What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningBacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingAcrylates Copolymer
Parfum
MaskingSodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate
CleansingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingArginine
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingMethylpropanediol
SolventMannitol
HumectantStyrene
Perfuming1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyquaternium-22
PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether
SolventCetyl Alcohol
EmollientTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-10
Salicylic Acid
MaskingMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentSucrose
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentMalt Extract
Skin ProtectingDisodium EDTA
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
BufferingBenzoic Acid
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingHyaluronic Acid
HumectantTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningStearyl Alcohol
EmollientLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningBerberis Vulgaris Root Extract
AntimicrobialFragaria Chiloensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
AstringentMorus Nigra Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventLinalool
PerfumingWater, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Bacillus Ferment, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Coco-Glucoside, Acrylates Copolymer, Parfum, Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate, Decyl Glucoside, Arginine, Sodium Chloride, Methylpropanediol, Mannitol, Styrene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyquaternium-22, PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether, Cetyl Alcohol, Trihydroxystearin, Panthenol, Polyquaternium-10, Salicylic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sucrose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Niacinamide, Zea Mays Starch, Malt Extract, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Citric Acid, Benzoic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Myristyl Alcohol, Cocamide Mipa, Hyaluronic Acid, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Stearyl Alcohol, Lactobacillus, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract, Berberis Vulgaris Root Extract, Fragaria Chiloensis Fruit Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Morus Nigra Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Propanediol, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientParfum
MaskingDipalmitoylethyl Dimonium Chloride
Brassicamidopropyl Dimethylamine
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMenthol
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-67
Salicylic Acid
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPiper Betle Leaf Powder
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingDisodium EDTA
Malt Extract
Skin ProtectingMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentSalmon Egg Extract
Arginine
MaskingBerberis Vulgaris Root Extract
AntimicrobialFragaria Chiloensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
AstringentMorus Alba Fruit Extract
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Roe
Skin ConditioningWhey Protein
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingEugenol
PerfumingWater, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Parfum, Dipalmitoylethyl Dimonium Chloride, Brassicamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glutamic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Menthol, Sodium Benzoate, Panthenol, Polyquaternium-67, Salicylic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Piper Betle Leaf Powder, Niacinamide, Disodium EDTA, Malt Extract, Myristyl Alcohol, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Butylene Glycol, Lactobacillus, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Salmon Egg Extract, Arginine, Berberis Vulgaris Root Extract, Fragaria Chiloensis Fruit Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Roe, Whey Protein, Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Linalool, Eugenol
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
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of 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.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineAvena Sativa Kernel Extract is is derived from colloidal oatmeal. Besides being a healthy breakfast, oats have many benefits in skincare too.
This ingredient helps sooth, hydrate, and protect the skin. The starches in colloidal oatmeal are able to bind water, keeping the skin hydrated.
The cellulose and fiber in colloidal oatmeal help reduce inflammation. This can also help the skin feel softer.
Colloidal Oatmeal is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect our skin from free-radical damage.
Oatmeal also contains beneficial compounds:
This ingredient is created by mixing grounded oatmeal and a liquid base.
Learn more about Avena Sativa Kernel ExtractBerberis Vulgaris Root Extract is from the Barberry plant.
The main component of this plant is berberine. Berberine is a natural compound with antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Butylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCetyl 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 AlcoholDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinFragaria Chiloensis Fruit Extract comes from the beach strawberry. This is a strawberry native to Pacific coasts of North America, South America, and Hawaii. It likes to grow on sandy beaches.
Beach strawberries have antioxidant and moisturizing properties. They contain many compounds that are potent antioxidants, such as anthocyanins and Vitamin C.
The sugar, or polysaccharides, in strawberries help hydrate the skin by increasing water retention.
Strawberries also contain acids such as ellagic acid, a compound that may protect our skin against UVB damage. Another acid present is citric acid.
Fun fact: The strawberry we buy and eat today was created as a hybrid from the beach strawberry.
Learn more about Fragaria Chiloensis Fruit ExtractLactobacillus is a type of bacteria with skin conditioning properties. This ingredient has antibacterial and antifungal properties (that's why we can eat fermented foods).
Learn more about the benefits of lactobacillus ferment here.
Fun Fact: Lactobacillus is used to create wine, yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, pickles, beer, cider, kimchi, cocoa, kefir.
Learn more about LactobacillusLactobacillus Ferment Lysate is a postbiotic with skin soothing properties. Postbiotics are inactive molecules produced by probiotic bacteria that provide skin benefits.
This ingredient comes from the secretion of the bacteria, Lactobacillus.
Studies show this ingredient can help calm redness and may help treat the signs of photoaging; however, the evidence is inconclusive and further studies are needed.
Lactobacillus Ferment is generally considered safe for fungal-acne prone skin. The key thing to understand is that it comes from bacteria, not yeast or fungus.
Yeast-derived ferments (like galactomyces) have been shown to activate a protein that's linked to Malassezia-related skin issues whereas lactobacillus doesn't have that problem.
Its byproducts also don't contain the types of fatty acids (C11-24 chain lengths) that Malassezia feeds on.
Learn more about Lactobacillus Ferment LysateLinalool 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 LinaloolLycium Barbarum Fruit Extract comes from the Goji Berry. Goji berries are native to China and can be found across Eurasia.
Goji berries contain polysaccharides, carotenoids and flavonoids. Antioxidants help your body fight off free-radical molecules. These molecules are unstable and may damage your skin. By making free-radicals more stable, antioxidants can help with anti-aging.
Polysaccharides help hydrate the top layer of skin due to its ability to mimic natural carbohydrates.
Learn more about Lycium Barbarum Fruit ExtractWe don't have a description for Malt Extract yet.
Myristyl Alcohol is type of fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
As an emollient, myristyl alcohol hydrates the skin by trapping moisture in.
Fatty alcohols are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent alcohols.
The FDA allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Myristyl AlcoholNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideOryza Sativa Extract comes from the rice grain, Oryza sativa. Rice extract has wound healing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties.
Rice grains contain numerous antioxidants which may help with anti-aging, such as vitamin E. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radical molecules. Unstable free-radical molecules may damage your skin cells and accelerate signs of aging.
A study from 2002 found rice to help increase the rate of wound healing. The same study found an improvement of skin barrier function in the patients after taking rice baths.
Numerous in-vitro studies have found rice water to help decrease sun damage by increasing collagen production and inhibiting the process of tyrosinase.
Long story short- tyrosinase is an enzyme that controls melanin production. Our bodies start producing melanin (AKA tanning) when exposed to UV radiation to protect against damage. Rice water is found to partially block this process.
Though more research is needed on rice's ability to help with UV protection, recent studies seem promising.
Wondering why rice is hydrating? The protein in rice have emollient properties. Emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in, keeping your skin moisturized.
Some rice extract may have mildly-exfoliating properties. These are mainly limited to Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran and Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Powder.
This rice was first cultivated in China over 10,000 years ago. Many cultures throughout Asia have used rice water on skin and hair for centuries.
Learn more about Oryza Sativa ExtractPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolParfum 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 ParfumPropanediol 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 PropanediolSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidStearyl 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 AlcoholThis ingredient is extracted from the germ part of the wheat plant. The germ of a plant refers to the seed embryo, or part that sprouts into a new plant.
Some studies have found wheat germ to help with wound healing.
Water. 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