What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCollagen Amino Acids
Moisturising
Squalane
Emollient
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Squalene
Emollient
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Asparagopsis Armata Extract
Skin ProtectingHydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantPhytosteryl Macadamiate
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Glutamine
Skin ConditioningLecithin
Emollient
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Polyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Phytosterols
Skin Conditioning
Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Bacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-3
Skin Conditioning
Oligopeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Oligopeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Hexapeptide-11
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Folic Acid
Skin ConditioningAmylopectin
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Myrica Cerifera Fruit Extract
HumectantHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Prunus Lannesiana Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAkebia Quinata Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Glycerin
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Dextran
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate, Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Collagen Amino Acids, Squalane, Caffeine, Squalene, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Asparagopsis Armata Extract, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Acetyl Glutamine, Lecithin, Phospholipids, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Polyglutamic Acid, Phytosterols, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Ceramide NP, Bacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Oligopeptide-3, Oligopeptide-2, Oligopeptide-1, Hexapeptide-11, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Folic Acid, Amylopectin, Tocopherol, Phytosphingosine, Ceramide AP, Cholesterol, Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract, Lactic Acid, Myrica Cerifera Fruit Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Prunus Lannesiana Flower Extract, Akebia Quinata Stem Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Ceramide EOP, Tripeptide-1, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 60, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dextran, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Oryza Sativa Germ Oil
Emollient
Ethylhexanol
Perfuming
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Glyceryl Dibehenate
Emollient
Polysilicone-11
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-75 Stearate
Surfactant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tribehenin
Emollient
Steareth-20
CleansingAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Glyceryl Behenate
Emollient
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Antioxidant
Ceteth-20
CleansingEctoin
Skin Conditioning
Lecithin
Emollient
Polyacrylamide
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingOcimum Basilicum Meristem Cell Culture
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
Geranylgeranylisopropanol
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Chlorhexidine Digluconate
Antimicrobial
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingTriethanolamine
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
N-Hydroxysuccinimide
Skin ConditioningHydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Limonene
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Beta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
Emollient
Cyclotetrapeptide-24 Aminocyclohexane Carboxylate
Antioxidant
Chrysin
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Oligopeptide
Cleansing
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Bee Venom
Astringent
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Oryza Sativa Germ Oil, Ethylhexanol, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Polysilicone-11, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-75 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Tribehenin, Steareth-20, Alcohol, Glyceryl Behenate, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Ceteth-20, Ectoin, Lecithin, Polyacrylamide, Xanthan Gum, Ocimum Basilicum Meristem Cell Culture, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Disodium EDTA, Geranylgeranylisopropanol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Laureth-7, Triethanolamine, Citric Acid, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Hydroxycitronellal, Potassium Sorbate, Limonene, Citronellol, Sodium Benzoate, Beta-Carotene, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Cyclotetrapeptide-24 Aminocyclohexane Carboxylate, Chrysin, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Bee Venom
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of phospholipids.
Thanks to its amphiphilic structure (water-loving head and oil-loving tail), it is a true multitasker:
It plays well with most ingredients and is typically used at 0.1-1%. However, concentrations up to 50% have been reported in moisturizers.
Learn more about LecithinPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium 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 HyaluronateTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
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. Remember to 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
