What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingButylene Glycol
HumectantLactobacillus/Collagen/Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Leaf Extract Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningSiloxanetriol Alginate
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantHamamelis Virginiana Extract
AntiseborrhoeicGluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Albiflora Flower Extract
TonicBis-PEG-15 Methyl Ether Dimethicone
EmulsifyingLactobacillus/Hydrolyzed Collagen Ferment Filtrate Extract
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethanolamine
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDMDM Hydantoin
PreservativePolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBee Venom
AstringentSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantArginine
MaskingPhytic Acid
Silver Oxide
AntimicrobialWater, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Lactobacillus/Collagen/Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Leaf Extract Ferment Lysate, Siloxanetriol Alginate, Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Gluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate, Paeonia Albiflora Flower Extract, Bis-PEG-15 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, Lactobacillus/Hydrolyzed Collagen Ferment Filtrate Extract, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, DMDM Hydantoin, Polyglutamic Acid, Caffeine, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Bee Venom, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Arginine, Phytic Acid, Silver Oxide
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingLactobacillus/Collagen/Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Leaf Extract Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Albiflora Flower Extract
TonicGluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Leaf Water
AstringentPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSiloxanetriol Alginate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sorbic Acid
PreservativeBee Venom
AstringentSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantWater, Niacinamide, Alpha-Arbutin, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Allantoin, Chlorphenesin, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Sodium Hydroxide, Lactobacillus/Collagen/Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Leaf Extract Ferment Lysate, Paeonia Albiflora Flower Extract, Gluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Water, Polyglutamic Acid, Caffeine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Sodium Hyaluronate, Siloxanetriol Alginate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sorbic Acid, Bee Venom, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
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
Bee venom comes from bees (of course!).
There are many claims about bee venom being anti-aging. It is often called "natural botox". This is because it causes inflammation and tightening when applied to the skin. However, further studies are needed to look into the benefits of this ingredient.
Bee venom contains peptides, amino acids, and enzymes. It's main peptide is called melittin. Bee venom and its components are being studied for their antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
While cosmetics usually do not contain enough bee venom to cause an allergic reaction (unless you have an extreme allergy), we recommend you speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Being cruelty-free means a brand does not experiment on animals.
If you're worried about the well-being of the bees, we recommend looking more into the company of the product.
Since bee venom is a product from bees, it is not considered vegan. However, there is much debate about this and many brands claim their bee products to be vegan.
Here at SkinSort, we are asking everyone to be kind to bees. They are important for many ecosystems and are endangered.
Learn more about Bee VenomButylene 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 CaffeineEthylhexylglycerin (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.
We don't have a description for Gluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate yet.
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 GlycerinHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.
Low molecular weight HA has been shown to hydrate and increase elasticity of the skin. Increasing elasticity is also associated with reduction of wrinkle depth.
One study found topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid may be considered for the treatment of rosacea in the adult population. However, we always recommend speaking with a professional about your skin concerns.
Hyaluronic acids are a humectant. This means they draw moisture from the air. Hyaluronic acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read more about other common forms of hyaluronic acid:
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidThis form of hyaluronic acid is produced through fermentation.
According to a manufacturer, it has a positive charge by ionic binding to help moisturize and give hair a smooth feel. This is why you'll find this ingredient in shampoos and body washes.
Lactobacillus/Collagen/Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Leaf Extract Ferment Lysate can help to reduce the effects of aging.
Niacinamide 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 NiacinamideWe don't have a description for Paeonia Albiflora Flower Extract yet.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Polyglutamic Acid is made up many glutamic acids chained together. It is created from bacterial fermentation.
This ingredient is an effective skin hydrator and may help speed up wound healing. As a humectant, it draws and holds water to the skin. This ingredient is often compared to hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Similarly to hyaluronic acid, it can vary in molecular weights. This means polyglutamic acid is capable of bringing hydration to lower levels of the skin.
Fun fact: Polyglutamic Acid is found in the Japanese food, natto. It is also being used in cancer treatment studies.
Learn more about Polyglutamic AcidWe don't have a description for Siloxanetriol Alginate yet.
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate is a type of Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic Acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read about common types of Hyaluronic Acid here:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid
Sodium 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 HyaluronateWater. 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