What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningQuercus Acutissima Fruit Extract 10%
AstringentPropanediol
Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Citrate
BufferingTromethamine
BufferingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hamamelis Virginiana Extract
Antiseborrhoeic
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Castanea Crenata Shell Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingEnantia Chlorantha Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Dextrin
AbsorbentBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Theobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein
Skin ConditioningSalvia Officinalis Oil
Masking
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Oenothera Biennis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Salvia Sclarea Oil
Masking
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Oleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Quercus Acutissima Fruit Extract 10%, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Alcohol, Gluconolactone, Sodium Citrate, Tromethamine, Hydroxyacetophenone, PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Allantoin, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Adenosine, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Sodium Phytate, Dextrin, Beta-Glucan, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Salvia Officinalis Oil, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Salvia Sclarea Oil, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Oleanolic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Glycerin
Humectant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientBetaine
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Tromethamine
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Pantolactone
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantEpilobium Fleischeri Extract
Skin ConditioningPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
Water, Butylene Glycol, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate, Betaine, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Citrate, Gluconolactone, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Tromethamine, Citric Acid, Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pantolactone, Dipropylene Glycol, Epilobium Fleischeri Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA
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
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.
These alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.
Learn more about AlcoholButylene 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 GlycolCitric 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 AcidGluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneGlycerin 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 GlycerinWe don't have a description for Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract yet.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is an ester of lauric acid and Polyglycerin-10.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is a cleansing agent and emulsifier. It helps gather dirt, oil, and other pollutants to be rinsed away. As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating, such as oil and water.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-10 LaurateWe don't have a description for Pueraria Lobata Root Extract yet.
Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineThis tree is also known as the David Elm. It contains the ingredient bakuchiol.
Other great compounds found in this ingredient include galactose, glucose, and phenolics. The sugar content gives it great skin hydrating properties. Phenolics are potent antioxidants commonly found in fruits and veggies.
A 2020 study found the phenolics of this root to have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Fun fact: This ingredient is used in traditional Asian medicine.
Learn more about Ulmus Davidiana Root ExtractWater. 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 Water
