What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientFullerenes
AntimicrobialHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingColloidal Gold
AntimicrobialGlutathione
Ascorbic Acid
AntioxidantSodium Dna
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantArginine
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTrilaureth-4 Phosphate
EmulsifyingLactobacillus Extracellular Vesicles
Crocus Chrysanthus Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingSophora Angustifolia Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingMethylglucoside Phosphate
Skin ConditioningCopper Lysinate/Prolinate
Skin ConditioningSilk Amino Acids
HumectantAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSorbitol
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Propanediol
SolventLactic Acid
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Sodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Fullerenes, Hydroxyacetophenone, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Colloidal Gold, Glutathione, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Dna, Trehalose, Arginine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trilaureth-4 Phosphate, Lactobacillus Extracellular Vesicles, Crocus Chrysanthus Bulb Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Beta-Glucan, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Methylglucoside Phosphate, Copper Lysinate/Prolinate, Silk Amino Acids, Acacia Senegal Gum, Phospholipids, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitol, Carbomer, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Propanediol, Lactic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Polyacrylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningTranexamic Acid
AstringentButylene Glycol
HumectantPhytic Acid
Niacinamide
SmoothingC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPolyacrylate-13
Glycerin
HumectantPhenylethyl Resorcinol
AntioxidantNelumbo Nucifera Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Flower Cell Extract
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantXanthophylls
Skin ConditioningSclareolide
MaskingDiethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPolyisobutene
Propanediol
SolventPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTrehalose
HumectantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSucrose
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingLecithin
EmollientCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Water, Tranexamic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Phytic Acid, Niacinamide, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Polyacrylate-13, Glycerin, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Nelumbo Nucifera Germ Extract, Vitis Vinifera Flower Cell Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthophylls, Sclareolide, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyisobutene, Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Trehalose, Polysorbate 20, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sucrose, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lecithin, Caprylhydroxamic Acid
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.
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 preservatives
Butylene 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 GlycolDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.
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 NiacinamidePhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium 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 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water