylalanine to neurotransmitters, and D-phenylalanine is found in our bodies naturally.
Some foods that contain L-phenylalanine include eggs, soybeans, beef, milk.
Learn more about PhenylalaninePolyglyceryl-10 Laurate is an ester of lauric acid and Polyglycerin-10.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is a cleansing agent and emulsifier. It helps gather dirt, oil, and other pollutants to be rinsed away. As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating, such as oil and water.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-10 LaurateProline is an amino-acid. It helps moisturize the skin and plays an important role in creating proteins.
Our skin uses proline as one of the building blocks for producing collagen.
In medicine, proline is used as an osmoprotectant. This means it helps prevent oxidative degradation in other drugs.
Our bodies are able to produce proline naturally, but certain conditions may inhibit this production. In that case, proline can be obtained from eating egg whites, soy protein, dairy products, asparagus, mushrooms, and seaweed.
Learn more about ProlinePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 PropanediolSaccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract comes from a yeast used in fermentation. It has skin conditioning properties due to its naturally occurring peptides, polysaccharides (including beta-glucans), amino acids, minerals, and vitamins.
Clinical research shows formulas that contain this ingredient can improve moisture levels and refine skin texture over time. This is associate with its ability to reduce free-radical activity and protect the skin against environmental damage.
Lab studies demonstrate that some peptide fractions in this ingredient possess antioxidant and anti-collegenase effects, helping to protect the structural proteins in skin and soothing inflammation.
Additionally, this ingredient has been shown to have antimicrobial effects against bacteria associated with acne.
Learn more about Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ExtractSerine is an amino acid naturally found in our body. Our bodies use amino acids to create protein.
Amino-acids help give keep our skin hydrated. They play an important role in the skin barrier, which keeps the skin plump and firm.
Serine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning we don't need to obtain it from eating foods.
Learn more about SerineThreonine is an amino-acid. It helps hydrate the skin and has antioxidant benefits.
Our skin uses threonine for creating collagen and elastin. Humans are not able to create threonine and must get it through eating foods such as fish, lentils, poultry, sesame seeds, and more.
Tocopherol (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 TocopherolTyrosine is one of the amino acids used to create protein. It plays a role in melanin production.
A study from 2012 found tyrosine to show promising results in restoring skin volume.
Valine is an essential amino acid. It is used by our bodies for tissue repair and muscle growth.
An essential amino acid is one in which our bodies cannot naturally produce so we must get them through diet. Foods such as eggs, dairy, red meat, and fish contain valine.
This ingredient can either be derived from an animal product or be synthetically created.
Learn more about ValineWater. 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