What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantIsohexadecane
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientMyristyl Myristate
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingPEG-100 Stearate
SurfactantBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePalmitic Acid
EmollientArginine
MaskingStearic Acid
CleansingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningGlycosphingolipids
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingCetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingSea Silt Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingMenthol
MaskingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Branch/Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantGlucose
HumectantLimonium Vulgare Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Corallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingWater, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Isohexadecane, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Stearyl Alcohol, Myristyl Myristate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Betaine, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glyceryl Stearate, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Polysorbate 60, PEG-100 Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Phenoxyethanol, Palmitic Acid, Arginine, Stearic Acid, Carbomer, Ceramide AP, Ceramide NP, Ceramide Ns, Glycolipids, Glycosphingolipids, Panthenol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 80, Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Oleate, Sea Silt Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Menthol, Beta-Glucan, Paeonia Suffruticosa Branch/Flower/Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, CI 42090, Glucose, Limonium Vulgare Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hydrolyzed Corallina Officinalis Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal
Propolis Extract 85.3%
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
Smoothing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantSodium Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCentaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
AstringentBorago Officinalis Extract
EmollientChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningHyacinthus Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingSalvia Sclarea Extract
AntiseborrhoeicAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingTocopherol
AntioxidantHoney Extract
HumectantSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingLecithin
EmollientLactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingAphanothece Sacrum Polysaccharide
AbsorbentCopper Ascorbyl Phosphate Succinoyl Tripeptide-34
Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-3
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-6
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingPropolis Extract 85.3%, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Water, Betaine, Sodium Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Borago Officinalis Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Allantoin, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Hyacinthus Orientalis Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Salvia Sclarea Extract, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Polyacrylate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Tocopherol, Honey Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Beta-Glucan, Centella Asiatica Extract, Lecithin, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Polysorbate 20, Aphanothece Sacrum Polysaccharide, Copper Ascorbyl Phosphate Succinoyl Tripeptide-34, Oligopeptide-1, Oligopeptide-3, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Oligopeptide-6, Parfum
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
Beta-Glucan is a soluble polysaccharide (a chain of glucose sugars) sourced from the cells walls of oats, baker's yeast, mushrooms, and seaweed.
It's a rare ingredient that pulls double-duty as a heavy-duty hydrator and skin-soothing repair agent.
On the surface, it acts as a humectant that holds water in place and reduces moisture loss for a plumper, smoother feel, while its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a great pick for calming redness or sensitive skin
The more interesting story is underneath:
Despite its large molecular size, oat beta-glucan has been shown to penetrate the epidermis and reach the dermis by slipping between skin cells. Here, it interacts with fibroblasts and macrophages to nudge collagen synthesis and support wound repair.
A small 2005 split-face clinical study of 27 subjects found topical beta-glucan produced measurable reductions in wrinkle depth, height, and roughness after 8 weeks of use.
It is worth noting the trial was small and the penetration testing used frozen, irradiated skin so the anti-aging data is encouraging rather than definitive.
This ingredient gets along with pretty much everything and is typically used around 0.1-1%.
Fungal acne: This ingredient is not a food source for the Malassezia yeast because it is a glucose polysaccharide with no fatty acid or ester component.
Learn more about Beta-GlucanBetaine is a humectant. Like hyaluronic acid, it helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. It’s known for being gentle and for helping the skin maintain balanced hydration.
Betaine is mainly used to improve hydration and support calmer skin. It helps skin cells regulate water balance because it functions as an osmolyte.
Some studies suggest betaine may support making skin tone more even.
Fun fact: Betaine naturally exists in the skin and the body. In cosmetic products, it can be either plant-derived (most commonly from sugar beets) or synthetically produced for consistency and stability.
Betaine is also known as trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineButylene 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 GlycolDisodium 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 EDTAEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinPanthenol 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 ParfumWater. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water