What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingMethylpropanediol
SolventGlycereth-26
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingArginine
MaskingMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Propanediol
SolventCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientIllicium Verum Fruit Extract
PerfumingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Junos Seed Extract
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantMadecassoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGlyceryl Linoleate
EmollientGlyceryl Arachidonate
EmollientBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicThiamine Hcl
MaskingRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylic Acid
Emulsion StabilisingCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Methylpropanediol, Glycereth-26, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Carbomer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Arginine, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Illicium Verum Fruit Extract, Allantoin, Panthenol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxyacetophenone, Centella Asiatica Extract, Propolis Extract, Citrus Junos Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Linoleate, Glyceryl Arachidonate, Biotin, Thiamine Hcl, Retinyl Palmitate, Pyridoxine, Polyacrylic Acid, Cyanocobalamin, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningSea Water
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientDicaprylyl Ether
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingBetaine
HumectantVinyldimethicone
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 PCA
EmollientDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPhellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSoluble Collagen
HumectantCanola Oil
EmollientDaucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate-13
Alcohol
AntimicrobialGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventCholesterol
EmollientSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Ceramide NP
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingRetinol
Skin ConditioningEctoin
Skin ConditioningHydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin ConditioningHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Butylene Glycol
HumectantPolyvinyl Alcohol
Tocopherol
AntioxidantMethylpropanediol
SolventPropanediol
SolventCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Phenylpropanol
MaskingDimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantTetrahydropiperine
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPhloretin
AntioxidantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantArginine
MaskingMadecassoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Sea Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dicaprylyl Ether, 1,2-Hexanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, Betaine, Vinyldimethicone, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Cetearyl Olivate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, Polyglyceryl-3 PCA, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Soluble Collagen, Canola Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Polyacrylate-13, Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Xanthan Gum, Cetearyl Glucoside, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Cholesterol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Adenosine, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Disodium EDTA, Ceramide NP, Sorbitan Isostearate, Retinol, Ectoin, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Methylpropanediol, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Beta-Glucan, Glutathione, Phenylpropanol, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Tetrahydropiperine, Potassium Hyaluronate, Phloretin, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Beta-Carotene, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Arginine, Madecassoside, 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
Ammonium 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.
Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.
As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.
Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineAsiatic Acid is a major component of Centella Asiatica Extract. It has wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Studies show Asiatic Acid is able to block the pathway for skin inflammation receptors, helping to soothe skin.
As an antioxidant, asiatic acid helps protect our skin against damaging environmental factors.
Learn more about Asiatic AcidButylene 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 TriglycerideCaprylyl 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 GlycolCentella 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 ExtractCetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
Manufacturers use the name Olivem 1000. This ingredient has been found to preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria. This ingredient is grouped with Sorbitan Olivate under the name Olivem 1000.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateDisodium 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.
Madecassoside comes from the super popular skin-soothing ingredient, Centella asiatica. It is one of four active compounds found in the extract of Centella Asiatica.
Madecassoside has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties. It contains fatty acids, amino acids, beta-carotene, and phytochemicals.
One study found using Madecassoside with ascorbic acid helped reduce the signs of aging and improved skin hydration.
Learn more about MadecassosideMethylpropanediol 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 NiacinamidePanthenol 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 PanthenolPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate is a skin conditioner with emollient and emulsifier properties.
It is an esther of stearic acid and Polyglycerin-10.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-10 StearatePropanediol 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 HyaluronateSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.
Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.
Due to its olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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