What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingGlycol Distearate
EmollientCoco-Glucoside
CleansingMenthol
MaskingPolyquaternium-10
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientPropylene Glycol Laurate
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingPolyquaternium-7
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningDextrin
AbsorbentStearyl Alcohol
EmollientMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningVinegar
Disodium EDTA
Myristyl Alcohol
EmollientIsopropanolamine
BufferingLauryl Alcohol
EmollientArtemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMenthyl Lactate
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Arvensis Leaf Oil
MaskingMentha Viridis Leaf Oil
AstringentRosa Canina Seed Extract
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCalendula Officinalis Flower Oil
MaskingPogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
MaskingIlex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract
PerfumingHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningElettaria Cardamomum Seed Oil
MaskingBarosma Betulina Leaf Extract
PerfumingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
PerfumingJasminum Officinale Oil
MaskingRose Flower Oil
MaskingChamomilla Recutita Oil
MaskingAlchemilla Vulgaris Extract
AstringentMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingMelissa Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingMonarda Didyma Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningFreesia Refracta Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPerilla Frutescens Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientWater, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Lauryl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide Mipa, Decyl Glucoside, Glycol Distearate, Coco-Glucoside, Menthol, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Chloride, Isopropyl Myristate, Propylene Glycol Laurate, Sodium Benzoate, Trihydroxystearin, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Dipropylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Polyquaternium-7, Lactobacillus Ferment, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Dextrin, Stearyl Alcohol, Mentha Piperita Oil, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Vinegar, Disodium EDTA, Myristyl Alcohol, Isopropanolamine, Lauryl Alcohol, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Menthyl Lactate, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil, Rosa Canina Seed Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Oil, Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Jasminum Officinale Oil, Rose Flower Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Oil, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Monarda Didyma Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Freesia Refracta Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Perilla Frutescens Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingSorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCocamide Mipa
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientMenthol
MaskingPolyquaternium-10
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningCoconut Acid
CleansingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Propanediol
SolventCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Isethionate
CleansingQuaternium-80
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningSorbeth-230 Tetraoleate
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningGlucosamine Hcl
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicDecyl Glucoside
CleansingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingSorbitan Laurate
EmulsifyingChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantLactic Acid
BufferingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Chloride, Mentha Piperita Oil, Hydroxyacetophenone, Cocamide Mipa, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Menthol, Polyquaternium-10, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Coconut Acid, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Propanediol, Citric Acid, Sodium Isethionate, Quaternium-80, Lactobacillus Ferment, Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate, Sodium Hydroxide, Caffeine, Glucosamine Hcl, Biotin, Decyl Glucoside, Benzyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Laurate, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Lactic Acid, Limonene, Linalool
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
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidWe don't have a description for Cocamide Mipa yet.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, a compound with two amino groups.
This ingredient is a surfactant and cleanser. It helps gather the dirt, pollutants, and other impurities in your skin to be washed away. It also helps thicken a product and make the texture more creamy.
Being created from coconut oil means Cocamidopropyl Betaine is hydrating for the skin.
While Cocamidopropyl Betaine was believed to be an allergen, a study from 2012 disproved this. It found two compounds in unpure Cocamidopropyl Betaine to be the irritants: aminoamide and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. High-grade and pure Cocamidopropyl Betaine did not induce allergic reactions during this study.
Learn more about Cocamidopropyl BetaineDecyl Glucoside is a glucose-based surfactant and emulsion stabilizer. It is created by reacting glucose with the fatty acids from plants.
Surfactants help clean the skin by trapping oil, sebum, and dirt to be washed away. As an emulsion stabilizer, it stabilizes the ingredients in a product by preventing them from separating.
This ingredient is biodegradable and non-toxic. This ingredient is commonly found in baby shampoos.
Decyl Glucoside is sometimes used to stabilize the UV filter Tinosorb.
Learn more about Decyl GlucosideHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.
Lactobacillus Ferment is created by fermenting the Lactobacillus bacteria. It helps keep our skin's natural barrier and microbiome healthy.
Studies show lactobacillus ferment to be effective at repairing the skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier helps keep your skin healthy and hydrated. It also protects against bad bacteria.
As a probiotic/prebiotic/postbiotic, Lactobacillus ferment can help regular our natural biome. In fact, one study found a lack of diversity in our natural skin biome can trigger acne.
Learn more about Lactobacillus FermentThis tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Tea Tree plant. Tea tree oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
According to the book Journal of Profiles of Drug Substances, tea tree helps in reducing acne-causing bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes. This is due to the Terpinen components of tea tree oil.
Tea tree may cause sensitivity and irritation for some people. This oil naturally contains fragrance such as linalool and limonene.
However, research shows irritation usually occurs when using pure tea tree oil and not in cosmetic products.
Tea tree oil was found to help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis in one study.
Tea tree oil is toxic when ingested. Another study showed it to caused damage to the nervous system of dogs and cats when applied to their skin or given orally.
Learn more about Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf OilMentha Piperita Oil is the volatile oil obtained from the whole plant of the Peppermint plant.
It can be used to add a fresh scent to products.
Peppermint oil may cause skin sensitivity and redness due to its menthol content. Menthol also has a cooling effect (like your toothpaste).
Learn more about Mentha Piperita OilMenthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholPolyquaternium-10 is an ammonium salt of hydroxyethylcellulose. It is a white and granular powder used as a film-former and anti-static agent.
This ingredient is commonly found in hair conditioning products. According to a manufacturer, its positive charge makes it great for absorbing hair proteins. The manufacturer also states this ingredient helps with curl retention.
For haircare friends: this ingredient is not a silicone.
Learn more about Polyquaternium-10Sodium 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 BenzoateChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSodium Cocoyl Glutamate is a gentle cleanser and surfactant. It is the sodium salt of the Cocoyl Glutamic Acid and comes from coconut oil. As a surfactant, it helps lift dirt and oil to be washed away.
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate also has an emolliating effect and can help leave the skin feeling soft.
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 Water