What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Glycerin
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientSteartrimonium Chloride
PreservativeParfum
MaskingPropylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingC12-15 Pareth-3
EmulsifyingGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePolyquaternium-7
Salicylic Acid
MaskingGeraniol
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHydrolyzed Milk Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCysteine
AntioxidantSilk Amino Acids
HumectantEthyl Hexanediol
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Corn Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantLeucine
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningTaurine
BufferingAspartic Acid
MaskingOrnithine
Skin ConditioningGlutamic Acid
HumectantGlycine
BufferingGlutamine
Skin ConditioningLysine
Skin ConditioningMethionine
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingCystine
MaskingAsparagine
MaskingAlanine
MaskingArginine
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingThreonine
Tryptophan
MaskingPhenylalanine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantGlycerin, Water, Dimethicone, Myristyl Alcohol, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Steartrimonium Chloride, Parfum, Propylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Hexyl Cinnamal, C12-15 Pareth-3, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, Polyquaternium-7, Salicylic Acid, Geraniol, Citronellol, Limonene, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Milk Protein, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Silk, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cysteine, Silk Amino Acids, Ethyl Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Leucine, Valine, Isoleucine, Taurine, Aspartic Acid, Ornithine, Glutamic Acid, Glycine, Glutamine, Lysine, Methionine, Serine, Cystine, Asparagine, Alanine, Arginine, Tyrosine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Phenylalanine, Proline, Histidine
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone
EmollientIsohexadecane
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantLysine
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantHydrolyzed Elastin
EmollientHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientClimbazole
AntimicrobialEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventDisodium EDTA
Aroma
Benzyl Alcohol
PerfumingCitrol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polysorbate 80, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Sorbitan Oleate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Lysine, Arginine, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Silk, Panthenol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Climbazole, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methylpropanediol, Disodium EDTA, Aroma, Benzyl Alcohol, Citrol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool
Alternatives
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
You may know this ingredient as argan oil. It has emollient and skin conditioning properties that help soften skin and reinforce the lipid barrier.
The fatty acid profile of argan oil is roughly 45-55% oleic acid, 28-36% linoleic acid, 10-15% palmitic acid, and 5-7% stearic acid. It also contains vitamin E, sterols, squalene, and polyphenols like ferulic acid.
Two clinical studies in postmenopausal women found that applying argan oil for 60 days significantly improved skin elasticity and moisturization (reduced transepidermal water loss and increased epidermal water content).
Since it is high in oleic and linoleic acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Both of these fall in the C11-C24 range that Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Argania Spinosa Kernel OilArginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineButylene 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 GlycolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 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 EDTAEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolHydrolyzed collagen has a misleading name because it is actually a mixture of various proteins/peptides. This ingredient has skin hydrating properties.
Collagen is the most abundant type of structural protein found in your body. In your skin, it is responsible for keeping it firm and youthful.
Hydrolyzed Collagen is created by breaking up proteins into smaller peptide bonds. These peptides act as humectants and emollients.
Humectants are great at holding onto water, keeping skin hydrated. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
There is ongoing debate about whether hydrolyzed collagen works because it increases skin hydration. Skin hydration is also linked to elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.
Collagen or peptide ingredients can be used in the morning or night. They will not increase sun sensitivity, but you should always wear sunscreen during the day.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is a great hair conditioner as well.
This ingredient can be extracted from different sources, including:
Vegan collagen is derived from yeast, bacteria, or plant sources. Vegan collagen would go by a different INCI name, such as hydrolyzed soy protein.
The results are varied.
A study from 2021 found hydrolyzed collagen increased elasticity and improved wrinkles in 1,125 participants between age 20 and 70. Another study found increased skin thickness in participants between the ages of 45 to 59.
However, It is difficult to prove that oral collagen will end up working on your skin. Many of the studies using hydrolyzed collagen also add several vitamins and nutrients into the test mixture as well.
Further studies are needed at this time.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed CollagenHydrolyzed Keratin is derived from keratin. Keratin is a large protein that is naturally found in our hair and skin.
Studies show keratin is able to seal broken hair cuticles, helping to prevent split ends and breakage.
As a humectant, hydrolyzed keratin helps draw moisture from the air to your hair and skin. This helps keep your skin and hair hydrated.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed KeratinYou can find hydrolyzed silk in both haircare and skincare products. According to a manufacturer, it can help improve skin and hair hydration.
This ingredient is created by adding acid or enzymes to 'hydrolyze' silk protein.
Due to the origins of this ingredient, it is not vegan. Silk is an animal product from silkworms.
Depending on the source, this ingredient can be considered cruelty-free. It is created from left-over cocoons of silkworms. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about where their hydrolyzed silk comes from.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed SilkHydrolyzed Soy Protein is a vegan protein made to mimic hydrolyzed collagen. It is created from soy, or glycine soja.
This ingredient is a humectant, meaning it helps hydrate the skin by binding to water. According to a manufacturer, it is also a great hair conditioner.
Read more about hydrolyzed collagen here.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Soy ProteinLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
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.
Learn more about LimoneneLysine is an essential amino acid (your body cannot make it on its own). It has skin conditioning properties and one of the key players in collagen synthesis.
When your body creates collagen, lysine is basically the glue that holds everything together. It helps collagen fibers lock into each other and stay strong, with vitamin C being its trusty sidekick. Without enough lysine, this glue gets flimsy and less firm, resulting in less bouncy skin.
In skincare, lysine is mostly there to help keep your skin moisturized. It carries water through your skin's layers so everything stays plump.
So will putting lysine on your face create bouncier skin?
It's hard to say; most of the exciting collagen research on lysine comes from oral supplements or lab studies on mice. Further research is needed to truly understand what role topical lysine plays in skincare and your skin.
However, there's no harm in adding lysine to your routine as a supportive and hydrating ingredient.
Learn more about LysineWater. 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