What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCarrageenan
Butylene Glycol
HumectantCeratonia Siliqua Gum
EmollientCyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum
Emulsion StabilisingCucurbita Pepo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSoluble Collagen
HumectantPhaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningRetinol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthyl Hexanediol
SolventHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPinus Sylvestris Leaf Extract
TonicCalcium Chloride
AstringentAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Chloride
Hydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialMica
Cosmetic Colorant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningIllicium Verum Fruit Extract
PerfumingSucrose
HumectantCalcium Lactate
AstringentDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingPropanediol
SolventCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTin Oxide
AbrasiveCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Carrageenan, Butylene Glycol, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Cucurbita Pepo Fruit Extract, Soluble Collagen, Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract, Retinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Ethyl Hexanediol, Hexylene Glycol, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Extract, Calcium Chloride, Allantoin, Cellulose Gum, Potassium Chloride, Hydroxyacetophenone, Chlorphenesin, Mica, 1,2-Hexanediol, Illicium Verum Fruit Extract, Sucrose, Calcium Lactate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Arginine, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tin Oxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77492, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, CI 77491, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCucurbita Pepo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingPyrus Communis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningRose Extract
Skin ConditioningVitex Agnus Castus Extract
AstringentChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingPrunus Persica Fruit Extract
AbrasiveCucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract
AntimicrobialArctium Lappa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPhellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningCucurbita Pepo Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingPhaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingRetinol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingSodium Polyacrylate Starch
AbsorbentDisodium EDTA
Water, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cucurbita Pepo Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Adenosine, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract, Rose Extract, Vitex Agnus Castus Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Cucurbita Pepo Seed Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Retinol, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Disodium EDTA
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
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 AdenosineButylene 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 GlycolCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that it is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid.
In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Just patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCucurbita Pepo Fruit Extract comes from the field pumpkin, including winter squash and the traditional orange pumpkin we see in Autumn.
Studies show pumpkin extract to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties.
Pumpkins are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and Vitamin C, manganese, magnesium, and potassium.
These vitamins and minerals all help hydrate, nourish, and protect skin.
The beta-carotene content provides excellent antioxidant properties. In fact, the antioxidant and nourishing potential of pumpkin has been studied extensively.
According to dermatologists, pumpkin enzyme is an AHA with similar properties to glycolic and lactic acid.
However, further studies are needed to look into just how this enzyme works on human skin.
Fun fact: Pumpkins were first domesticated in Southern Mexico about 10,000 years ago.
Learn more about Cucurbita Pepo Fruit ExtractDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin (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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is a more stable version of lecithin.
It's made by taking lecithin (a phospholipid commonly found in soybeans and egg yolks) and hydrogenating it. This just means the unsaturated fatty acids are turned into saturated ones so they don't go bad as easily.
This ingredient is an emollient, emulsifier, and penetration enhancer. As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Hydrogenated Lecithin can form tiny spherical structures made of phospholipid bilayers called liposomes. These liposomes are able to capture compounds inside their structure and deliver them through the skin barrier.
Because phospholipids are a natural component of our cell membranes, this ingredient is inherently compatible with skin.
A 2021 study found lecithin-based surfactants were less harsh and more tolerable comared to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
Learn more about Hydrogenated LecithinPhaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract comes from the Mung Bean. Phaseolus Radiatus is an older scientific name for this ingredient. It is now usually referred to as Vigna Radiata.
Mung beans contain carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. They also contain flavonoids and polyphenols (such as caffeic acid) that give them antioxidant properties.
Mung beans are an edible legume from Asia. It is commonly used in Asian desserts.
Learn more about Phaseolus Radiatus Seed ExtractPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate is a nonionic emulsifier and skin conditioner made from Polyglycerin-10 and Myristic Acid.
As a skin conditioning agent, this ingredient leaves skin feeling soft without a greasy finish. As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions.
You'll likely see this ingredient in "clean" formulations because it's considered a natural alternative to PEGs.
Patch testing at concentration 0.1-1% showed no reactions and this ingredient is considered to be well-tolerated across skin types.
Due to its myristic acid base, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-10 MyristateRetinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolTocopheryl 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water