What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientCeteth-20
CleansingPropanediol
SolventC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningNicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-5
Skin ConditioningNicotiana Benthamiana Sh-Polypeptide-15 Hexapeptide-40
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialBakuchiol
AntimicrobialBHT
AntioxidantBidens Pilosa Extract
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCholesterol
EmollientCopper Sulfate
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Phosphate
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Elaeis Guineensis Oil
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlucosamine Hcl
Glycerin
HumectantGlycolic Acid
BufferingGlycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin ConditioningGossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningHydrochloric Acid
BufferingLactic Acid
BufferingLinum Usitatissimum Seed Oil
PerfumingLycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
AstringentMandelic Acid
AntimicrobialNiacin
SmoothingNicotiana Benthamiana Sh-Polypedtide-7
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPotassium Phosphate
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeRetinal
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Cholate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTriethanolamine
BufferingTromethamine
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingZinc Chloride
AntimicrobialWater, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Ceteth-20, Propanediol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Gluconolactone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-5, Nicotiana Benthamiana Sh-Polypeptide-15 Hexapeptide-40, Alcohol, Bakuchiol, BHT, Bidens Pilosa Extract, Carbomer, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cholesterol, Copper Sulfate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Disodium EDTA, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glucosamine Hcl, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil, Hydrochloric Acid, Lactic Acid, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Mandelic Acid, Niacin, Nicotiana Benthamiana Sh-Polypedtide-7, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Phosphatidylcholine, Phytosphingosine, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Phosphate, Potassium Sorbate, Retinal, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Cholate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethanolamine, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Zinc Chloride
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientDibutyl Adipate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingIsoamyl Laurate
EmollientLauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialBakuchiol
Antimicrobial1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingEthylcellulose
Hydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientParfum
MaskingSodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2
AbsorbentPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingVigna Aconitifolia Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentMelatonin
AntioxidantRetinal
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveDisodium EDTA
Phospholipids
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningTin Oxide
AbrasiveChrysin
Skin ConditioningWater, Dimethicone, Dibutyl Adipate, Niacinamide, Isoamyl Laurate, Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone, Glycerin, Propanediol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Alcohol Denat., Bakuchiol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylcellulose, Hydroxyacetophenone, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum, Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Vigna Aconitifolia Seed Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Maltodextrin, Melatonin, Retinal, Silica, Disodium EDTA, Phospholipids, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77891, Ascorbic Acid, T-Butyl Alcohol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Tin Oxide, Chrysin
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived antioxidant from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant. It has antimicrobial, emollient, skin conditioning, and antioxidant properties.
You'll likely see it called a "retinol replacement" but the two are technically not related. This is because bakuchiol is able to flip many of the same switches in your skin cells to tell them to:
1) produce more collagen (type I, III, and IV)
2) activate the same genes retinoids do
Unlike retinoids, this ingredient will not increase photosensitivity and is safe to use during pregnancy (but please still check in with your doctor!).
The flagship clinical trial from Dhaliwal et al. 2019 found 0.5% bakuchiol (twice daily) and 0.5% retinol (once daily) reduced wrinkles and hyperpigmentation equally, but bakuchiol had significantly less irritation.
Systematic reviews also back this up:
Bakuchiol is comparable to retinol for photoaging but with better tolerability. It also has mild antibacterial properties against Cutibacterium acnes and antifungal activity in vitro against Candida and dermatophytes.
The reason bakuchiol works well is due to its structure; it is a meroterpene phenol, or a hybrid molecule. The phenol half acts as an antioxidant while the terpene half is fat-loving. This helps the molecule slip through the skin barrier.
This ingredient is usually used between 0.5-2%. Only one case of contact dermatitis has ever been reported for this ingredient.
Learn more about BakuchiolDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin (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 GlycerinParfum 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 âFRAGRANCEâ or âPARFUMâ 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 ParfumPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
Itâs 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 PropanediolRetinal is a form of retinoid. Retinoids are the gold-standard class of anti-aging ingredients.
Retinal has many benefits as other retinoids: improve skin texture, reduce large pores, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, heal scars, and fight acne.
Studies show retinal may work at a faster rate than retinol due to its structure.
All retinoids have to be converted into retinoic acid before starting to work. Some retinoids take several steps of conversion before binding. Retinal is only one step away, making it more potent.
Like other retinoids, retinal may be irritating. It is best to ease into using this ingredient frequently.
Using the 'ramp up' method, start by using retinol once a week. This gives your skin time to adjust and decrease irritation. Once you feel ready, you can slowly increase the frequency of retinol use.
Using retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few weeks of use. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
Learn more about RetinalTocopherol (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 skinâs 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 TocopherolTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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