What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
Smoothing3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientBetaine
HumectantErythritol
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningEcklonia Cava Extract
Skin ConditioningCodium Tomentosum Extract
Skin ProtectingGelidium Cartilagineum Extract
Skin ProtectingHizikia Fusiforme Extract
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Methylpropanediol
SolventFerulic Acid
AntimicrobialOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingWater, Propanediol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Isopropyl Myristate, Betaine, Erythritol, Adenosine, Allantoin, Tocopherol, Panthenol, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Codium Tomentosum Extract, Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Octyldodecanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, Methylpropanediol, Ferulic Acid, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantDipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters
Skin ConditioningDiphenyl Dimethicone
EmollientVinyldimethicone
Niacinamide 5%
SmoothingBetaine
HumectantPropanediol
SolventMethylpropanediol
SolventBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningTranexamic Acid
AstringentGlutathione
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningOriganum Majorana Leaf Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAnthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
MaskingHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantBisabolol
MaskingMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantHesperidin Methyl Chalcone
AntioxidantMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantJuniperus Mexicana Oil
MaskingCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Grandis Peel Oil
MaskingTremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientTuber Magnatum Extract
Skin ConditioningLupinus Albus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialChitosan
Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingGlucose
HumectantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingFructooligosaccharides
HumectantFructose
HumectantSodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTriethylhexanoin
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningNicotinoyl Dipeptide-23
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingDipeptide-2
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantLecithin
EmollientDextrin
AbsorbentSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingLinolenic Acid
CleansingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantCholeth-24
EmulsifyingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingCholesterol
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSteareth-20
CleansingAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingDisodium EDTA
Chlorhexidine Digluconate
AntimicrobialPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters, Diphenyl Dimethicone, Vinyldimethicone, Niacinamide 5%, Betaine, Propanediol, Methylpropanediol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Alpha-Arbutin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, Glutathione, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Origanum Majorana Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Bisabolol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tuber Magnatum Extract, Lupinus Albus Seed Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Chitosan, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glucose, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Triethylhexanoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Nicotinoyl Dipeptide-23, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sodium Citrate, Dipeptide-2, Citric Acid, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Allantoin, Sodium Phytate, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Lecithin, Dextrin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Linolenic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Choleth-24, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Cholesterol, Ceramide NP, Caprylyl Glycol, Steareth-20, Alcohol Denat., T-Butyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Potassium Sorbate, Limonene, Linalool
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
You might know this ingredient as Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a more stable version of ascorbic acid.
Like other types of vitamin C, this ingredient has many benefits including reducing wrinkles, skin soothing, dark spot fading, and fighting against free radicals.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid interferes with the process of skin darkening, helping to reduce hyperpigmentation. It also encourages the skin to produce more collagen.
Once applied, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is converted to Vitamin C deeper in the skin's layers. This process is slow but makes this ingredient more tolerable for skin.
The optimum pH range for this ingredient is 4 - 5.5
Learn more about 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
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 AdenosineAllantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizingg properties. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Studies show higher concentrations of this ingredient can promote wound healing.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinAscorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C. It is created by combining glucose from starch.
When applied to skin, Ascorbyl Glucoside turns into Ascorbic Acid.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may damage skin cells.
It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl GlucosideBetaine 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 GlycolCaprylyl 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 GlycolCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is the oil from the bergamot orange. It is native to Italy.
This ingredient is used to add fragrance to products. It contains limonene, linalool, and linalyl acetate.
The term '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.
When used topically, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is a photosensitizer due to its furanocoumarins. Photosensitizers make the skin and eyes much more sensitive to sunlight. Photosensitizers are linked to skin cancer.
However, more cosmetics using Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil are removing the furanocoumarins.
Bergamot oil was also found to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit OilCorallina Officinalis Extract is from the red seaweed, Corallina Officinalis. This seaweed is found all over the world but is most common in the rocky shores of Great Britain and Ireland.
Corallina Officinalis Extract contains antioxidant and emollient properties.
Extracted polysaccharides, galactose and xylose, in red algae showed antioxidant activity. Antioxidants help with anti-aging by neutralizing free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules may damage your skin cells and DNA. Galactose is also a PHA.
Corallina Officinalis is structurally similar to coral due to its high calcium content.
Learn more about Corallina Officinalis ExtractCurcuma Longa Root Extract is from the spice, turmeric. Besides being a healthy and delicious spice, turmeric also has plenty of skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties.
Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant. Antioxidants help neutralize unstable free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules may damage your skin's cells and DNA. Curcumin may help with anti-aging.
Curcumin also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe skin and reduce irritation. On top of that, curcumin has been shown to help prevent hyperpigmentation from sun damage.
The anti-microbial property of turmeric can make it effective in treating acne. This property has also been shown to help regulate the production of sebum.
Learn more about Curcuma Longa Root 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 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 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.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract is from the Neem tree. Neem trees originate from India.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
The flowers of this tree are lilac colored.
Learn more about Melia Azadirachta Flower ExtractMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is extract from the neem plant.
The leaves of this tree contain flavonoids and polyphenols. These two compounds are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Further research is needed as to their effects when applied on skin.
Methylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.
As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.
Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.
Learn more about MethylpropanediolNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract comes from the Holy Basil plant. Holy Basil is native to India.
Holy Basil is rich in antioxidants due to its high romarinic acid, ferulic acid, and rutin content. This gives it skin brightening and soothing properties.
While Holy Basil has many claims to help fight acne, more research is needed.
One thing to note is the presence of tannins; tannins are naturally found in nature. However, this compound may be skin-sensitizing.
Learn more about Ocimum Sanctum Leaf ExtractPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a form of Vitamin C. It is the salt of ascorbic acid.
This ingredient is more gentle than ascorbic acid. It is also more stable when exposed to light and oxygen.
Vitamin C helps reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.
Your skin uses Vitamin C to produce collagen and collagen production plays a role in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. As an antioxidant, this ingredient also helps reduce the signs of aging such as fine-lines and wrinkles.
VItamin C helps brighten skin by blocking the process of skin darkening.
In a 2011 study, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate was found to have antibacterial properties. This may help treat acne.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolTromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineWater. 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