What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicXylitol
HumectantMaltodextrin
AbsorbentRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialSyringa Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit/Seed Oil
AntimicrobialGlycerin
HumectantCoconut Acid
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPolyurethane-10
Polyquaternium-7
Polyquaternium-10
Polyquaternium-16
Zea Mays Starch
AbsorbentNatto Gum
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Lactic Acid
BufferingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Isethionate
CleansingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Phospholipids, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Caffeine, Biotin, Xylitol, Maltodextrin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Syringa Vulgaris Extract, Mentha Piperita Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit/Seed Oil, Glycerin, Coconut Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Polyurethane-10, Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-10, Polyquaternium-16, Zea Mays Starch, Natto Gum, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Lactic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Isethionate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Benzyl Benzoate, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningMaris Sal
Skin ConditioningDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingCocamide Methyl Mea
Lauryl Betaine
CleansingParfum
MaskingTropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSalicylic Acid
MaskingHippophae Rhamnoides Seed Oil
Skin ProtectingKaolin
AbrasiveCharcoal Powder
AbrasiveGlycerin
HumectantPolyquaternium-7
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Phytate
Sodium Chloride
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingHydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingWater, Maris Sal, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamide Methyl Mea, Lauryl Betaine, Parfum, Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Salicylic Acid, Hippophae Rhamnoides Seed Oil, Kaolin, Charcoal Powder, Glycerin, Polyquaternium-7, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hydroxycitronellal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Limonene
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHydroxycitronellal 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.
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.
Learn more about LimoneneParfum 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 āFRAGRANCEā or āPARFUMā 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.
Polyquaternium-7 is a light to clear colored liquid. It is commonly found in haircare products for its film-forming and anti-static properties.
According to a manufacturer, it is a non-paraben and specially developed for negatively charged surfactant systems. This makes it a great hairstyle holder and helps to improve wet hair detangling without adding buildup.
Sodium 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 ChlorideTocopheryl 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water