What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCellulose
AbsorbentButylene Glycol
HumectantCitrus Nobilis Fruit Extract
MaskingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol
Antimicrobial1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMannitol
HumectantParfum
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSucrose
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Zea Mays Starch
AbsorbentSophora Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ProtectingCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Communis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Mume Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantNiacinamide
SmoothingHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSymphytum Officinale Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGlycine Soja Sprout Extract
EmollientCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingBetaine
HumectantGlycolic Acid
BufferingSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantGlyceryl Arachidonate
EmollientGlyceryl Linoleate
EmollientHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicWater, Cellulose, Butylene Glycol, Citrus Nobilis Fruit Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Arginine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Glycerin, Mannitol, Parfum, Panthenol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Xanthan Gum, Sucrose, Disodium EDTA, Zea Mays Starch, Sophora Japonica Flower Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Pyrus Communis Flower Extract, Prunus Mume Flower Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, CI 77491, Niacinamide, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycine Soja Sprout Extract, CI 19140, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicylic Acid, Betaine, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, CI 14700, Acetyl Glucosamine, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Arachidonate, Glyceryl Linoleate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Biotin
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPalmitic Acid
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingLauric Acid
CleansingMyristic Acid
CleansingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingMilk Protein Extract
Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingPEG-100 Stearate
Glyceryl Stearate
EmollientBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingPolyquaternium-7
Ethyl Hexanediol
SolventParfum
MaskingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Benzoate
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Linum Usitatissimum Seed Extract
PerfumingNelumbo Nucifera Flower Water
TonicOriganum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
PerfumingHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSalvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientHedera Helix Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPinus Sylvestris Leaf Extract
Tonic1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientBacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicSalicylic Acid
MaskingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantHamamelis Virginiana Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantRice Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingLactic Acid
BufferingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningPCA
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycolic Acid
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMalic Acid
BufferingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingPyruvic Acid
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantTartaric Acid
BufferingHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingGlutathione
Hydroxycitronellal
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Myristic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Milk Protein Extract, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Beeswax, Polyquaternium-7, Ethyl Hexanediol, Parfum, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Chloride, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Water, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Hedera Helix Leaf Extract, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Bacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Biotin, Salicylic Acid, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Hamamelis Virginiana Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Rice Ferment Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Lactic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Royal Jelly Extract, PCA, Propylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Malic Acid, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Pyruvic Acid, Tocopherol, Tartaric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Glutathione, Hydroxycitronellal
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
Biotin is a B vitamin that is naturally produced by our bodies. It is also called Vitamin H.
Our bodies use biotin in the metabolism process. It also helps our bodies use enzymes and move nutrients around. A biotin deficiency can lead to brittle hair and nails.
More research is needed on applying biotin topically. However, taking biotin orally has been shown to help nourish the skin, hair, and nails. They play a role in forming skin-hydrating fatty acids.
Biotin is water-soluble. It can be found in foods such as fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, and meat. Vitamin H stands for "haar" and "haut". These are the German words for hair and skin.
Learn more about BiotinButylene 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 GlycolCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.
Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds found in chamomile help with soothing, such as bisbolol.
Antioxidant components in chamomile make it an effective ingredient to help slow the signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, or molecules that may damage your skin.
Essential oils from chamomile have been found to improve wound healing due to its antimicrobial properties.
Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used Chamomile to treat skin redness and dryness. Chamomile has also been used to help treat stomach issues.
Learn more about Chamomilla Recutita Flower ExtractDisodium 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 EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with tons of research backing its benefits.
It is found naturally in sugar cane but the form used in skincare is usually synthetic for purity and stability.
Glycolic acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells to allow newer and fresher ones to emerge.
AHAs work by breaking down the structural āglueā that holds old skin cells in place. When that buildup is gone, your skin can renew itself more efficiently.
Research also shows glycolic acid stimulates collagen production, helping to firm and thicken the skin over time. This is one of its biggest advantages over other AHAs.
Overall, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid boosts skin hydration by helping it produce molecules that increase hyaluronic acid naturally.
To work best, glycolic acid products should have a pH between 3-4 (thatās where exfoliation is most effective but still gentle on skin).
The pH and concentration of a product are key to its effectiveness:
It is normal to feel a slight stinging sensation when using glycolic acid. This usually fades as your skin adjusts.
Because glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size in the AHA family, it can penetrate deeper, which enhances its effectiveness but also makes it more likely to irritate sensitive skin.
If your skin is very sensitive or prone to rosacea, glycolic acid may be too strong; in that case, try milder options like lactic acid or a PHA instead.
Recent studies suggest glycolic acid might even help protect against UV damage. But donāt skip sunscreen! Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun.
Glycolic acid is a skincare superstar. It smooths, brightens, hydrates, and firms the skin. Unless youāre highly sensitive, itās well worth adding to your routine.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePanthenol 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 PanthenolParfum 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 āFRAGRANCEā or āPARFUMā 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 ParfumRetinyl palmitate is a form of retinoid. Retinoids are the superstar class of anti-aging ingredients that include tretinoin and retinol.
This particular ingredient has had a bumpy year with its rise and fall in popularity.
First, Retinyl palmitate is created from palmitic acid and retinol. It is a retinol ester and considered one of the weaker forms of retinoid.
This is because all retinoids have to be converted to Tretinoin, AKA retinoic acid. Retinyl Palmitate is pretty far down the line and has to go through multiple conversions before its effects are seen.
Due to this long and ineffective conversion line, the benefits of Retinyl Palmitate are debated.
Studies show Retinyl Palmitate to help:
Dermatologists say this ingredient is ineffective because it isn't used in high enough concentrations in cosmetics.
This ingredient used to be found in sunscreens to boost the efficacy of sunscreen filters.
The downfall of Retinyl Palmitate was due to released reports about the ingredient being correlated to sun damage and skin tumors.
While there is a study showing this ingredient to cause DNA damage when exposed to UV-A, there is no concrete proof of it being linked to skin cancer. It is safe to use when used correctly.
All retinoids increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun in the first few months of usage. Be especially careful with reapplying sunscreen when using any form of retinoid.
Currently, this ingredient is still allowed in cosmetics all over the world. In Canada, cosmetics must have a warning label stating the product to contain Retinyl Palmitate
Fun fact: This ingredient is often added to low-fat milk to increase the levels of Vitamin A.
Learn more about Retinyl PalmitateSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, itās still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSodium 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 HyaluronateTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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