What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventMethylpropanediol
SolventBetaine
HumectantOctyldodecanol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCandida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialPalmitic Acid
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlycerin
HumectantStearic Acid
CleansingBeta-Sitosterol 0.5%
Emulsion StabilisingSqualane
EmollientVinyldimethicone
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Jojoba Esters
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Phytosterols
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Citric Acid
BufferingMusa Sapientum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingSodium Phytate
Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantPrunus Domestica Fruit Extract
MoisturisingCucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPolyglycerin-3
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantHedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract
AntimicrobialDisodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Phosphate
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantLactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningNonapeptide-1
Skin ConditioningCarnosine
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Tetrapeptide-5
HumectantAcetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Octapeptide-3
HumectantAcetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Skin ProtectingWater, Panthenol, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Methylpropanediol, Betaine, Octyldodecanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Palmitic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Beta-Sitosterol 0.5%, Squalane, Vinyldimethicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Jojoba Esters, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Phytosterols, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Adenosine, Cetearyl Olivate, Citric Acid, Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Sodium Phytate, Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Prunus Domestica Fruit Extract, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Polyglycerin-3, Butylene Glycol, Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Nonapeptide-1, Carnosine, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Water
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventNiacinamide
SmoothingGlycerin
HumectantMethyl Gluceth-20
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantDiethoxyethyl Succinate
SolventAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Arginine
MaskingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantPvm/Ma Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantOligopeptide-19
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
AntimicrobialEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAlanine
MaskingSerine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantGlycine
BufferingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Olivate
Glucose
HumectantHexapeptide-61 Dimer
Skin ConditioningSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLupeol
Skin ConditioningWater, Dipropylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Arginine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Oligopeptide-19, Copper Tripeptide-1, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alanine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Glycine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Glucose, Hexapeptide-61 Dimer, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Lupeol
Reviews
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
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
Think of it as a supportive ingredient that helps your gel-creams feel silky, "cloud cream-like", and spread evenly without being greasy.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel evaluated it (along with 22 other acryloyldimethyltaurate polymers) and concluded it's:
Due to its large molecular size, it sits on the surface of skin rather than penetrating it.
Learn more about Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp CopolymerBiosaccharide Gum-1 is a sugar created by fermenting sorbitol (which usually comes from potato starch!). It is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties.
Manufacturer tests show this ingredient helped reduce irritation from lactic acid by almost half and kept skin hydrated long-term as a humectant
Beyond hydration, Biosaccharide Gum-1 gives formulas a silky, non-sticky feel.
This ingredient is gentle, versatile, and suitable for all skin types.
Fun fact: Similar sugars can be found naturally in fruits like apples and pears.
Learn more about Biosaccharide Gum-1Butylene 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 Olivate is a plant-derived emulsifier and texture enhancer. It helps keep the oil and water phases from separating so your formulas stay stable.
You'll likely see it combined with Sorbitan Olivate (together sold as the trade name Olivem 1000). This combination generates a liquid crystal structure that closely resemble the lipid organization of the stratum corneum.
These "skin-like" liquid crystals improve skin barrier integrity and promote the delivery of actives into the skin.
This ingredient is well-tolerated and has no significant sensitization data.
Because it is derived from the fatty acids in olive oil, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateCopper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is a skin repairing ingredient known for its ability to boost collagen, improve firmness, and support skin regeneration.
It is a complex made up of a naturally occurring peptide (glycine-histidine-lysine) and copper, an essential trace element.
While studying wound healing, researchers noticed GHK-Cu stimulated hair follicle enlargement and growth by keeping hair in its active growth phase longer. This has made it a promising ingredient for hair regrowth treatments.
Some people have reported increased facial hair. While GHK-Cu can make your hair follicles bigger, it usually doesn’t turn soft, barely-visible facial hairs into thick, dark ones.
Anecdotal reports suggest that overusing copper peptides might lead to premature aging due to excess free copper or enzyme imbalances. This claim isn’t backed by large-scale studies.
Unfortunately, there are limited human studies for this ingredient. While early results are promising, many studies are either small, in-vitro, or not rigorously controlled.
For example, there is a 1998 study that explored the effects of copper tripeptide, vitamin C, tretinoin, and melatonin on skin repair and collagen synthesis.
After one month, increased procollagen production was seen in 7 out of 10 participants using copper tripeptide (more than those using vitamin C, melatonin, or tretinoin.
While the study was exploratory, it offers early evidence that copper tripeptide may support collagen production. Larger, well-designed trials are still needed to confirm its potential and understand individual responses.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Copper Tripeptide-1Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.
Learn more about Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateDipropylene 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 GlycolEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is a more stable version of lecithin.
It's made by taking lecithin (a phospholipid commonly found in soybeans and egg yolks) and hydrogenating it. This just means the unsaturated fatty acids are turned into saturated ones so they don't go bad as easily.
This ingredient is an emollient, emulsifier, and penetration enhancer. As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Hydrogenated Lecithin can form tiny spherical structures made of phospholipid bilayers called liposomes. These liposomes are able to capture compounds inside their structure and deliver them through the skin barrier.
Because phospholipids are a natural component of our cell membranes, this ingredient is inherently compatible with skin.
A 2021 study found lecithin-based surfactants were less harsh and more tolerable comared to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
Learn more about Hydrogenated LecithinMethylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.
As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.
Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.
Learn more about MethylpropanediolPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Cetearyl Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateWater. 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