What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingDisodium EDTA
Coptis Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Malt Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract
Skin ProtectingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCitrus Junos Seed Extract
AntioxidantSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantAsiaticoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantThiamine Hcl
MaskingParfum
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Disodium EDTA, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, Hydrolyzed Malt Extract, Hydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Panthenol, Citrus Junos Seed Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Biotin, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine, Cyanocobalamin, Tocopherol, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Propolis Extract, Beta-Carotene, Riboflavin, Thiamine Hcl, Parfum
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventDicaprylyl Carbonate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveCetearyl Olivate
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingWater
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingBisabolol
MaskingAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantSqualane
EmollientLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingEclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingCoptis Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningFructooligosaccharides
HumectantSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Oil
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Propanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Methyl Trimethicone, Silica, Cetearyl Olivate, Panthenol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Water, Sorbitan Olivate, Bisabolol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dipropylene Glycol, Squalane, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Adenosine, Fructooligosaccharides, Sorbitan Isostearate, T-Butyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Beta-Glucan, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol, Allantoin, Ceramide NP, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Ceramide AP, Ceramide As, Ceramide Ns, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceramide Ng, Ceramide EOP, Linalool, Limonene
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
Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.
Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.
Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!
Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.
Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.
The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.
Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic 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 GlycolCoptis Japonica Root Extract, also known as Japanese Goldthread, is a traditional East Asian herb. It is prized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
That’s not all - research in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that its active compound, berberine, may help reduce fat accumulation and slow down fat cell development.
This makes it a promising ingredient for slimming and anti-cellulite products!
Learn more about Coptis Japonica Root ExtractDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.
Low molecular weight HA has been shown to hydrate and increase elasticity of the skin. Increasing elasticity is also associated with reduction of wrinkle depth.
One study found topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid may be considered for the treatment of rosacea in the adult population. However, we always recommend speaking with a professional about your skin concerns.
Hyaluronic acids are a humectant. This means they draw moisture from the air. Hyaluronic acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read more about other common forms of hyaluronic acid:
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidPanthenol 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 PanthenolParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate is an ester of lauric acid and Polyglycerin-10.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is a cleansing agent and emulsifier. It helps gather dirt, oil, and other pollutants to be rinsed away. As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating, such as oil and water.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-10 LauratePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 PropanediolTocopherol (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