What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Pentapeptide-59
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
Absorbent
Ganoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBetaine
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Glycerin
Humectant
Withania Somnifera Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Tenuiflorum Extract
Skin ConditioningRhodiola Rosea Extract
EmollientLactic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Propanediol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Pentapeptide-59, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Phenethyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Maltodextrin, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Xanthan Gum, Betaine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Glycerin, Withania Somnifera Extract, Ocimum Tenuiflorum Extract, Rhodiola Rosea Extract, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Betaine
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingSea Silt Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Parfum
Masking
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Carnosine
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Aspartate
Skin ConditioningZinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Sea Salt
Abrasive
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol
Antioxidant
Copper Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Himanthalia Elongata Extract
Skin ProtectingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Betaine, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Sea Silt Extract, Ceramide AP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Carnosine, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Ceramide NP, Sea Salt, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Copper Gluconate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Himanthalia Elongata Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol
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
Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Another name for betaine is trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePropanediol 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 PropanediolSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateWater. 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
