What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Dicaprylyl Ether
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientSaccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Boron Nitride
Absorbent
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
Emollient
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantTromethamine
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Sodium Phytate
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sea Water
HumectantPropanediol
Solvent
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Emiliania Huxleyi Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Ether, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Saccharide Isomerate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Boron Nitride, Madecassoside, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Phytate, Ceramide NP, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Sea Water, Propanediol, Tocopherol, Emiliania Huxleyi Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningPotassium Methoxysalicylate
BleachingNiacinamide 5%
Smoothing
Tranexamic Acid 3%
Astringent
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine 2%
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Alpha-Arbutin 2%
Antioxidant
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Isohexadecane
EmollientGlutathione 1%
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Arbutin
Antioxidant
Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial
Lecithin
Emollient
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Linolenic Acid
Cleansing
PEG-10 Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Stabilising
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Sulfite
Preservative
Acetyl Tyrosine
Skin ConditioningSaxifraga Sarmentosa Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingAminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Pisum Sativum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningChenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Thiocyanate
StabilisingLactoferrin
Skin ConditioningLactoperoxidase
StabilisingGlucose Oxidase
StabilisingGlucose Pentaacetate
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Phosphate
BufferingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingUbiquinone
Antioxidant
Sodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningNymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTerminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Ceteareth-25
CleansingCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Behenic Acid
Cleansing
Cholesterol
Emollient
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ns
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Eos
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Caprooyl Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Caprooyl Sphingosine
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Glyceryl Oleate
Emollient
Arisaema Amurense Extract
Skin ConditioningDecyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
Hexapeptide-2
Bleaching
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingBorago Officinalis Seed Oil
Emollient
Arginine
Masking
4-Butylresorcinol
Antioxidant
Dextrin
AbsorbentTetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingDimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Dipeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Water, Potassium Methoxysalicylate, Niacinamide 5%, Tranexamic Acid 3%, Cyclopentasiloxane, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine 2%, Squalane, Alpha-Arbutin 2%, Saccharide Isomerate, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Isohexadecane, Glutathione 1%, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Arbutin, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Lecithin, Linoleic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Linolenic Acid, PEG-10 Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Sulfite, Acetyl Tyrosine, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Pisum Sativum Seed Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Pentylene Glycol, Potassium Thiocyanate, Lactoferrin, Lactoperoxidase, Glucose Oxidase, Glucose Pentaacetate, Potassium Phosphate, Disodium Phosphate, Ubiquinone, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Ceteareth-25, Cetyl Alcohol, Behenic Acid, Cholesterol, Ceramide NP, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide Eos, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide AP, Caprooyl Phytosphingosine, Caprooyl Sphingosine, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Oleate, Arisaema Amurense Extract, Decyl Glucoside, Kojic Acid, Hexapeptide-2, Carbomer, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Arginine, 4-Butylresorcinol, Dextrin, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, Aminomethyl Propanol, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Hyaluronic Acid, Dipeptide-4, Retinyl Palmitate
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
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinButylene 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 GlycolCeramide NP (formerly known as Ceramide 3) is one of the skin's naturally occurring lipids.
Since ceramides are the major lipid components of the skin, they are crucial for maintaining skin barrier and hydration. Ceramide NP most closely mirrors the dominant kind in human skin amongst ceramide subtypes.
This ceramide works by slotting into gaps within the stratum corneum's lipid matrix to limit trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and shield the skin against external irritants.
A study with 312 patients found that using a ceramide-containing routine for 4 weeks reduced the severity of atopic dermatitis by over 61%.
Another clinical study in subjects aged 60 and older found that a ceramide body wash and moisturizer improved skin dryness and itchy skin in 15 days.
Overall, ceramides are considered non-irritating and safety tests have found little to no observable adverse effects from using this ingredient.
Ceramide NP is usually sourced from plants (like soybean or rice bran), or produced synthetically.
Learn more about Ceramide NPCitric 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 AcidEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinPentylene 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 GlycolSaccharide Isomerate comes from sugars found in corn. It is a skin hydrator.
The structure of this ingredient can be altered to be more similar to the carbohydrates found in our skin. This ability to mimic our skin gives it hydrating properties.
Specifically, saccharide Isomerate is a humectant. Humectants draw moisture from the air to our skin.
Research shows Saccharide Isomerate to be an effective moisturizer.
Learn more about Saccharide IsomerateTocopherol 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
