What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingMethylpropanediol
SolventSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantOctyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingSodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer
Arginine
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningHexyldecyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingC12-13 Alketh-9
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthoxydiglycol
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningMusa Sapientum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningRosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingPyrus Communis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningFicus Carica Fruit Extract
HumectantPrunus Domestica Fruit Extract
MoisturisingCucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningHedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract
AntimicrobialOctyldodecanol
EmollientAsiaticoside
AntioxidantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningFructooligosaccharides
HumectantCyperus Rotundus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantCollagen
MoisturisingGlycine
BufferingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningGlutamic Acid
HumectantLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialGlutathione
Resveratrol
AntioxidantMadecassoside
AntioxidantSoluble Collagen
HumectantFerulic Acid
AntimicrobialSodium Chloride
MaskingMannose
HumectantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantGlucose
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Methylpropanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Methyl Gluceth-20, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Butylene Glycol, Octyldodeceth-16, Sodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer, Arginine, Carbomer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Hexyldecyl Ethylhexanoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, C12-13 Alketh-9, Adenosine, Sodium Phytate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Trehalose, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Musa Sapientum Flower Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Prunus Domestica Fruit Extract, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract, Octyldodecanol, Asiaticoside, Ceramide NP, Glycolipids, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Fructooligosaccharides, Cyperus Rotundus Root Extract, Tocopherol, Collagen, Glycine, Beta-Glucan, Glutamic Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Glutathione, Resveratrol, Madecassoside, Soluble Collagen, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Mannose, Copper Tripeptide-1, Polyglutamic Acid, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Glucose, Citric Acid, Hexapeptide-9
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantBetaine
HumectantPropanediol
SolventPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningMalachite Extract
AntioxidantCholesterol
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantPvm/Ma Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTromethamine
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Trehalose, Betaine, Propanediol, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Ceramide NP, Beta-Glucan, Malachite Extract, Cholesterol, Pentylene Glycol, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Xanthan Gum, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
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
Beta-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 GlycolCarbomer is a high-molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid. It is used to form gels and thicken formulas.
Due to its large molecular size, carbomer has minimal skin penetration and is considered an inert ingredient.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
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 NPEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinMadecassic Acid is a major component of Centella Asiatica Extract. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It is a triterpenoid, meaning it naturally acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect your skin against damage from environmental factors such as pollution and UV.
Studies show Madecassic Acid helps soothe the skin due to its ability to block inflammation pathways.
Learn more about Madecassic AcidMadecassoside is one of four active compounds found in Centella asiatica and is one of the main reasons Centella is so effective at calming irritated skin and supporting the moisture barrier.
There's a solid body of peer-reviewed research backing Madecassoside for several skin benefits. Studies have found:
Madecassoside pairs well with other hydrating or antioxidant ingredients like Ascorbic Acid or Hyaluronic Acid.
Learn more about MadecassosidePentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolSodium 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 HyaluronateTrehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseWater. 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