What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer
SolventCeramide 3
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Lactobionic Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Squalane
Emollient
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethanolamine
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Skin Conditioning
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingAlgin
Masking
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Cholesterol
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Preservative
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Beta-Glucan, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Ceramide 3, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lactobionic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Squalane, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Xanthan Gum, Chlorphenesin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Gluconolactone, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Algin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Adenosine
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolSodium 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 HyaluronateTocopheryl 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 Water
