What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientCapryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyglycerin-3
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Lactate/Laurate
CleansingDiheptyl Succinate
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantRetinol
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPolyglyceryl-2 Oleate
EmulsifyingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-2 Stearate
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingWater, Niacinamide, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Glycerin, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglycerin-3, Polyglyceryl-3 Lactate/Laurate, Diheptyl Succinate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Sclerotium Gum, Polysorbate 20, Tocopherol, Citric Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningDiethylhexyl Succinate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGlycolic Acid
BufferingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Retinol
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
BufferingUrea
BufferingSqualane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningUbiquinone
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantC13-14 Isoparaffin
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPolyacrylamide
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDisodium EDTA
Water, Diethylhexyl Succinate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycolic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Potassium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Retinol, Lactic Acid, Urea, Squalane, Glycerin, Phospholipids, Ubiquinone, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyacrylamide, Laureth-7, Cetearyl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA
Reviews
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycerinRetinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolTocopheryl 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water