What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantMethylpropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningRehmannia Chinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
EmulsifyingCornus Officinalis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAlisma Orientale Tuber Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSmilax Glabra Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantTromethamine
BufferingMenthol
MaskingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSalicylic Acid
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract
AntioxidantFragaria Chiloensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningBerberis Vulgaris Root Extract
AntimicrobialMorus Nigra Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDiospyros Kaki Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCeratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientLespedeza Capitata Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningAndrographis Paniculata Extract
AstringentMagnolia Officinalis Bark Extract
AntimicrobialScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentSwertia Japonica Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Gigas Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingBiota Orientalis Leaf Extract
HumectantMyristoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingForsythia Suspensa Fruit Extract
AntioxidantGinkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingSchisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMalus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningChrysanthemum Zawadskii Extract
Skin ConditioningFicus Carica Fruit Extract
HumectantArtemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningGanoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingSophora Flavescens Root Extract
AntioxidantAcorus Gramineus Extract
HumectantPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingMadecassoside
AntioxidantAspergillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAlanine/Histidine/Lysine Polypeptide Copper Hcl
Skin ConditioningGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingWater, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Alisma Orientale Tuber Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Smilax Glabra Root Extract, Glycerin, Tromethamine, Menthol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Propanediol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Fragaria Chiloensis Fruit Extract, Berberis Vulgaris Root Extract, Morus Nigra Fruit Extract, Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Ceratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Lespedeza Capitata Leaf/Stem Extract, Andrographis Paniculata Extract, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Swertia Japonica Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Biota Orientalis Leaf Extract, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-4, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Forsythia Suspensa Fruit Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Chrysanthemum Zawadskii Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Acorus Gramineus Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Madecassoside, Aspergillus Ferment, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopherol, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Copper Tripeptide-1, Alanine/Histidine/Lysine Polypeptide Copper Hcl, Geraniol, Linalool, Citronellol
Alcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPEG-80 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingBetaine
HumectantArginine
MaskingPolyquaternium-10
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantVinegar Extract
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingAloe Barbadensis Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingGlutamic Acid
HumectantGlutamine
Skin ConditioningLysine Hcl
Skin ConditioningLeucine
Skin ConditioningMethionine
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingSerine
MaskingCysteine Hcl
AntioxidantCitrulline
Skin ConditioningAspartic Acid
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningAlanine
MaskingArginine Hcl
Skin ConditioningOrnithine
Skin ConditioningCarnitine
CleansingTyrosine
MaskingThreonine
Tryptophan
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningMenthol
MaskingHydrolyzed Roe
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentHydrolyzed Milk
EmollientHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientHistidine Hcl
Skin ConditioningDiospyros Kaki Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCeratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract
MaskingNiacinamide
SmoothingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningThiamine Hcl
MaskingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
CleansingParfum
MaskingSodium PCA
HumectantTrideceth-10
CleansingLactic Acid
BufferingSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantSalicylic Acid
MaskingAlcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-80 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Betaine, Arginine, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vinegar Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Glycine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Lysine Hcl, Leucine, Methionine, Valine, Serine, Cysteine Hcl, Citrulline, Aspartic Acid, Isoleucine, Alanine, Arginine Hcl, Ornithine, Carnitine, Tyrosine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Panthenol, Phenylalanine, Proline, Menthol, Hydrolyzed Roe, Oryza Sativa Extract, Hydrolyzed Milk, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Histidine Hcl, Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Ceratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Biotin, Pyridoxine, Cyanocobalamin, Tocopherol, Riboflavin, Beta-Carotene, Thiamine Hcl, Allantoin, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Parfum, Sodium PCA, Trideceth-10, Lactic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Salicylic Acid
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.Β
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 preservativesΒ
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
The "denat" part just means "denatured"; common denaturants include Denatonium Benzoate, t-butyl alcohol, and Diethyl Phthalate. This step makes the alcohol undrinkable (and lets brand skip taxes related to beverage alcohol).
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue to constrict pores and dry out your skin.
However, alcohol denat. is not all that bad.
Due to its low molecular weight, alcohol denat. tends to evaporate quickly. One study on pig skin found half of applied alcohol evaporated in 10 seconds and less than 3% stayed on skin.
This also helps other ingredients become better absorbed upon application.
Studies are conflicted about whether this ingredient causes skin dehydration. One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased skin dryness and irritation. Another study found irritation only occurs if your skin is already damaged.
Small amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated by oily skin or people who live in humid environments.
The rule of thumb is this ingredient will probably not affect your skin much if it is near the end of an ingredients list.
One thing to note:
People with ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2) deficiency may experience skin irritation from continued alcohol use. About 8% of the world's population have this deficiency.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has determined denatured alcohols to be safe for use in concentrations between 0.05% and 12% (depending on which denaturant is used).
Also...
This ingredient has antimicrobial and solvent properties.
The antimicrobial property helps preserve products and increase their shelf life. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients.
Look for formulas that contain glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or panthenol if you want to offset any drying effect.
This ingredient will trip away your skin's natural oils/lipids that help it lock in moisture. This can worsen dryness, trigger eczema flare-ups, and aggravate rosacea.
Be sure to patch test any product with this ingredient if you have dry or sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea.
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.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 GlycolCamellia Japonica Leaf Extract comes from the leaves of the Camellia japonica plant. This plant is native to East Asia.
The leaves of Camellia Japonica have been found to have anti-inflammatory compounds. These include squalene, lupeol, and vitamin E.
This extract is created by using 50% 1,3-Butylene glycol.
Learn more about Camellia Japonica Leaf ExtractCentella 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 ExtractWe don't have a description for Ceratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract yet.
Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract comes from the persimmon, a fruit native to India, China, and Korea. It is rich in antioxidants and contains skin nourishing vitamins.
The antioxidant properties of persimmon come from tannins, flavonoids, carotenoids, and some of its vitamin content. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging.
Vitamins A and C also have plenty of skin benefits as well.
Learn more about Diospyros Kaki 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 GlycerinMenthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, itβs still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about Tocopherol