What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSnail Secretion Filtrate
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantBetaine
HumectantAlcohol
Antimicrobial1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingArginine
MaskingSqualane
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantPvm/Ma Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSolanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantPaeonia Lactiflora Bark/Sap Extract
Skin ConditioningLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMyrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEuterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Ardisia Crispa Extract
Skin ConditioningRubus Coreanus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPhellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientNelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Panax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningPhaseolus Radiatus Meristem Cell Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingWater, Sodium Hyaluronate, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Arginine, Squalane, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Citrate, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Bark/Sap Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Ardisia Crispa Extract, Rubus Coreanus Fruit Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Panax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract, Phaseolus Radiatus Meristem Cell Culture Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialBetaine
HumectantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycereth-26
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveOctyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingPolyacrylate-13
Polyisobutene
Chlorphenesin
AntimicrobialDimethiconol
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingArginine
MaskingXanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantDisodium EDTA
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCyclotetrasiloxane
EmollientArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningGold
Cosmetic ColorantCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingTripropylene Glycol
AntioxidantPropylene Glycol
HumectantPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientAcetyl Octapeptide-3
HumectantWater, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Betaine, Cyclohexasiloxane, Methyl Gluceth-20, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Silica, Octyldodeceth-16, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Chlorphenesin, Dimethiconol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Carbomer, Parfum, Arginine, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Adenosine, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Caramel, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Gold, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Tripropylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Acetyl Octapeptide-3
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 AdenosineArginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.
As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.
Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineBetaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Another name for betaine is trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineButylene 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 GlycolCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, 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 GlycyrrhizateDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (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.
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 GlycerinParfum 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 ParfumPropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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 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