What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Water
MaskingDisodium Cocoamphodiacetate
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantPotassium Cocoyl Glycinate
Coco-Betaine
CleansingMethyl Perfluorobutyl Ether
SolventMethyl Perfluoroisobutyl Ether
SolventAcrylates Copolymer
Salix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentJasminum Officinale Flower Water
MaskingChaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract
AntioxidantDiospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingCinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
MaskingArtemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningChrysanthellum Indicum Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingGeranium Maculatum Extract
TonicSalvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingTrifolium Pratense Flower Extract
AstringentAlchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract
AntioxidantAspalathus Linearis Extract
Skin ConditioningHelichrysum Arenarium Extract
AntiseborrhoeicPinus Densiflora Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBambusa Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningThuja Orientalis Extract
AntimicrobialChamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
AntimicrobialCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
MaskingCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantCastanea Crenata Shell Extract
Skin ConditioningZanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantMannan
Camellia Sinensis Leaf
PerfumingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Powder
Butylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitric Acid
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Glycol
SolventRaspberry Ketone
MaskingCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantDisodium EDTA
Mentha Piperita Oil
MaskingWater, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Glycerin, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Coco-Betaine, Methyl Perfluorobutyl Ether, Methyl Perfluoroisobutyl Ether, Acrylates Copolymer, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower Water, Chaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Geranium Maculatum Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Helichrysum Arenarium Extract, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Thuja Orientalis Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Mannan, Camellia Sinensis Leaf, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzyl Glycol, Raspberry Ketone, Caramel, CI 19140, CI 42090, Disodium EDTA, Mentha Piperita Oil
Water
Skin ConditioningCoco-Betaine
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
AntimicrobialAloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPotassium Cocoyl Glycinate
Melilotus Officinalis Extract
AstringentTromethamine
BufferingAsiaticoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningXylitol
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentAnhydroxylitol
HumectantGlucose
HumectantMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningChaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract
AntioxidantCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCutibacterium Granulosum Ferment Extract Filtrate
EmollientXylitylglucoside
HumectantPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentWater, Coco-Betaine, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Chloride, Centella Asiatica Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Melilotus Officinalis Extract, Tromethamine, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Gluconolactone, Xylitol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Anhydroxylitol, Glucose, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Chaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Cutibacterium Granulosum Ferment Extract Filtrate, Xylitylglucoside, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
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.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
Butylene 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 GlycolCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (tea extract) is one of the most well-researched plant extracts in skincare with an impressive resume.
Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from the Camellia Sinensis plant.
Studies show green tea extract and its catechins (like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)) help your skin cells product energy more efficiently and reducing the number of free-radicals that can damage your skin from the inside.
In lab-grown skin models, this translated to younger, healthier, and stronger skin.
There's also good sun protection data; researchers saw less DNA damage and redness on human skin when green tea was applied before UVB exposure. And the more they applied, the better the protection.
Needless to say, this ingredient shouldn't replace your sunscreen. But it is a great supportive ingredient that you can already find in many sunscreens and antioxidant serums.
A 2009 study found a 2% green tea lotion was effective for mild-to-moderate acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity.
The quality of the extract matters a lot here:
Good extracts contain 50-90% catechins while lower quality ones are mostly there for marketing. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the quality or source of their ingredients.
Human Repeated Insult Patch Testing showed no irritation or sensitization at use concentrations (0.86% in leave-on products and up to 30% as leaf water).
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractChaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract is an antioxidant.
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.
Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds found in chamomile help with soothing, such as bisbolol.
Antioxidant components in chamomile make it an effective ingredient to help slow the signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, or molecules that may damage your skin.
Essential oils from chamomile have been found to improve wound healing due to its antimicrobial properties.
Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used Chamomile to treat skin redness and dryness. Chamomile has also been used to help treat stomach issues.
Learn more about Chamomilla Recutita Flower ExtractCoco-Betaine is the natural version of Cocamidopropyl Betaine. It is often derived from coconuts.
Coco-Betaine is a surfactant, meaning it helps remove dirt and oil from the skin.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinThis ingredient is also known as tea tree leaf water or tea tree hydrosol. It functions as an antimicrobial, anti-sebum, astringent, and tonic ingredient.
You can think of it as a gentler, water-version of tea tree oil.
Its star active is terpinen-4-ol, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial.
The water-soluble compounds of tea tree have been shown to calm inflammation by roughly 50% in vitro (with Terpinen-4-ol driving this).
Terpinen-4-ol has also demonstrated strong inhibitory activity against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus.
Before slathering on tea tree water, just know concentrations under 5% are considered more suitable and safer than higher concentrations.
The European Medicines Agency recognizes tea tree-derived ingredients as having well-established use for mild acne and small superficial wounds.
It's a well-researched and skin-friendly option for oily or acne-prone skin.
As with most actives, patch testing is a good idea if your skin leans sensitive.
Learn more about Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf WaterPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract comes from the Japanese Knotweed plant native to Japan, Korea, and China.
This plant contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It contains high amounts of resveratrol, a potent antioxidant.
The root of the plant has been used in traditional folk medicine throughout Asia.
Learn more about Polygonum Cuspidatum Root ExtractPotassium Cocoyl Glycinate is an amino acid-based surfactant and cleaning agent. This ingredient can be derived from animals or plants. It may also be synthetically created from fatty acids of the coconut and glycine.
Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate is a gentle surfactant. Surfactants help gather the dirt, oil, and other pollutants from your skin to be rinsed away. It is a mild cleanser and naturally produces foam.
Salix Alba Bark Extract comes from the bark of the white willow tree. The official CosIng listing states this ingredient to have astringent, skin conditioning, soothing, and tonic properties.
Its star compound is salicin, a natural glucoside that is chemically related to salicylic acid. That's why you'll often see it marketed as a "natural BHA alternative" but that's a bit of a stretch.
Your skin can't convert salicin to salicylic acid because it needs specific enzymes that aren't present on the skin's surface. It won't behave like true salicylic acid, especially at the concentrations used in cosmetics.
However, this ingredient has its own perks. It contains flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins that give it proven antioxidant and soothing properties.
An 8-week clinical study found a cream with 2% of this extract improved skin microcirculation, elasticity, and dark circles. This is most likely due to its role in increasing hyaluronic acid synthesis in fibroblasts and improved vascular integrity.
Another study found a topical serum with 0.5% salicin showed improvements in visible signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, and texture.
Just be careful if you have a known aspirin/salicylate allergy and be sure to consult with a medical professional about using this ingredient if you do.
Fun fact: Willow Bark extract has been used for thousands of years and ancient civilizations used white willow to help treat pain and fevers.
Learn more about Salix Alba Bark ExtractWater. 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