What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningArbutin
AntioxidantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientTranexamic Acid
AstringentGlycerin
HumectantIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingNiacinamide
Smoothing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Stearate
EmulsifyingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Glyceryl Stearate
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantStearyl Alcohol
EmollientArginine
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantSodium Phytate
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventFructan
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientAlthaea Rosea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialEriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlutathione
Mentha Viridis Extract
MaskingPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingSqualane
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentHydroxydecyl Ubiquinone
AntioxidantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantAngelica Gigas Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Arbutin, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Tranexamic Acid, Glycerin, Isopropyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Stearyl Alcohol, Arginine, Carbomer, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Phytate, Adenosine, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Fructan, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alcohol, Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glutathione, Mentha Viridis Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Squalane, Centella Asiatica Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Angelica Gigas Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingMethylpropanediol
SolventTranexamic Acid
Astringent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningArbutin
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPotentilla Anserina Extract
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveCynara Scolymus Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Water
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Alpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningLactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningFructooligosaccharides
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCyperus Rotundus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingSodium Chloride
MaskingPropanediol
SolventDimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSucrose Distearate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantMadecassoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Methylpropanediol, Tranexamic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Arbutin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Potentilla Anserina Extract, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Adenosine, Tromethamine, Polyquaternium-51, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract, Beta-Glucan, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Disodium EDTA, Alpha-Arbutin, Cyanocobalamin, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Fructooligosaccharides, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Cyperus Rotundus Root Extract, Tocopherol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Sodium Chloride, Propanediol, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sucrose Distearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid
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
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 AdenosineAmmonium 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.
Arbutin is derived from the bearberry plant. It helps even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.
This ingredient has the ability to block tyrosinase, an enzyme that starts the process of skin darkening. When applied to the skin, arbutin works at a slow pace. This can make it less irritating than similar ingredients.
Kojic Acid is a similar ingredient.
Learn more about ArbutinButylene 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 GlycolThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCarbomer 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.
Centella 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 ExtractCeramide NP is a type of ceramide and formally known as ceramide 3.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Ethylhexylglycerin (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.
Niacinamide 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 NiacinamidePropanediol 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 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 HyaluronateTranexamic Acid is best used for treating hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and melasma. It can also help build a stronger skin barrier.
Once applied, Tranexamic Acid starts decreasing inflammation from UV exposure. Tranexamic Acid also prevents our skin cells from meeting the pigment production cells.
Its brightening property makes it great at reducing the appearance of acne scars and marks.
Fun fact: Tranexamic Acid is also a medication used to reduce heavy bleeding.
This acid is derived from lysine, an amino acid.
Learn more about Tranexamic AcidWater. 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