What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Triethyl Citrate
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum
Emulsion Stabilising
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPhytic Acid
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningGlucose
Humectant
Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract
Antimicrobial
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialWater, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Triethyl Citrate, Glycerin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Glyceryl Caprylate, Phytic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Metabisulfite, Tocopherol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Glucose, Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Malva Sylvestris Extract
AstringentRose Extract
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum
Emulsion Stabilising
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Triheptanoin
Skin ConditioningPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV Absorber
Parfum
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Sorbitol
Humectant
Algin
Masking
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Polyvinyl Alcohol
Citric Acid
Buffering
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
CI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantC13-15 Alkane
SolventCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingWater, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Malva Sylvestris Extract, Rose Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Adenosine, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Triheptanoin, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Parfum, Sodium Hydroxide, Chlorphenesin, Sorbitol, Algin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Cellulose Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, CI 14700, CI 42090, C13-15 Alkane, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ascorbyl Glucoside (AA-2G) is one of the most stable vitamin C derivatives out there.
It's made by attaching a glucose molecule to ascorbic acid; this glucose "cap" shields the vitamin C from air, light, heat, and metal ions that normally cause pure ascorbic acid to oxidize.
Once on your skin, the enzyme alpha-glucosidase snips off the glucose and gradually releases active ascorbic acid right where it's needed. Basically, it behaves like a slow-release pro-vitamin C with less of a stinging that high-strength ascorbic acid can cause.
The research supports the classic vitamin C benefits as well. In lab and human studies, AA-2G slowed down the skin's production of melanin (the pigment behind dark spots) and helped shield skin cells against sun damage better than ascorbyl phosphate.
These studies also showed AA-2G released vitamin C over a longer period.
A frequently cited manufacturer trial found that a 2% AA-2G face cream significantly improved wrinkle depth and skin roughness after 45 days.
And in 2009, a clinical trial showed it meaningfully lightened dark patches on the gums compared to a placebo.
There's also collagen-synthesis support (since vitamin C is a required cofactor for that) and an antioxidant effect too.
Typical usage is usually between 0.5-5% and most studies/products land around 2%.
AA-2G performs best when formulated at a mildly acidic pH (~5-7) which is much gentler than the pH that pure vitamin C demands (~2.5-3.5).
Just one thing worth knowing: the in-skin conversation rate is only about 55-60% by weight. So a 5% AA-2G product delivers roughly 2.75-3% of actual active vitamin C. On top of that, skin absorption is relatively low because the ingredient is water-soluble.
Learn more about Ascorbyl GlucosideCitric 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 AcidGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPropanediol 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 Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideTamarindus Indica Seed Gum is from the seeds of Tamarindus indica. It is more commonly known as tamarind.
Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum is used as a texture enhancer, emulsifier, and skin conditioner.
When added to products, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum helps thicken and create a gel-like texture.
Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum is a humectant. It helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This keeps your skin hydrated.
Emulsion stabilizing ingredients help stabilize a product. They work by stabilizing two non-mixable ingredients. An example would be oil and water.
Learn more about Tamarindus Indica Seed GumTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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 Water
