Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Skin science article

Origins Drink Up™ Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask with Avocado & Swiss Glacier Water Versus YENSA Pink Lotus Peptide Renewal Face Cream

Origins Drink Up™ Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask with Avocado & Swiss Glacier Water Versus YENSA Pink Lotus Peptide Renewal Face Cream This hydrating overnight mask is formulated around Niacinamide and Persea Gratissima Oil to hydrate skin and strengthen t

Origins Drink Up™ Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask with Avocado & Swiss Glacier Water Versus YENSA Pink Lotus Peptide Renewal Face Cream

This hydrating overnight mask is formulated around Niacinamide and Persea Gratissima Oil to hydrate skin and strengthen the skin barrier.

This anti-aging moisturizer is formulated around Niacinamide and Adenosine to soften the look of wrinkles and strengthen the skin barrier.

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Water

Glycerin

Cetyl Alcohol

Glyceryl Polymethacrylate

Niacinamide

Hydroxyethyl Urea

PEG-75

Dimethicone

Persea Gratissima Oil

PPG-15 Stearyl Ether

PEG-8

Glycereth-26

Sorbitan Stearate

Citrus Aurantium Amara Leaf/Twig Oil

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil

Ricinus Communis Seed Oil

Osmanthus Fragrans Flower Extract

Rosa Damascena Extract

Ribes Nigrum Bud Extract

Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Extract

Benzaldehyde

Hexenyl Acetate

Gamma-Decalactone

Ionone

Ethyl Acetate

Alcohol

Linalool

Limonene

Isopropyl Isostearate

PEG-100 Stearate

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Wax

Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil

Mangifera Indica Seed Butter

Sucrose

Hypnea Musciformis Extract

Avena Sativa Kernel Extract

Triticum Vulgare Bran Extract

Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract

Cetearyl Alcohol

Caffeine

Oryza Sativa Extract

Gelidiella Acerosa Extract

Butylene Glycol

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract

Pantethine

Olea Europaea Fruit Extract

Cocos Nucifera Oil

Punica Granatum Sterols

Sorbitol

Caprylyl Glycol

Tocopheryl Acetate

Oryzanol

Trehalose

Bisabolol

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate

Sodium Hyaluronate

Carbomer

Hexylene Glycol

Potassium Hydroxide

Dextrin

Disodium EDTA

Potassium Sorbate

Phenoxyethanol

Essential Oils

Water, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Niacinamide, Hydroxyethyl Urea, PEG-75, Dimethicone, Persea Gratissima Oil, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, PEG-8, Glycereth-26, Sorbitan Stearate, Citrus Aurantium Amara Leaf/Twig Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Osmanthus Fragrans Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Extract, Ribes Nigrum Bud Extract, Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Extract, Benzaldehyde, Hexenyl Acetate, Gamma-Decalactone, Ionone, Ethyl Acetate, Alcohol, Linalool, Limonene, Isopropyl Isostearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Wax, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Sucrose, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Triticum Vulgare Bran Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caffeine, Oryza Sativa Extract, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Butylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Pantethine, Olea Europaea Fruit Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Punica Granatum Sterols, Sorbitol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Oryzanol, Trehalose, Bisabolol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carbomer, Hexylene Glycol, Potassium Hydroxide, Dextrin, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Essential Oils

Propanediol

Hydrogenated Polydecene

Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprate

Cyclopentasiloxane

Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Behenyl Alcohol

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Glyceryl Stearate

Palmitic Acid

Stearic Acid

Arginine

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer

Ethylhexylglycerin

Adenosine

Xanthan Gum

Paeonia Lactiflora Extract

Myristic Acid

Malpighia Punicifolia Fruit Extract

Prunus Avium Fruit Extract

Prunus Serrulata Flower Extract

Punica Granatum Fruit Extract

Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract

Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract

1,2-Hexanediol

Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract

Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract

Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract

Wine Extract

Camellia Japonica Flower Extract

Tocopherol

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Behenyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Niacinamide, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Palmitic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Stearic Acid, Carbomer, Arginine, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Paeonia Lactiflora Extract, Myristic Acid, Malpighia Punicifolia Fruit Extract, Prunus Avium Fruit Extract, Prunus Serrulata Flower Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Wine Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Linalool, Limonene

Reviews

Be the first to review

Alternatives

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.

Carbomer is a synthetic thickening and gelling agent. It's basically the ingredient that gives a lot of serums, gels, creams, and sunscreens their smooth, non-sticky texture.

Although legally permitted at very high levels, carbomers are normally used at concentrations below 1%.

It also needs to be neutralized to actually thicken, and because it is a large molecule, it doesn't really penetrate the skin barrier.

Allergy-wise, the risk is very low. Clinical studies show carbomers have low potential for skin irritation/sensitization even at concentrations up to 100%.

A 2024 UK study patch-tested 1,302 patients and found true allergy to the parent group of carbomer to be rare with no confirmed relevant reactions.

Cetearyl alcohol is a waxy mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is an emollient and emulsifier.

Despite having "alcohol" in its name, it has nothing to do with drying solvent alcohols; the FDA also allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols like this ingredient.

It plays several roles in a formula:

Typical use levels for this ingredient sit around 1-10% and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has affirmed safety at concentrations up to 25% in leave-on products.

Multiple assessments have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing to most people.

However, there have been some cases of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with chronically compromised skin barriers.

Cetearyl alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 and irritancy rating of 1. Both of these numbers come from the 1989 study that used rabbit ears; a "2" means mildly comedogenic and a "1" means low irritancy.

Here's the catch: rabbit skin is more sensitive than human skin and throws a lot of false positives. A 1996 reappraisal found that ingredients rated 1-2 in the rabbit ear tests are generally safe for humans.

Remember comedogenic ratings are unable to assess the entire formula of a product or how it will react on your skin. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure about certain ingredients.

This ingredient is not fungal acne safe. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with chain lengths that fall within the range that Malassezia can metabolize.

A 2019 study has also observed Malassezia growth in the presence of this ingredient, confirming it to be not-fungal acne safe.

Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.

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.

Glycerin (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.

Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.

It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".

Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.

When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.

The term '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.

Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.

Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.

This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.

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.

Peg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.

PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.

Phenoxyethanol is one of the most widely used preservatives in skincare (and for good reason!).

It has a large spectrum of antimicrobial activity and especially effective bacteria, yeast, and mold while only having a weak effect on your skin's natural microbiome.

On a cellular level, it disrupts the cell membranes of microbes by poking holes that make the cell leak. This shuts down the chemical reactions the microbe needs to make energy so it can no longer survive.

Another perk of this ingredient is that it stays functional across a wide pH range (3-10).

You'll often see it paired with boosters like Ethylhexylglycerin; one study showed that a 1:9 ratio of Ethylhexylglycerin to Phenoxyethanol damages bacterial membranes as effectively as doubling the Phenoxyethanol concentration on its own.

Typical use concentrations range from 0.3-1% depending on the formula, and this ingredient is capped at 1% int the EU.

Safety-wise, the fear mongering does not hold up to the evidence. The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and FDA consider it safe as a preservative at up to 1%, including for children of all ages.

Adverse systemic effects only showed up in animal studies at exposures roughly 200x higher than what people get from cosmetics. And despite its very widespread use, this ingredient is a rare sensitizer and allergic reactions are uncommon.

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. Remember to stay hydrated!

Similar Comparisons

The reference edit

Ingredients, questions
& further reading.

Connected source records selected through this article’s public topic index.

01

Formula cabinet

Ingredients & structured notes

02

Product index

Related product references

03

Comparison edit

Read side by side