What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantJojoba Esters
EmollientBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingCapryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPassiflora Edulis Seed Oil
EmollientPassiflora Incarnata Seed Oil
Skin ProtectingPEG-100 Stearate
Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
EmollientBehentrimonium Methosulfate
Stearyl Alcohol
EmollientHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingAlcohol
AntimicrobialSodium PCA
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeArginine
MaskingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Polyglycerin-3
HumectantAspartic Acid
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingLinalool
PerfumingPCA
HumectantLimonene
PerfumingGlycine
BufferingAlanine
MaskingGeraniol
PerfumingSerine
MaskingValine
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Coumarin
PerfumingHistidine
HumectantPhenylalanine
MaskingCitral
PerfumingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSuperoxide Dismutase
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHimanthalia Elongata Extract
Skin ProtectingHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningAlaria Esculenta Extract
Skin ProtectingSaccharomyces/Copper Ferment
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Iron Ferment
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment
Saccharomyces/Silicon Ferment
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Zinc Ferment
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialCaviar Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Jojoba Esters, Behentrimonium Chloride, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Benzyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Cetrimonium Chloride, Parfum, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Passiflora Incarnata Seed Oil, PEG-100 Stearate, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Stearyl Alcohol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Alcohol, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Arginine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Polyglycerin-3, Aspartic Acid, Citric Acid, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Linalool, PCA, Limonene, Glycine, Alanine, Geraniol, Serine, Valine, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 20, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Coumarin, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Citral, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Superoxide Dismutase, Tocopheryl Acetate, Himanthalia Elongata Extract, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Alaria Esculenta Extract, Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment, Saccharomyces/Iron Ferment, Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment, Saccharomyces/Silicon Ferment, Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Caviar Extract, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientOleth-5
EmulsifyingBehenamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientParfum
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingMalic Acid
BufferingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlutamic Acid
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingEDTA
Glyceryl Oleate
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientTetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingVanillin
MaskingLinalyl Acetate
MaskingHistidine
HumectantCoumarin
PerfumingCitrus Aurantium Peel Oil
Oleic Acid
EmollientSqualane
EmollientCitric Acid
Buffering3-Methyl-5-(2,2,3-Trimethyl-3-Cyclopentenyl)Pent-4-En-2-Ol
PerfumingPinene
MaskingGeraniol
PerfumingRose Ketones
PerfumingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Sulfite
PreservativeLecithin
EmollientAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantHydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
EmollientWater, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Oleth-5, Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Parfum, Sodium Benzoate, Malic Acid, Panthenol, Glutamic Acid, Allantoin, Glycine, EDTA, Glyceryl Oleate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, Sodium Hydroxide, Linalool, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal, Vanillin, Linalyl Acetate, Histidine, Coumarin, Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil, Oleic Acid, Squalane, Citric Acid, 3-Methyl-5-(2,2,3-Trimethyl-3-Cyclopentenyl)Pent-4-En-2-Ol, Pinene, Geraniol, Rose Ketones, Ascorbic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Sulfite, Lecithin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholCitric 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 AcidCoumarins 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 CoumarinGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolGlycine is the smallest amino acid and a key building block of collagen. It's part if your skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
A study from 2022 found that an amino acid complex featuring taurine, arginine, and glycine significantly reduced skin irritation, improved redness, and accelerated the skin repair process.
Histidine is a semi-essential amino acid used by our bodies to create protein. It has humectant and skin conditioning properties.
Our bodies use histidine to create filaggrin - filaggrin is a structural protein that the skin uses in maintaining skin barrier.
One study found histidine and carnosine to be a dynamic duo for your skin:
Oral histidine has also been found to help with filaggrin-deficit skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis.
Why is it considered a semi-essential amino acid? This is because adults are able to create it but children must get it from their diet.
Learn more about HistidineLimonene 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 ParfumPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateStearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Fatty alcohols are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent (ethanol) alcohols.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Stearyl AlcoholTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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