What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
MaskingCollagen Water
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycereth-26
HumectantWater
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Glucoside
HumectantCaffeine
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
MaskingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Glucose
HumectantCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningViola Mandshurica Flower Extract
AntioxidantOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantDimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Dna
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Collagen Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Glucoside, Caffeine, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Allantoin, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Xanthan Gum, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Disodium EDTA, Glucose, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Dna
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlycereth-26
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCoptis Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Malachite Extract
AntioxidantSpirulina Platensis Extract
Skin ProtectingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantGellan Gum
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Agar
MaskingMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlycine
BufferingSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAmber Powder
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Dna
Skin ConditioningGlutamic Acid
HumectantCodium Tomentosum Extract
Skin ProtectingUndaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPorphyra Yezoensis Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingEnteromorpha Compressa Extract
Skin ProtectingSargassum Fulvellum Extract
Skin ConditioningSargassum Fusiforme Extract
Skin ProtectingPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningWater, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycereth-26, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Malachite Extract, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Gellan Gum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Agar, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Arginine, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Xanthan Gum, Glycine, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Amber Powder, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sodium Dna, Glutamic Acid, Codium Tomentosum Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Sodium Lactate, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Porphyra Yezoensis Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Enteromorpha Compressa Extract, Sargassum Fulvellum Extract, Sargassum Fusiforme Extract, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
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
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineArginine 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 ArginineButylene 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 GlycolCorallina Officinalis Extract is from the red seaweed, Corallina Officinalis. This seaweed is found all over the world but is most common in the rocky shores of Great Britain and Ireland.
Corallina Officinalis Extract contains antioxidant and emollient properties.
Extracted polysaccharides, galactose and xylose, in red algae showed antioxidant activity. Antioxidants help with anti-aging by neutralizing free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules may damage your skin cells and DNA. Galactose is also a PHA.
Corallina Officinalis is structurally similar to coral due to its high calcium content.
Learn more about Corallina Officinalis ExtractCurcuma Longa Root Extract is from the spice, turmeric. Besides being a healthy and delicious spice, turmeric also has plenty of skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties.
Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant. Antioxidants help neutralize unstable free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules may damage your skin's cells and DNA. Curcumin may help with anti-aging.
Curcumin also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe skin and reduce irritation. On top of that, curcumin has been shown to help prevent hyperpigmentation from sun damage.
The anti-microbial property of turmeric can make it effective in treating acne. This property has also been shown to help regulate the production of sebum.
Learn more about Curcuma Longa Root ExtractDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Glycereth-26 is a synthetic ingredient and polyethylene glycol ether of Glycerin. Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin and helps keep your skin moisturized.
It is a humectant and helps add texture to products. It can make your product thicker.
As a humectant, it helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps your skin stay hydrated.
Learn more about Glycereth-26Glycerin 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 GlycerinLaminaria Japonica Extract comes from a kelp more commonly known as 'sweet kelp'. It is commonly eaten in Japan, Korea, and China.
Sweet kelp is a humectant and helps hydrate your skin. Humectants draw moisture from the air to your skin.
Studies show Laminaria Japonica has antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging. Kelp also contains magnesium and zinc, making it great for calming inflammation and redness.
Learn more about Laminaria Japonica ExtractMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract is from the Neem tree. Neem trees originate from India.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
The flowers of this tree are lilac colored.
Learn more about Melia Azadirachta Flower ExtractMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is extract from the neem plant.
The leaves of this tree contain flavonoids and polyphenols. These two compounds are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Further research is needed as to their effects when applied on skin.
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract comes from the Holy Basil plant. Holy Basil is native to India.
Holy Basil is rich in antioxidants due to its high romarinic acid, ferulic acid, and rutin content. This gives it skin brightening and soothing properties.
While Holy Basil has many claims to help fight acne, more research is needed.
One thing to note is the presence of tannins; tannins are naturally found in nature. However, this compound may be skin-sensitizing.
Learn more about Ocimum Sanctum Leaf ExtractSodium DNA is an emerging anti-aging ingredient.
It is created by taking deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and purifying it with sodium hydroxide.
The DNA is extracted from several different animal sources, including: calf thymus, the gonadic tissue of a male sturgeon, or herring / salmon sperm.
You have probably seen this ingredient in anti-aging skincare. But what is it?
DNA is composed of nucleotides, or chemical building blocks. Nucleotides include adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). Talk about a flashback to biology! Nucleosides are formed from these nucleotides.
The science behind Sodium DNA is based on an ingredient called Polydeoxyribonucleotide or PDRN.
PDRN are DNA fragments mainly extracted from the sperm cells of trout or salmon. Meaning, PDRN can be derived from Sodium DNA.
PDRN consists of chains of nucleotides and nucleosides mentioned above. They can range anywhere from 80 - 2000 pairs.
Studies show PDRN has the following properties:
Most of the research on PDRN has been done using injectable forms. That’s important, because PDRN is a large molecule and doesn’t absorb well through the skin. So if you’re applying it topically, the effects are likely to be much milder.
Still, topical Sodium DNA is emerging as a trendy anti-aging ingredient. It’s generally well-tolerated and offers good biocompatibility with human skin, making it a low-risk addition to most routines.
Further studies are needed to truly confirm this ingredients anti-aging ability (Remember, retinol has decades of research!).
When using this ingredient, is is best to ask a brand about the source of their Sodium DNA. You'll want to find products where the Sodium DNA is sourced from fish. Some Sodium DNA is derived from calf / cow thymus.
Needless to say, this ingredient is not vegan.
Learn more about Sodium DnaSodium 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 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