What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingBetaine
HumectantDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningArctium Lappa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPhellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningPiper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningPueraria Thunbergiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCnidium Officinale Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSoluble Collagen
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSqualane
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningLauryl Glucoside
CleansingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin ConditioningPolyvinyl Alcohol
Polyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningGlycosyl Trehalose
Emulsion StabilisingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingHydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantRaffinose
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantBisabolol
MaskingLecithin
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientSucrose Distearate
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Betaine, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Pueraria Thunbergiana Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Soluble Collagen, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Lauryl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-51, Glycosyl Trehalose, Adenosine, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Raffinose, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Bisabolol, Lecithin, Panthenol, Citric Acid, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Sucrose Distearate, Ceramide NP, Folic Acid, Cholesterol, Tromethamine, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polysorbate 60, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate
Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract 80%
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientInulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Surfactin
CleansingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Root Extract
Skin ConditioningUndaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Meal Extract
SoothingMalt Extract
Skin ProtectingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Glycerin
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentCitric Acid
BufferingDeoxyphytantriyl Palmitamide Mea
Skin ConditioningGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
EmollientDioscorea Japonica Root Extract 80%, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Water, Trehalose, Panthenol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Sodium Surfactin, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Stearic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Root Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract, Avena Sativa Meal Extract, Malt Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Disodium EDTA, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Oryza Sativa Extract, Sodium Polyacrylate, Citric Acid, Deoxyphytantriyl Palmitamide Mea, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Cocos Nucifera Fruit 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
You may know this ingredient as argan oil. Argan Oil has antioxidant, hydrating, and soothing properties.
Studies have shown argan oil can help fight again radical damage from the sun. This makes it effective at preventing hyperpigmentation.
Large amounts of vitamin E found in argan oil helps the skin retain water. Argan oil also contains fatty acids such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. It is also a good source of lipids.
Another benefit of argan oil is skin-soothing. It can help reduce inflammation-related skin symptoms.
Argan Oil is effective at regulating sebum production in pores. This can make it effective at treating hormonal acne.
Traditionally, argan oil was used for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, argan oil contains fatty acids that may make it not fungal-acne safe.
Argan Trees are native to Morocco.
Learn more about Argania Spinosa Kernel OilButylene 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 GlycolThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCeramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolCitric 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 AcidDioscorea Japonica Root Extract comes from the Asian Mountain Yam. It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Antioxidants help neutralize free-radical molecules. These molecules may damage your skin cells and DNA.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinHydrogenated 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.
Panthenol 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 PanthenolWater. 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