What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Betaine
Humectant
Propylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientClimbazole
Antimicrobial
Piroctone Olamine
Preservative
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingC12-13 Alkyl Lactate
EmollientSodium Lactate
Buffering
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Glycine
Buffering
Fructose
Humectant
Urea
Buffering
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Inositol
Humectant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPantolactone
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Glycerin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Betaine, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Climbazole, Piroctone Olamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Panthenol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, C12-13 Alkyl Lactate, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Glycine, Fructose, Urea, Niacinamide, Inositol, Sodium Benzoate, Lactic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pantolactone, Citric Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
C12-13 Alketh-9
EmulsifyingSilica
Abrasive
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
PPG-2-Deceth-12
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide
MaskingTromethamine
BufferingCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Glycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Glycine
Buffering
Serine
Masking
Glutamic Acid
Humectant
Propolis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingLecithin
Emollient
Aspartic Acid
Masking
Leucine
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
Antioxidant
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicSodium DNA
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Alanine
Masking
Lysine
Skin ConditioningArginine
Masking
Tyrosine
MaskingPhenylalanine
Masking
Asiatic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Proline
Skin Conditioning
Threonine
Valine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningAngelica Gigas Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Antioxidant
Eclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Histidine
Humectant
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Swertia Japonica Extract
Skin ConditioningThuja Orientalis Leaf Extract
Antioxidant
Cysteine
Antioxidant
Methionine
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid Polypeptide
Antioxidant
Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningForsythia Suspensa Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAcorus Gramineus Extract
HumectantCornus Officinalis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningChrysanthemum Zawadskii Extract
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Ficus Carica Fruit Extract
Humectant
Ganoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin Protecting
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sophora Flavescens Root Extract
Antioxidant
Aspergillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5
Humectant
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Skin Protecting
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Humectant
Copper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Carnosine
Skin Conditioning
Nonapeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-22
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Oligopeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-11
Sh-Polypeptide-3
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-16
Skin Protecting
Sh-Polypeptide-62
Antioxidant
Water, Alcohol Denat., C12-13 Alketh-9, Silica, Caffeine, Glycerin, PPG-2-Deceth-12, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Tromethamine, Centella Asiatica Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium EDTA, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Propolis Extract, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Lecithin, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Asiaticoside, Biotin, Sodium DNA, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside, Proline, Threonine, Valine, Isoleucine, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Histidine, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Swertia Japonica Extract, Thuja Orientalis Leaf Extract, Cysteine, Methionine, Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Forsythia Suspensa Fruit Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Acorus Gramineus Extract, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Chrysanthemum Zawadskii Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Aspergillus Ferment, Ceramide NP, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Copper Tripeptide-1, Carnosine, Nonapeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-4, Sh-Polypeptide-22, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-9, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Polypeptide-11, Sh-Polypeptide-3, Sh-Polypeptide-16, Sh-Polypeptide-62
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Carbomer is a synthetic thickening and gelling agent. It's basically the ingredient that gives a lot of serums, gels, creams, and sunscreens their smooth, non-sticky texture.
Although legally permitted at very high levels, carbomers are normally used at concentrations below 1%.
It also needs to be neutralized to actually thicken, and because it is a large molecule, it doesn't really penetrate the skin barrier.
Allergy-wise, the risk is very low. Clinical studies show carbomers have low potential for skin irritation/sensitization even at concentrations up to 100%.
A 2024 UK study patch-tested 1,302 patients and found true allergy to the parent group of carbomer to be rare with no confirmed relevant reactions.
Learn more about CarbomerCeramide NP (formerly known as Ceramide 3) is one of the skin's naturally occurring lipids.
Since ceramides are the major lipid components of the skin, they are crucial for maintaining skin barrier and hydration. Ceramide NP most closely mirrors the dominant kind in human skin amongst ceramide subtypes.
This ceramide works by slotting into gaps within the stratum corneum's lipid matrix to limit trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and shield the skin against external irritants.
A study with 312 patients found that using a ceramide-containing routine for 4 weeks reduced the severity of atopic dermatitis by over 61%.
Another clinical study in subjects aged 60 and older found that a ceramide body wash and moisturizer improved skin dryness and itchy skin in 15 days.
Overall, ceramides are considered non-irritating and safety tests have found little to no observable adverse effects from using this ingredient.
Ceramide NP is usually sourced from plants (like soybean or rice bran), or produced synthetically.
Learn more about Ceramide NPCitric 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 AcidEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinGlycine is the smallest amino acid and a key building block of collagen. It's part if your skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
A study from 2022 found that an amino acid complex featuring taurine, arginine, and glycine significantly reduced skin irritation, improved redness, and accelerated the skin repair process.
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 NiacinamideSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
