What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientOctyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
PCA Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHoney
HumectantTromethamine
BufferingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingZiziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingPalmitic Acid
EmollientLimonene
PerfumingCitrus Junos Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCrataegus Pinnatifida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingNarcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract
AstringentPoncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPueraria Thunbergiana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Prunus Mume Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMorus Alba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingCitronellol
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingRehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGeraniol
PerfumingMyristic Acid
CleansingPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLilium Candidum Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Extract
Skin ConditioningLauric Acid
CleansingNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, PCA Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Carbomer, Honey, Tromethamine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Parfum, Glyceryl Caprylate, Stearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Palmitic Acid, Limonene, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Crataegus Pinnatifida Fruit Extract, Linalool, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pueraria Thunbergiana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Cetearyl Olivate, Prunus Mume Flower Extract, Morus Alba Leaf Extract, Sorbitan Olivate, Citronellol, Citral, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Geraniol, Myristic Acid, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Extract, Lauric Acid, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Tocopherol
Phyllostachys Bambusoides Juice
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningSodium Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPhytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientParfum
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPalmitic Acid
EmollientLinalool
PerfumingButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingPhytantriol
HumectantPoloxamer 407
EmulsifyingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Caffeine
Skin ConditioningTheanine
EmollientEpigallocatechin Gallate
AntioxidantKaempferol
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Flower Extract
PerfumingPhyllostachys Bambusoides Juice, Water, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glycerin, Propanediol, Methyl Trimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Squalane, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Sodium Carbomer, Panthenol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Caprylate, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Palmitic Acid, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Phytantriol, Poloxamer 407, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Caffeine, Theanine, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Kaempferol, Camellia Sinensis Flower 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.
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
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer (let's call it AAVC for short) is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
AAVC is able to increase the consistency and viscosity of products due to its large molecule size. It also prevents ingredients from separating.
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 GlycolCitronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Geraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolGlycerin 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid, a fatty acid from coconut. It has emollient and emulsifier properties.
As an emollient, it helps hydrate your skin. Emollients work by creating a barrier on your skin to trap moisture in, helping to keep your skin soft and smooth.
On the other hand, emulsifiers prevent ingredients (such as oil and water) from separating.
Learn more about Glyceryl CaprylateHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil is the oil extracted from the seeds of the meadowfoam plant. This oil is non-fragrant and is an emollient. As an emollient, meadowfoam seed oil helps soften and hydrate the skin.
Meadowfoam seed oil is stable and has a long shelf life due to its chemical structure. It has the highest concentration of stable fatty-acids among plant oils, preventing it from degrading once exposed to oxygen.
Due to the fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Meadowfoam is native to California and Oregon.
Learn more about Limnanthes Alba Seed OilLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolNelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract comes from the Lotus Flower. It is rich in antioxidants.
The antioxidant properties in lotus flower come from compounds such as flavonoids.
In traditional Asian medicine, Lotus flower seeds were used to help treat inflammation.
Learn more about Nelumbo Nucifera Flower ExtractPalmitic Acid is a fatty acid naturally found in our skin and in many plant and animal sources. In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It serves many purposes in skincare, acting as a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.
As an emollient, palmitic acid helps soften and smooth the skin by preventing water loss. In cleansers, it helps remove oil and dirt while creating foam.
Its emulsifying properties help stabilize products by keeping water and oil-based ingredients from separating.
This may not be suitable for fungal acne-prone skin, as fatty acids like this can sometimes trigger breakouts in sensitive individuals.
Learn more about Palmitic AcidParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumStearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water