What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
PEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSorbitan Tristearate
EmulsifyingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Urea
Buffering
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Saccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantAlanine
MaskingGlycine
Buffering
Magnesium Aspartate
Skin ConditioningSaccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Creatine
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Maris Sal
Skin ConditioningSilt
AbsorbentMaris Aqua
HumectantWater, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Propanediol, Cetyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, PEG-40 Stearate, Ceteareth-20, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitan Tristearate, Propylene Glycol, Urea, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Lactic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Alanine, Glycine, Magnesium Aspartate, Saccharide Isomerate, Creatine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Maris Sal, Silt, Maris Aqua
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Coenochloris Signiensis Extract
Skin ConditioningLecithin
Emollient
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Benzyl Benzoate
Antimicrobial
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Water, Propanediol, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether, Phenoxyethanol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Panthenol, Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Maltodextrin, Coenochloris Signiensis Extract, Lecithin, Lactic Acid, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzyl Salicylate is a solvent and fragrance additive. It is an ester of benzyl alcohol and salicylic acid. This ingredient can be naturally found in some plants and plant extracts.
In fragrances, Benzyl Salicylate may be a solvent or a fragrance component. In synthetic musk scents, it is used as a solvent. For floral fragrances such as lilac and jasmine, it is used as a fragrance component. The natural scent of Benzyl Salicylate is described as "lightly-sweet, slightly balsamic".
While Benzyl Salicylate has been associated with contact dermatitis and allergies, emerging studies show it may not be caused by this ingredient alone.
However, this ingredient is often used with fragrances and other components that may cause allergies. It is still listed as a known allergen in the EU. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Another study from 2021 shows Benzyl Salicylate may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Learn more about Benzyl SalicylateHydroxycitronellal is a fragrance created from citronellal. The smell of hydroxycitronellal is often described as "citrus-like" or "melon-like".
Hydroxycitronellal is a known EU allergen and may cause irritation when applied to the skin.
Lactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective.
Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin.
Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they don’t penetrate as deeply. This means they’re less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Like glycolic acid, it can:
Lactic acid also acts as a humectant (like hyaluronic acid). It can draw water into the skin to improve hydration and also plays a role in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the form of sodium lactate.
Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skin’s microbiome.
To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4.
Lower strengths (5-12%) focus on surface exfoliation; higher strengths (12% and up) can reach deeper in the dermis (deeper, supportive layer) to improve skin texture and firmness over time.
Though it was originally derived from milk, most modern lactic acid used in skincare is vegan. It is made through non-dairy fermentation to create a bio-identical and stable form suitable for all formulations.
When lactic acid shows up near the end of an ingredient list, it usually means the brand added just a tiny amount to adjust the product’s pH.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and brightens. It's a great ingredient for giving your skin a smooth, glowing, and healthy look without the harshness of stronger acids.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidLimonene 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.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool 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.
Learn more about LinaloolParfum 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.
Propanediol 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 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 HyaluronateWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum
