What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Phyllostachys Bambusoides Juice
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningSodium Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPhytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientParfum
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPalmitic Acid
EmollientLinalool
PerfumingButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingPhytantriol
HumectantPoloxamer 407
EmulsifyingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Caffeine
Skin ConditioningTheanine
EmollientEpigallocatechin Gallate
AntioxidantKaempferol
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Flower Extract
PerfumingPhyllostachys Bambusoides Juice, Water, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glycerin, Propanediol, Methyl Trimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Squalane, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Sodium Carbomer, Panthenol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Caprylate, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Palmitic Acid, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Phytantriol, Poloxamer 407, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Caffeine, Theanine, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Kaempferol, Camellia Sinensis Flower Extract
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimethicone
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingPEG-100 Stearate
Parfum
MaskingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientDipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningPalmitic Acid
EmollientNatto Gum
Glycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingDextrin
AbsorbentTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningCitronellol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingPoloxamer 235
EmulsifyingBetaine
HumectantEpigallocatechin Gallate
AntioxidantEthoxydiglycol
HumectantTocophersolan
AntioxidantPoloxamer 338
EmulsifyingGlucose
HumectantMagnolia Obovata Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Water, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, PEG-100 Stearate, Parfum, Caffeine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Beta-Glucan, Palmitic Acid, Natto Gum, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Limonene, Geraniol, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Linalool, Phenoxyethanol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Hydroxycitronellal, Poloxamer 235, Betaine, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Ethoxydiglycol, Tocophersolan, Poloxamer 338, Glucose, Magnolia Obovata Bark Extract, Caprylyl Glycol
Reviews
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
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone is a fragrance. It can be synthetically created or naturally occurring.
The scent of Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone is described as "flowery" but can also be "woody".
Naturally occurring Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone may be found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or the yeast used to make wine and bread.
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 Alpha-Isomethyl IononeButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolButylphenyl Methylpropional is a synthetic fragrance. You might know it as "lilial". The scent of this ingredient is floral-like and similar to the scent of lily flowers.
In March of 2022, the EU banned this ingredient in both rinse-off and leave-on products. This is because research found Butylphenyl Methylpropional to disrupt fertility in rats.
This ingredient is also a known EU allergen, meaning it is likely to cause an allergic reaction. Irritated skin can be damaging.
We always recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns or questions about this ingredient.
Learn more about Butylphenyl MethylpropionalCaffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and is rich in antioxidants.
While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.
Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.
Learn more about CaffeineCamellia 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 GlycolCitronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolEGCG is most famous for being found in green tea. It is a type of catechin, a potent antioxidant. This ingredient has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Antioxidants protect our skin from oxidative damage, helping with slowing the signs of aging.
A study from 2018 found EGCG to help reduce melanin and melanoma cells.
Learn more about the skin benefits of green tea here.
Learn more about Epigallocatechin GallateEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Geraniol 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 GeraniolGlycerin 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid, a fatty acid from coconut. It has emollient and emulsifier properties.
As an emollient, it helps hydrate your skin. Emollients work by creating a barrier on your skin to trap moisture in, helping to keep your skin soft and smooth.
On the other hand, emulsifiers prevent ingredients (such as oil and water) from separating.
Learn more about Glyceryl CaprylateLimonene 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 LinaloolPalmitic Acid is a fatty acid naturally found in our skin and in many plant and animal sources. In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It serves many purposes in skincare, acting as a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.
As an emollient, palmitic acid helps soften and smooth the skin by preventing water loss. In cleansers, it helps remove oil and dirt while creating foam.
Its emulsifying properties help stabilize products by keeping water and oil-based ingredients from separating.
This may not be suitable for fungal acne-prone skin, as fatty acids like this can sometimes trigger breakouts in sensitive individuals.
Learn more about Palmitic AcidParfum 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 PropanediolWater. 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