What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
HumectantTriethylhexanoin
MaskingDipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientTricholoma Matsutake Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningDextrin
AbsorbentTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningEpimedium Koreanum Extract
AntimicrobialAsparagus Cochinchinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Campestris Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract
AntimicrobialPlantago Asiatica Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPlatycodon Grandiflorus Root Extract
AntioxidantZiziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPoria Cocos Sclerotium Extract
AstringentCnidium Officinale Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Gigas Extract
Skin ConditioningCuscuta Japonica Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningLycium Chinense Fruit Extract
AntioxidantGold
Cosmetic ColorantCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingEucommia Ulmoides Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningVelvet Extract
HumectantAllium Tuberosum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCornus Officinalis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygala Tenuifolia Root Extract
Skin ConditioningRehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTribulus Terrestris Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantStearyl Alcohol
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientBehenic Acid
CleansingDimethicone
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Methylpropanediol
SolventCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingStearic Acid
CleansingDimethiconol
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningMyristic Acid
CleansingTrisodium EDTA
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Triethylhexanoin, Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Tricholoma Matsutake Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Panthenol, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Beta-Glucan, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Epimedium Koreanum Extract, Asparagus Cochinchinensis Root Extract, Brassica Campestris Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract, Plantago Asiatica Seed Extract, Platycodon Grandiflorus Root Extract, Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Angelica Gigas Extract, Cuscuta Japonica Seed Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Gold, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Eucommia Ulmoides Leaf Extract, Velvet Extract, Allium Tuberosum Seed Extract, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Polygala Tenuifolia Root Extract, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Tribulus Terrestris Fruit Extract, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Stearyl Alcohol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Behenic Acid, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Tromethamine, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Methylpropanediol, Carbomer, Stearic Acid, Dimethiconol, CI 77891, Mica, Adenosine, Myristic Acid, Trisodium EDTA, CI 77491, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
HumectantGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Biosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantDimethicone
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPEG-150
HumectantMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingHydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingSqualane
EmollientPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientOphiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningRehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Acutiloba Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCornus Officinalis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Root Extract
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Extract
PerfumingVelvet Extract
HumectantTromethamine
BufferingMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientTriethylhexanoin
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethiconol
EmollientDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingPEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol
CleansingArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingAlgin
MaskingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentTypha Angustifolia Spike Extract
Skin ConditioningCinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
MaskingPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAtractylodes Japonica Rhizome Extract
Skin ConditioningSaposhnikovia Divaricata Root Extract
AntimicrobialZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingZiziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingAngelica Gigas Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Beta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningGlycereth-20
HumectantPoria Cocos Extract
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningTrisodium EDTA
Cordyceps Sinensis Extract
AntioxidantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantArbutin
AntioxidantGlycosphingolipids
EmollientOligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-4
Skin ConditioningPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantOligopeptide-2
Skin ConditioningHistidine Hcl
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingThreonine
Leucine
Skin ConditioningMethionine
Skin ConditioningIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingInositol
HumectantCystine
MaskingTryptophan
MaskingFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningThiamine Hcl
MaskingCalcium Pantothenate
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-150, Methyl Trimethicone, Panthenol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydroxyproline, C14-22 Alcohols, Squalane, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Butylene Glycol, Ceramide NP, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Root Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Velvet Extract, Tromethamine, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Triethylhexanoin, Carbomer, Dimethiconol, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Parfum, Algin, Sodium Polyacrylate, Typha Angustifolia Spike Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Atractylodes Japonica Rhizome Extract, Saposhnikovia Divaricata Root Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Stearic Acid, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Cholesterol, PEG-100 Stearate, Beta-Glucan, Glycereth-20, Poria Cocos Extract, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Trisodium EDTA, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, CI 15985, CI 19140, Arbutin, Glycosphingolipids, Oligopeptide-1, Oligopeptide-4, Phospholipids, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Oligopeptide-2, Histidine Hcl, Arginine, Lysine, Valine, Threonine, Leucine, Methionine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Inositol, Cystine, Tryptophan, Folic Acid, Niacinamide, Pyridoxine Hcl, Thiamine Hcl, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Riboflavin, Cyanocobalamin
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
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
Beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide. It can be derived from the cell walls of seaweed, oats, yeast, and fungi. It hydrates the skin and helps boost your skin's natural barrier.
As an antioxidant, beta-glucan helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Studies show this ingredient may be an effective wrinkle reducer as it can deeply penetrate into skin. It has also been show to help with wound healing.
Learn more about Beta-GlucanButylene 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 GlycolCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
We don't have a description for Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract yet.
Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeDimethiconol is a silicone that resembles the popular dimethicone. Like other silicones, it is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient helps to create a silky texture and improve spreadability. Due to its high molecular weight and thickness, it is often combined with cyclopentasiloxane.
Dipropylene 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 GlycolGlycerin 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.
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil is the fixed oil obtained from Macadamia nut.
Macadamia seed oil is rich in fatty acids, including oleic acid (45-75%), palmitoleic acid (7-33%), and palmitic acid (6-12%). They also contain various B vitamins, iron, and magnesium.
Palmitoleic acid has been shown to help soothe inflammation and promote wound healing. It is also naturally found in the fat of our skin.
Macadamia seed oil may not be malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne, safe.
Learn more about Macadamia Ternifolia Seed OilWe don't have a description for Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract yet.
Ginseng root is a well-loved ingredient in Asian skincare for good reason. It hydrates the skin, soothes irritation, and helps even out skin tone.
In traditional East Asian medicine, ginseng has been used for centuries both as food and as a healing remedy, and modern research continues to confirm its skin benefits.
One of the standout features of ginseng is its ability to improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the skin, bringing a fresh supply of nutrients to support overall skin health. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to protect your skin against damage from UV exposure, pollution, and daily stress.
Additionally, studies suggest that ginseng may help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin production.
There are different types of ginseng used in skincare, and while they all share core benefits, their potency can vary.
Most products use fresh or white ginseng because it’s more affordable. However, red ginseng, produced by steaming the root, contains higher levels of ginsenosides, which are compounds with proven anti-aging effects. These ginsenosides help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
Note: All forms of ginseng are listed simply as “Panax ginseng” in ingredient lists. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about which type of ginseng is used in their ingredients.
For general antioxidant benefits, any ginseng extract will do, but for wrinkle care or firmer skin, red or fermented ginseng is often more effective.
In short, ginseng is a powerhouse ingredient that supports hydration, radiance, and resilience.
Learn more about Panax Ginseng Root ExtractPanthenol 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 ParfumThis ingredient is a water-soluble emollient and is derived from glycerin. It also has surfactant properties and can help dissolve oils or actives in water-based products.
According to the manufacturer, this ingredient:
- Moisturizes without stickiness or greasiness.
- Improves the penetration of water-based ingredients while reducing penetration of oil-based ones to help balance delivery in formulations
We don't have a description for Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract yet.
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTriethylhexanoin is created from glycerin and 2-ethylhexanoic acid. It is a solvent and emollient.
As a solvent, Triethylhexanoin helps dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
It is also an emollient and helps condition the skin.
Learn more about TriethylhexanoinWe don't have a description for Trisodium EDTA yet.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineWe don't have a description for Velvet Extract yet.
Water. 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 WaterWe don't have a description for Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract yet.