What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Glycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantEthylhexyl Cocoate
EmollientPEG/PPG-20/15 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningRetinal
Skin ConditioningHarungana Madagascariensis Extract
Skin ConditioningPhragmites Karka Extract
Skin ConditioningDimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningCaprylic Acid
CleansingElaeis Guineensis Oil
EmollientPoria Cocos Extract
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantStearic Acid
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientTetrasodium EDTA
Copper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Germ Extract
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Alpha-Arbutin, Ethylhexyl Cocoate, PEG/PPG-20/15 Dimethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Retinal, Harungana Madagascariensis Extract, Phragmites Karka Extract, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate, Caprylic Acid, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Poria Cocos Extract, Titanium Dioxide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lecithin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Copper Tripeptide-1, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Oryza Sativa Germ Extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, Sodium Hydroxide
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingSqualane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantBetaine
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeLactic Acid
BufferingMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningBenzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialDisodium EDTA
Retinol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTriethylene Glycol
MaskingHydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentTetrahydropiperine
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingBisabolol
AntioxidantArachis Hypogaea Oil
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningSucrose Stearate
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantDimethylmethoxy Chromanol
AntioxidantCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningGlycosphingolipids
EmollientWater, Niacinamide, Squalane, Glycerin, Betaine, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Phenoxyethanol, Lactic Acid, Methyl Gluceth-20, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polysorbate 80, Xanthan Gum, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Allantoin, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Retinol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethylene Glycol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Panthenol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Tetrahydropiperine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylyl Glycol, Sclerotium Gum, Bisabolol, Arachis Hypogaea Oil, Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hcl, Retinyl Palmitate, Sucrose Stearate, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Hyaluronic Acid, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Ceramide AP, Ceramide As, Ceramide Ng, Glycosphingolipids
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
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinAscorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C and is the biologically active form used directly by skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, but it also has plenty of benefits for your skin. It is best supported by academic literature for:
Topical vitamin C has been shown to help neutralize oxidative stress from UV and pollution, helping to improve photoaging and hyperpigmentation when used consistently.
One clinical study found that using 5% topical vitamin C for six months improved signs of photodamaged skin, both on the surface and in the deeper structural layers of the skin.
While vitamin C doesn’t replace sunscreen, studies show it can boost photoprotection when combined with Vitamin E and ferulic acid. These two ingredients help improve stability and protective effects.
The big downside of this ingredient is formulation difficulty. Vitamin C is prone to oxidation and doesn't penetrate the skin unless formulated correctly. Research found that vitamin C absorbs into the skin best at a low pH (< 3.5) with about 20% being the upper limit for effective absorption.
Skin levels can saturate after repeated application; this means your skin won’t keep absorbing more once it’s full of vitamin C. This is why more isn’t always better with vitamin C and why very high concentrations don’t necessarily give extra benefits.
Ascorbic acid generally works well with many skincare ingredients but can be irritating when combined with other active ingredients. Strong oxidizing acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide can reduce the effectiveness of vitamin C if they are used at the same time; they are often recommended for use at different times of day.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolGlycerin (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 NiacinamidePeg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is derived from castor oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG). It is used as a emollient and emulsifier.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps make the other ingredients more soluble; it is often used to solubilize fragrances. This increases spreadability and elongates shelf life in a product.
Emollients help soothe and soften the skin. They do this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
This ingredient may or may not be vegan, depending on the source.
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil may not be fungal-acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any questions or concerns.
Learn more about PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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