What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingPEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer
SolventTranexamic Acid
AstringentSqualane
EmollientHippophae Rhamnoides Extract
MaskingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialArginine
MaskingAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientSodium Oleate
CleansingOligopeptide-68
BleachingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTriethanolamine
BufferingWater, Niacinamide, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Tranexamic Acid, Squalane, Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract, Beta-Glucan, Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Phenoxyethanol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Arginine, Acetyl Glucosamine, Glutathione, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glycine Soja Oil, Sodium Oleate, Oligopeptide-68, Carbomer, Ceramide Ng, Allantoin, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethanolamine
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantTranexamic Acid
AstringentNiacinamide
SmoothingAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPEG-32
HumectantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Ectoin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
BufferingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantBis-PEG/PPG-20/5 PEG/PPG-20/5 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingMethoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSoy Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingCeramide As
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantDecarboxy Carnosine Hcl
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantErgothioneine
AntioxidantNonapeptide-1
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningHexapeptide-2
BleachingHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantCitrus Reticulata Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingCarbenia Benedicta Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientSodium Polyglutamate
HumectantPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingCetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCholesterol
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Lactate
BufferingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingWater, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Betaine, Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide, Alpha-Arbutin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, PEG-32, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Ectoin, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Allantoin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bis-PEG/PPG-20/5 PEG/PPG-20/5 Dimethicone, Methoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone, Soy Amino Acids, Acetyl Glucosamine, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Ceramide As, Arginine, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Decarboxy Carnosine Hcl, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Ergothioneine, Nonapeptide-1, Oligopeptide-1, Hexapeptide-2, Hexapeptide-9, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Citrus Reticulata Fruit Extract, Carbenia Benedicta Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Polyglutamate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide, Carbomer, Cholesterol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Lactate, Polysorbate 20
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acetyl Glucosamine is an antioxidant and humectant. It is an amino acid sugar and is naturally found in our skin.
The cool thing about this ingredient? It helps the skin produce hyaluronic acid and boost hydration. It also has antioxidant benefits to protect skin cells.
When paired with niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine has been shown to be effective at reducing discoloration.
Learn more about Acetyl GlucosamineAllantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizingg properties. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Studies show higher concentrations of this ingredient can promote wound healing.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinAlpha-Arbutin is made from hydroquinone and glucose. It may also be derived from the fermentation of soybeans.
This ingredient an antioxidant, meaning it helps protect your skin cells against damage.
Studies show this ingredient helps improve hyperpigmentation and fade discoloration.
Alpha-Arbutin may be used with other ingredients that help with hyperpigmentation. These ingredients include retinol, Vitamin C, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid.
Learn more about Alpha-ArbutinArginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.
As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.
Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineCarbomer 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.
Centella 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 AP is formally known as Ceramide 6.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.
They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. 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 NP
Ceramide EOP
Ceramide EOP is formally known as Ceramide 1 and Ceramide 1 A.
EOP stands for a linked Ester fatty acid, a linked Omega hydroxy fatty acid, and the Phytosphingosine base.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin. They bind dead skin cells together to create a barrier. The ceramides in our skin have the ability to hold water to keep our skin hydrated.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A strong skin barrier helps with:
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Learn more about Ceramide EOPCeramide 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
Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Learn more about Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root ExtractHydrogenated 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.
Niacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePhenoxyethanol 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.
Sodium 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 HyaluronateTranexamic Acid is best used for treating hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and melasma. It can also help build a stronger skin barrier.
Once applied, Tranexamic Acid starts decreasing inflammation from UV exposure. Tranexamic Acid also prevents our skin cells from meeting the pigment production cells.
Its brightening property makes it great at reducing the appearance of acne scars and marks.
Fun fact: Tranexamic Acid is also a medication used to reduce heavy bleeding.
This acid is derived from lysine, an amino acid.
Learn more about Tranexamic AcidWater. 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