What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientParfum
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingTheobroma Cacao Seed Butter
EmollientCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingSodium Cetearyl Sulfate
CleansingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentPerfluorohexane
SolventPerfluorodecalin
Skin ConditioningPentafluoropropane
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBrassica Campestris Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningPEG-4
HumectantPropanediol
SolventAgar
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAlgin
MaskingGlucose
HumectantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
MaskingGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningCalcium Gluconate
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCoumarin
PerfumingCI 73360
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Parfum, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Cetearyl Glucoside, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Perfluorohexane, Perfluorodecalin, Pentafluoropropane, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil, PEG-4, Propanediol, Agar, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Algin, Glucose, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Benzoate, Gluconolactone, Calcium Gluconate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Coumarin, CI 73360
Water
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantParfum
MaskingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Glycerin
HumectantCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentSelaginella Lepidophylla Extract
EmollientChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningAgave Tequilana Leaf Extract
AstringentCardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingCocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
EmollientGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenethyl Alcohol
MaskingArnica Montana Flower Extract
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingCoumarin
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingAnise Alcohol
PerfumingJuniperus Virginiana Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingCitrus Nobilis Peel Oil
MaskingCananga Odorata Flower Oil
MaskingWater, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Parfum, Sodium Polyacrylate, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Glycerin, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Maltodextrin, Selaginella Lepidophylla Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Gluconolactone, Lactobacillus Ferment, Sodium Benzoate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Benzyl Salicylate, Coumarin, Limonene, Anise Alcohol, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also known as coconut oil. It is a plant-derived ingredient with skin conditioning properties.
The fatty acid profile of coconut oil is mostly lauric acid (~54%), followed by capric, caprylic, palmitic, and myristic acids. This profile allows it to penetrate easily into skin, moisturize, and improve dry skin.
A double-blind study confirmed that extra virgin coconut oil is as effective as mineral oil for treating very dry skin. Another study found it outperformed mineral oil for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children.
Another study from 2018 found that virgin coconut oil can soothe inflammation and boost key skin barrier proteins. Just know this evidence is still only from lab settings and not human trials.
It has also been shown to reduce Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that commonly overgrows in people with eczema.
Clinical testing shows very minimal skin irritation and no evidence of sensitization or phototoxicity.
Coconut oil gets flagged as a "fragrance" because it has a natural mild scent (not because it's a synthetic perfume). The European Cosmetic ingredient database also lists "perfuming" as a function of this ingredient.
Just so you know, the term "fragrance" is completely unregulated. Some brands still use botanical extracts or essential oils in their "fragrance-free" formulas, but regulatory databases technically classify these under "fragrance".
Coconut oil has a tiny and useless bit of natural SPF. Early lab studies clocked it around SPF 7-8 but a more recent study found the real number closer to SPF 1.2. It also offers no meaningful UVA protection (SPF only overs UVB rays).
The comedogenic rating of 4/5 means it has a high potential to clog pores; but it's worth noting that comedogenicity is highly individual and ratings cannot predict how an overall formula will behave on skin.
Since lauric acid is the dominant fatty acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast feeds on fatty acids with carbon chain lengths between 11-24, and lauric acid falls within these lengths (C12).
Learn more about Cocos Nucifera OilCoumarins are a group of substances found naturally in plants. There are over 1300 types of coumarins identified. It has a natural vanilla scent.
Coumarin is an identified EU known allergy, meaning it may cause an allergic reaction when applied to the skin.
In many countries, coumarin is banned as a food additive. However, it can be found in soaps, tobacco products, and some alcohol drinks.
Plants use coumarins as a chemical defense. Some plants that have coumarins include lavender, tonka beans, and yellow clovers.
Learn more about CoumarinEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneGlycerin (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.
Learn more about GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.
While Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil can be volatile due to its fragrant properties, the fragrance components are usually removed in the leaf extract.
Rosemary Leaf Extract contains many antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid. Rosemarinic acid, a compound found in rosemary leaf, has been found to help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf ExtractSodium 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 BenzoateSodium Polyacrylate is the sodium salt of polyacrylic acid. It is used as an absorber, emollient, and stabilizer.
This ingredient is a super-absorbent polymer - meaning it can absorb 100 to 1000 times its mass in water. As an emollient, Sodium Polyacrylate helps soften and soothe skin. Emollients work by creating a barrier to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Tocopheryl 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water