What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSphingomonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingC12-13 Alketh-9
EmulsifyingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingMusa Sapientum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingPyrus Communis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Domestica Fruit Extract
MoisturisingEthoxydiglycol
HumectantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningCucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract
AntimicrobialOctyldodecanol
EmollientAsiaticoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantGlycine
BufferingGlutamic Acid
HumectantArginine
MaskingPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningEctoin
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantSqualane
EmollientHydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientSorbitan Laurate
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCollagen
MoisturisingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialAvena Sativa Peptide
Skin ConditioningCollagen Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingAcetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Skin ConditioningHexapeptide-2
BleachingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicNonapeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningWater, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Panthenol, Adenosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, C12-13 Alketh-9, Cellulose Gum, Musa Sapientum Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract, Prunus Domestica Fruit Extract, Ethoxydiglycol, Beta-Glucan, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract, Octyldodecanol, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Glycolipids, Madecassic Acid, Tocopherol, Glycine, Glutamic Acid, Arginine, Phytosphingosine, Ectoin, Gluconolactone, Madecassoside, Squalane, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Sorbitan Laurate, Ceramide NP, Collagen, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Avena Sativa Peptide, Collagen Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Hexapeptide-2, Biotin, Nonapeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
MaskingStyrene/Vp Copolymer
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingHamamelis Virginiana Extract
AntiseborrhoeicPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentBetaine
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
MaskingIllicium Verum Fruit Extract
PerfumingAlchemilla Vulgaris Extract
AstringentAmaranthus Caudatus Extract
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Leaf Extract
PerfumingVeronica Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCynara Scolymus Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveSambucus Nigra Flower Extract
RefreshingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningChamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Styrene/Vp Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Betaine, Panthenol, Allantoin, Sodium PCA, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carbomer, Arginine, Illicium Verum Fruit Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Veronica Officinalis Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Beta-Glucan, Ceramide NP, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Reviews
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
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 a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of 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.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineBeta-Glucan is a soluble polysaccharide (a chain of glucose sugars) sourced from the cells walls of oats, baker's yeast, mushrooms, and seaweed.
It's a rare ingredient that pulls double-duty as a heavy-duty hydrator and skin-soothing repair agent.
On the surface, it acts as a humectant that holds water in place and reduces moisture loss for a plumper, smoother feel, while its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a great pick for calming redness or sensitive skin
The more interesting story is underneath:
Despite its large molecular size, oat beta-glucan has been shown to penetrate the epidermis and reach the dermis by slipping between skin cells. Here, it interacts with fibroblasts and macrophages to nudge collagen synthesis and support wound repair.
A small 2005 split-face clinical study of 27 subjects found topical beta-glucan produced measurable reductions in wrinkle depth, height, and roughness after 8 weeks of use.
It is worth noting the trial was small and the penetration testing used frozen, irradiated skin so the anti-aging data is encouraging rather than definitive.
This ingredient gets along with pretty much everything and is typically used around 0.1-1%.
Fungal acne: This ingredient is not a food source for the Malassezia yeast because it is a glucose polysaccharide with no fatty acid or ester component.
Learn more about Beta-GlucanButylene 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 GlycolCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractCeramide 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 NPGlycerin (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 GlycerinNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolSodium 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