What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningVinyldimethicone
Glycine Soja Oil
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Arginine
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAdansonia Digitata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingHamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningRetinol
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingCetraria Islandica Extract
CleansingHimanthalia Elongata Extract
Skin ProtectingGelidium Cartilagineum Extract
Skin ProtectingMyrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningFucus Vesiculosus Extract
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Panthenol, Vinyldimethicone, Glycine Soja Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Arginine, Carbomer, Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Retinol, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Cetraria Islandica Extract, Himanthalia Elongata Extract, Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract, Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantSqualane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientC12-16 Alcohols
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPalmitic Acid
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientAdansonia Digitata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientRetinol 0.1%
Skin ConditioningCetraria Islandica Extract
CleansingHimanthalia Elongata Extract
Skin ProtectingLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingGelidium Cartilagineum Extract
Skin ProtectingFucus Vesiculosus Extract
EmollientGlycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMyrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Betaine
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCoptis Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycine Soja Oil, C12-16 Alcohols, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Palmitic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Retinol 0.1%, Cetraria Islandica Extract, Himanthalia Elongata Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract, Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Disodium EDTA, Betaine, Allantoin, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopherol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Baobab seeds are rich in vitamins A, E, and D, giving it nice antioxidant properties.
Allantoin 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 AllantoinAmmonium 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 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 TriglycerideWe don't have a description for Cetraria Islandica Extract yet.
Disodium 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.
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract is derived from a type of brown algae.
Algae is an informal term for a group of aquatic organisms that can photosynthesize. It is estimated there are at least 30,000 types of Algae.
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract is also rich in sodium, potassium, and amino acids.
Many different types of algae have different benefits.
Learn more about Fucus Vesiculosus ExtractWe don't have a description for Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract yet.
Glycine Soja Oil comes from the soybean. Glycine Soja is native to eastern Asia.
Soybean oil is an emollient. It is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids including palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids.
As an emollient, the fatty acids in soybean oil helps keep your skin soft and hydrated. It does so by creating a film on top that traps moisture in.
Soybean oil is also rich in vitamin E, a potent antioxidant. Vitamin E is also anti-inflammatory and provides a soothing effect.
Studies show soy may help fade hyperpigmentation from UVB. It does so by disrupting the melanin process from UVB induced skin inflammation.
This ingredient may not be malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne, safe.
Soybeans are rich in proteins and are part of the legume family. Foods made with soybeans include tofu, soymilk, edamame, miso, and soy sauce.
Learn more about Glycine Soja OilGlycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract comes from Chinese licorice. This plant is native to Asia and used in Chinese traditional medicine. Chinese licorice root contains antioxidants and polysaccharides.
Antioxidants may help with anti-aging by neutralizing free-radical molecules. Polysaccharides help moisturize the skin due to their ability to mimic our natural skin barrier.
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract comes from the witch hazel plant.
Witch Hazel is an astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial ingredient.
The tannin in witch hazel has a drying effect when used on skin and constricts proteins. This helps minimize the look of large pores. The presence of tannins and fragrance may be sensitizing.
The catechins in witch hazel have anti-inflammatory properties while the gallic acid is antibacterial.
Indigenous groups have used witch hazel to help treat inflammation, which was then used by early settlers to North America.
Learn more about Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf ExtractWe don't have a description for Himanthalia Elongata Extract yet.
Laminaria Japonica Extract comes from a kelp more commonly known as 'sweet kelp'. It is commonly eaten in Japan, Korea, and China.
Sweet kelp is a humectant and helps hydrate your skin. Humectants draw moisture from the air to your skin.
Studies show Laminaria Japonica has antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging. Kelp also contains magnesium and zinc, making it great for calming inflammation and redness.
Learn more about Laminaria Japonica ExtractLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract comes from the lavender plant.
Many components of lavender flowers are antioxidants, such as ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and several flavonoids.
Traditional Iranian folk medicine uses Lavender extract to help treat inflammation.
Lavender extract may have a scent.
It contains linalool, a known allergen. However, lavender extract contains less linalool than lavender essential oil.
Learn more about Lavandula Angustifolia Flower ExtractMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract comes from the Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, Myrtaceae. This tea tree is native to Australia.
Tea Leaf extract contains antimicrobial and anti-acne properties.
This ingredient has perfuming properties and contains linalool and limonene. These fragrance and terpinen components can cause skin sensitivity.
Learn more about the benefits of Tea Tree Oil here.
Learn more about Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf ExtractThis extract comes from the camu camu berry and is known for its exceptionally high vitamin C content.
Retinol 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 RetinolTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract comes from the Theobroma cacoa, or Cacao tree. Cacao trees are native to tropical landscapes.
Cacao seed extract contains antioxidants known as polyphenols.
Tocopherol (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 TocopherolWater. 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