What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterSilica
AbrasiveIsopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientBeheneth-25
CleansingEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberAcrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientDiethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV AbsorberNiacinamide
SmoothingAlkanna Tinctoria Root Extract
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingCucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate
CleansingHydroxypropyltrimonium Maltodextrin Crosspolymer
Lecithin
EmollientLepidium Sativum Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientTocopherol
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingWater, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Silica, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Propanediol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Beheneth-25, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Niacinamide, Alkanna Tinctoria Root Extract, Arginine, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Maltodextrin Crosspolymer, Lecithin, Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract, Maltodextrin, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Xanthan Gum, Coco-Glucoside
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventDibutyl Adipate
EmollientDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningDiethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV Absorber1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingStearyl Alcohol
EmollientArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingEriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingSerine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantMentha Viridis Extract
MaskingAspartic Acid
MaskingLeucine
Skin ConditioningArdisia Crispa Extract
Skin ConditioningDipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantAlanine
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingPhenylalanine
MaskingThreonine
Proline
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantMethionine
Skin ConditioningCysteine
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantWater, Propanediol, Dibutyl Adipate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Niacinamide, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Methicone, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Decyl Glucoside, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Stearyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Adenosine, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Hydrolyzed Collagen, T-Butyl Alcohol, Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract, Glycine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Mentha Viridis Extract, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Ardisia Crispa Extract, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Tocopherol, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Proline, Valine, Isoleucine, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Histidine, Methionine, Cysteine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
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
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineCoco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is a lightweight emollient. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Once applied, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is absorbed quickly and leaves a silky feel.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
DHHB is well-liked for:
DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.
This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateDiethylhexyl Butamido Triazone is a photostable UV absorber. It protects in both the UVB and UVA II range.
The great thing about this ingredient is that it is ultra-photostable at low concentrations.
It is also pretty water-resistant and is highly oil-soluble (so your oil cleanser will get it off right away).
This ingredient is currently available in Europe and Japan, but not in the US.
Learn more about Diethylhexyl Butamido TriazoneEthylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.
It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.
It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneGlycerin (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 GlycerinNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate is a type of Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic Acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read about common types of Hyaluronic Acid here:
Learn more about Sodium Acetylated HyaluronateTocopherol 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum