What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberTerephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialNiacinamide
SmoothingPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantTromethamine
BufferingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPolysilicone-15
UV FilterLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientMentha Aquatica Extract
TonicViola Mandshurica Flower Extract
AntioxidantDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBetula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingMethylpropanediol
SolventAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Sodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentPolyether-1
N-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingWater, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Alcohol Denat., Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Glycerin, Tromethamine, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Methicone, Polysilicone-15, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Mentha Aquatica Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Methylpropanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Polyacrylate, Polyether-1, N-Butyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Tocopherol, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterPolysilicone-15
UV FilterNiacinamide
SmoothingEthylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Cetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-2 Caprate
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingSucrose Stearate
EmollientMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingAlumina
AbrasiveInulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientCorchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantGlucose
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantEcklonia Cava Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningFructan
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantUndaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningSpirulina Platensis Extract
Skin ProtectingBetula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantNymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningWater, Dibutyl Adipate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Propanediol, Glycerin, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Titanium Dioxide, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polysilicone-15, Niacinamide, Ethylhexyl Triazone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Sorbitan Olivate, Behenyl Alcohol, C14-22 Alcohols, Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Sucrose Stearate, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Stearic Acid, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Alumina, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Squalane, Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Tocopherol, Glucose, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Fructan, Sodium Hyaluronate, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
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
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineBetula Platyphylla Japonica Juice is the sap of the Asian White Birch tree. Birch juice has antioxidant, hydrating, and soothing properties.
The high content of amino acids, sugars, and minerals provide the skin with moisture. On top of that, it contains Vitamins C and B (niacinamide). These two superstar ingredients protect your skin while reducing dark spots.
This white birch is currently being studied for potential anti-cancer properties. It has been used in traditional Asian medicine to help treat infections.
Learn more about Betula Platyphylla Japonica JuiceButylene 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 GlycolCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholDibutyl Adipate is an emollient and solvent. It is created from butyl alcohol and adipic acid.
As a solvent, Dibutyl Adipate helps mix and disperse ingredients evenly.
Dibutyl Adipate is soluble in water and organic solvents. It does not absorb UV rays.
Learn more about Dibutyl AdipateDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
DHHB is well-liked for:
DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.
This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolEthylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.
It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.
It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneEthylhexylglycerin (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 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 NiacinamideThis ingredient comes from the stem of the Prickly Pear cactus. The stem is rich in polyphenols, a potent source of antioxidants. It is anti-aging and soothing properties.
Prickly Pear stem is made up mostly of water (85%). The rest is composed of skin nourishing compounds: protein, fiber, fatty acids, simple sugars, Vitamin C, and some minerals.
Polyphenols help mitigate the effects of aging. Studies show polyphenols protect the skin from oxidative stress, UV-induced damage, and inflammation.
Prickly pear is often compared to Aloe.
Learn more about Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem ExtractPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPolysilicone-15 is a chemical UV filter that absorbs UV-B rays.
It is a photostable ingredient used to boost SPF factor and protect products from UV-induced deterioration.
This ingredient is not water-soluble.
Learn more about Polysilicone-15Propanediol 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 PropanediolTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water