What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialBetaine
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantIsohexadecane
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientPPG-3 Dipivalate
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientMyristyl Myristate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingPEG-100 Stearate
PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningPEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantSorbitan Tristearate
EmulsifyingErythritol
HumectantParfum
MaskingAlcohol
AntimicrobialAminopropyl Dimethicone
2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTrisodium EDTA
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingIsostearic Acid
CleansingSodium Metaphosphate
BufferingPhytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientLinalool
PerfumingTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantLimonene
PerfumingCitrus Unshiu Peel Extract
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAngelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningZiziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantAlpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract
CleansingPyrola Incarnata Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Betaine, Glycerin, Isohexadecane, Hydrogenated Polydecene, PPG-3 Dipivalate, Silica, Behenyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Myristyl Myristate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Polysorbate 60, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer, CI 77891, Sorbitan Tristearate, Erythritol, Parfum, Alcohol, Aminopropyl Dimethicone, 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Carbomer, Trisodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Caffeine, Potassium Hydroxide, Isostearic Acid, Sodium Metaphosphate, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Linalool, Tocopherol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Limonene, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract, Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, CI 77491, Alpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract, Pyrola Incarnata Extract
Panax Ginseng Root Water
MaskingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningPoncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Oil
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientGlucose
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSteareth-21
CleansingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Hexyl Laurate
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Stearyl Dimethicone
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Ethyl Hexanediol
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
PEG-40 Stearate
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingWater
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingPanax Ginseng Root Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylyl Methicone, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Betaine, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Beta-Glucan, Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Squalane, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, C14-22 Alcohols, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Glucose, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, Steareth-21, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Hexyl Laurate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Stearyl Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Ethyl Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-40 Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Citric Acid, Water, Parfum, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Limonene, Linalool
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Another name for betaine is trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineButylene 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 GlycolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeGlycerin 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 GlycerinLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolGinseng root is a well-loved ingredient in Asian skincare for good reason. It hydrates the skin, soothes irritation, and helps even out skin tone.
In traditional East Asian medicine, ginseng has been used for centuries both as food and as a healing remedy, and modern research continues to confirm its skin benefits.
One of the standout features of ginseng is its ability to improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the skin, bringing a fresh supply of nutrients to support overall skin health. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to protect your skin against damage from UV exposure, pollution, and daily stress.
Additionally, studies suggest that ginseng may help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin production.
There are different types of ginseng used in skincare, and while they all share core benefits, their potency can vary.
Most products use fresh or white ginseng because itâs more affordable. However, red ginseng, produced by steaming the root, contains higher levels of ginsenosides, which are compounds with proven anti-aging effects. These ginsenosides help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
Note: All forms of ginseng are listed simply as âPanax ginsengâ in ingredient lists. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about which type of ginseng is used in their ingredients.
For general antioxidant benefits, any ginseng extract will do, but for wrinkle care or firmer skin, red or fermented ginseng is often more effective.
In short, ginseng is a powerhouse ingredient that supports hydration, radiance, and resilience.
Learn more about Panax Ginseng Root ExtractParfum 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 ParfumPeg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.
PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
Polysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.
Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.
In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.
Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.
Learn more about Polysorbate 60Tocopherol (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 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. 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