What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Polysilicone-11
Trametes Versicolor Extract
Tromethamine
BufferingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantCoffea Arabica Seed Oil
MaskingTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
BufferingLactic Acid
BufferingHypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingWhey Protein
Skin ConditioningCentaurium Erythraea Extract
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin ConditioningSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Distichon Extract
Skin ProtectingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantAlgae Extract
EmollientDictyopteris Polypodioides Extract
EmollientSqualane
EmollientGelidiella Acerosa Extract
Skin ProtectingPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol
AntioxidantGlycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSorbitol
HumectantLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientArtemia Extract
Skin ConditioningOleth-10
EmulsifyingSucrose
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 40
EmulsifyingPEG-8
HumectantTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Trisiloxane, Glycerin, Lactobacillus Ferment, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polysilicone-11, Trametes Versicolor Extract, Tromethamine, Caffeine, Acetyl Glucosamine, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Oil, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Whey Protein, Centaurium Erythraea Extract, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Hordeum Distichon Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Algae Extract, Dictyopteris Polypodioides Extract, Squalane, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Phytosphingosine, Glucose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sorbitol, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Artemia Extract, Oleth-10, Sucrose, Trehalose, Pentylene Glycol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polysorbate 40, PEG-8, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, CI 14700, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantPolysilicone-11
Ascorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSqualane
EmollientHypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingGelidiella Acerosa Extract
Skin ProtectingSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientCaffeine
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin ConditioningLactis Proteinum
Skin ConditioningIsohexadecane
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientPEG-8
HumectantYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG-6
HumectantDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Polysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSodium Phosphate
BufferingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Polysorbate 80
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingTin Oxide
AbrasiveDisodium Phosphate
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Polysilicone-11, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Squalane, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Caffeine, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Lactis Proteinum, Isohexadecane, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Cholesterol, PEG-8, Yeast Extract, PEG-6, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Phosphate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Polysorbate 80, Carbomer, Hexylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Potassium Hydroxide, Tin Oxide, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, CI 77891
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acetyl Glucosamine is an antioxidant and humectant. It is an amino acid sugar and is naturally found in our skin.
The cool thing about this ingredient? It helps the skin produce hyaluronic acid and boost hydration. It also has antioxidant benefits to protect skin cells.
When paired with niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine has been shown to be effective at reducing discoloration.
Learn more about Acetyl GlucosamineAcetyl Hexapeptide-8, commonly known as Argireline or Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, is a popular peptide in skincare. Itâs often referred to as a âBotox-likeâ ingredient because it helps reduce muscle movement.
By relaxing these micro-movements, Argireline may help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. That said, itâs not as powerful as Botox, and research on its long-term effectiveness is still limited.
Beyond smoothing, Argireline may also support collagen production. Collagen is the protein that helps keep your skin firm, bouncy, and well-hydrated by strengthening the skin barrier.
So while Argireline isnât a miracle fix, it can be a helpful addition to a routine focused on both prevention and skin health.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Ammonium 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 GlycolCaffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and is rich in antioxidants.
While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.
Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.
Learn more about CaffeineCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCi 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeDisodium 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 EDTAWe don't have a description for Gelidiella Acerosa Extract yet.
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 GlycerinWe don't have a description for Glyceryl Polymethacrylate yet.
Glycyrrhetinic acid is a compound found in licorice. It has skin conditioning, skin soothing, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.
Not only is this a great ingredient for soothing inflammation, studies show this compound is effective at protecting skin against UV-B induced damage.
Fun fact: This ingredient is also used to mask the bitter taste of medicine.
Learn more about Glycyrrhetinic AcidHypnea Musciformis Extract comes from the red algae called Hypnea musciformis. Hypnea Musciformis is commonly found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
The cell walls of Hypnea Musciformis is rich in carrageenan.
Hypnea Musciformis Extract contains vitamins A, C, and E. It also has calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and iron.
Learn more about Hypnea Musciformis ExtractPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 is a synthetic peptide made with glycine, histidine, lysine, and palmitic acid.
The sequence of this peptide matches that of elastin, a key protein that plays a role in how firm our skin is.
Due to its palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12PEG-8 is a synthetic polymer used as a humectant and solvent.
This ingredient is able to help dissolve active ingredients, including water. This gives it humectant properties.
It is soluble in water. The number '8' stands for the molecular weight of the ingredient.
Learn more about PEG-8Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Polysilicone-11 is a film-forming silicone that creates a non-tacky and matte finish on the skin. It's commonly used to improve texture, absorb excess oil, and help active ingredients spread evenly.
Due to its "rubber-like" structure, it stays on the skin's surface instead of being absorbed. On the skin, it creates a flexible layer that enhances wearability and stability.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateWe don't have a description for Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract yet.
Sodium 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 HyaluronateSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but itâs technically not; itâs a hydrocarbon, meaning itâs only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term âoil-freeâ isnât regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. Itâs worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneTocopheryl 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 AcetateThis ingredient is extracted from the germ part of the wheat plant. The germ of a plant refers to the seed embryo, or part that sprouts into a new plant.
Some studies have found wheat germ to help with wound healing.
Water. 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