What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantNiacinamide
SmoothingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveMaltodextrin
Absorbent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentGlutathione
Soluble Collagen
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCrithmum Maritimum Extract
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
SurfactantMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Isohexadecane
EmollientEthylhexyl Stearate
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Polysorbate 80
EmulsifyingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDimethiconol
EmollientAroma
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTrideceth-6
EmulsifyingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, CI 77891, Niacinamide, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Panthenol, Silica, Maltodextrin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Glutathione, Soluble Collagen, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Propanediol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Isohexadecane, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polysorbate 80, Aluminum Hydroxide, Dimethiconol, Aroma, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Trideceth-6, Sorbitan Oleate, Disodium EDTA, Pentylene Glycol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientMethylpropanediol
SolventCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningPolyglycerin-10
HumectantBis-PEG/PPG-16/16 PEG/PPG-16/16 Dimethicone
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTrilaureth-4 Phosphate
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningDurvillaea Antarctica Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPearl Extract
AntioxidantChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCynanchum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningStephania Tetrandra Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMyrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract
HumectantMentha Piperita Extract
CleansingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveAlumina
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Flower Water
TonicPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingGlutathione
Propanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantLeptospermum Scoparium Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Methylpropanediol, CI 77891, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Polyglycerin-10, Bis-PEG/PPG-16/16 PEG/PPG-16/16 Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Trilaureth-4 Phosphate, Parfum, Allantoin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Chlorphenesin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Niacinamide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Ceramide NP, Tripeptide-1, Durvillaea Antarctica Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Pearl Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Stephania Tetrandra Root Extract, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract, Mentha Piperita Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbic Acid, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aluminum Hydroxide, Silica, Alumina, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Water, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glutathione, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tocopherol, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Leptospermum Scoparium Leaf Extract, CI 42090
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
Aluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideButylene 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 GlycolCi 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlutathione is an antioxidant naturally found in our bodies. It is made up of three amino acids: glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid.
As an antioxidant, it prevents oxidative damage to parts of our cell.
While glutathione is said to help with fading dark spots, the results from research are inconclusive. Further studies are needed. With that said, gluthatione has been shown to protect our skin from UV-B induced damage.
This ingredient is naturally occurring in plants, animals, fungi, and some bacteria.
Learn more about GlutathioneGlycerin (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 GlycerinThis ingredient is created by putting sodium hyaluronate through hydrolysis.
You might know this as 'mini' or 'ultra low-molecular weight' hyaluronic acid. The small molecule size means it is able to travel deeper in the skin.
According to studies, low molecular-weight hyaluronic acid can:
One study from 2011 found ultra-low weight HA to show pro-inflammatory properties. Another study from 2022 found it to downregulate UV-B induced inflammation.
Hydrolysis is a process of changing a molecule using water or enzymes.
This ingredient is water-soluble.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Sodium HyaluronateHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
Though naturally occuring in Norwegian spruce needles, this ingredient is usually synthetically created.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing. Recent research also suggests it may have skin-brightening effects through tyrosinase inhibition.
Learn more about HydroxyacetophenoneNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium 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 HyaluronateTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicon-based surface modifier that makes sunscreens feel silky and makeup stay put.
Its main job is to coat mineral particles like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and color pigments in a thin, oily layer so they spread smoothly, don't clump, and stick to skin better.
This ingredient is typically used at low levels (up to 2.5% in eyeshadow and 1% in lipstick).
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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