What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventCetyl Ethylhexanoate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingNiacinamide
SmoothingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingTranexamic Acid
AstringentGlutathione
Glycyrrhizic Acid
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningVincetoxicum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientSqualane
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientPolyacrylate-13
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
MaskingOctyldodecanol
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingCholesterol
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Tranexamic Acid, Glutathione, Glycyrrhizic Acid, Ceramide NP, Panthenol, Vincetoxicum Atratum Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Squalane, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polyacrylate-13, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Carbomer, Arginine, Octyldodecanol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Sorbitan Olivate, Cholesterol, Stearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientPEG-8 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmulsifyingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingTromethamine
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Beeswax
Emulsion StabilisingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBenzophenone-5
UV AbsorberPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialDisodium EDTA
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDextrin
AbsorbentCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCinnamomum Camphora Leaf Extract
MaskingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantMadecassoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, PEG-8 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cetearyl Olivate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Tromethamine, Phenoxyethanol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Beeswax, Chlorphenesin, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Panthenol, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Benzophenone-5, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Theobroma Cacao Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dextrin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ceramide NP, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Extract, Beta-Glucan, Propolis Extract, Asiaticoside, 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.
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 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 ExtractCeramide NP is a type of ceramide and formally known as ceramide 3.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Cetearyl 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 OlivateCetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient ester. It comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient that adds a velvety feel to skin without being greasy or oily. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
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.
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.
Panthenol 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 PanthenolThis extract comes from Purslane, a succulent. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hydrating properties.
Purslane is very nutritious. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, NMFs, many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The vitamins found in purslane include: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E.
Fun fact: Purslane is a succulent with an extensive habitat. It is used in traditional Korean medicine to treat irritated skin.
Nowadays, purslane is becoming a superfood due to its highly nutritious content.
Learn more about Portulaca Oleracea ExtractSodium 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 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 OlivateWater. 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