What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientPropanediol
SolventDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientDisiloxane
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveVinyldimethicone
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Glucoside
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Acrylates Copolymer
Osmanthus Fragrans Flower Extract
MaskingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningTremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingHelianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCalcium Gluconate
HumectantPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Glycerin
HumectantIsododecane
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingLecithin
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingOctyldodecanol
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Benzoate
MaskingPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Chloride
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Zinc Oxide, Cyclohexasiloxane, Propanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Disiloxane, Silica, Vinyldimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Glyceryl Glucoside, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Osmanthus Fragrans Flower Extract, Allantoin, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Tocopherol, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Panthenol, Calcium Gluconate, Pyridoxine Hcl, Yeast Extract, Cyanocobalamin, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Magnesium Sulfate, Glycerin, Isododecane, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Lecithin, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isostearic Acid, Isopropyl Myristate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Octyldodecanol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Magnesium Chloride, CI 77491, CI 77492
Water
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingCentella Asiatica Leaf Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBenzalkonium Chloride
AntimicrobialEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantHypochlorous Acid
AntiseborrhoeicSodium Citrate
BufferingOctanediol
Citric Acid
BufferingMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAgar
MaskingMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone
EmulsifyingAlgin
MaskingEthyl Hexanediol
SolventCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingSolanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingHyaluronic Acid
HumectantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningWater, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Panthenol, Benzalkonium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hypochlorous Acid, Sodium Citrate, Octanediol, Citric Acid, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Agar, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, Algin, Ethyl Hexanediol, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, CI 77891, Tocopherol, CI 19140, Ceramide NP
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidDipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, antiāinflammatory, 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 GlycyrrhizateEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinPanthenol 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 PanthenolPentylene 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 GlycolTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water