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 ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingAcrylates Copolymer
Parfum
MaskingSodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate
CleansingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingArginine
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingMethylpropanediol
SolventMannitol
HumectantStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyquaternium-22
PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether
Foam BoostingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-10
Salicylic Acid
MaskingMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentSucrose
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentMalt Extract
Skin ProtectingDisodium EDTA
ChelatingHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
BufferingBenzoic Acid
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingHyaluronic Acid
HumectantTriticum Vulgare Seed Extract
BufferingStearyl Alcohol
EmollientLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Soymilk Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Kernel Flour
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, Saccharomyces Ferment, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Coco-Glucoside, Acrylates Copolymer, Parfum, Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate, Decyl Glucoside, Arginine, Sodium Chloride, Methylpropanediol, Mannitol, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, 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 Seed Extract, Stearyl Alcohol, Lactobacillus, Lactobacillus/Soymilk Ferment Filtrate, Avena Sativa Kernel Flour, 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 ConditioningDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingLauryl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantSodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate
Cleansing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventRosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingPolyquaternium-10
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingPolyquaternium-22
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
ChelatingSodium Chloride
MaskingHydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
AntioxidantPropanediol
SolventMaltodextrin
AbsorbentPisum Sativum Peptide
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil
Skin ProtectingRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCholesterol
EmollientCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningRosa Damascena Flower Oil
MaskingCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingWater, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Lauryl Glucoside, Cocamide Mipa, Parfum, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methylpropanediol, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Polyquaternium-10, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Polyquaternium-22, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Chloride, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, Propanediol, Maltodextrin, Pisum Sativum Peptide, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Dipropylene Glycol, Ceramide NP, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Cholesterol, Ceramide As, Ceramide AP, Ceramide Ns, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Ceramide EOP, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol
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
Caprylyl 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, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitric 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.
Rosacea skin has a lower threshold for acids generally, with 62.5% of rosacea subjects in one study reacting to lactic acid in a sting test. This is why we mark citric acid as a potential rosacea trigger.
However, this ingredient shows up as a pH adjuster or chelator at roughly 0.1-1% in many products. These low levels are unlikely to be an issue for rosacea skin and becomes a potential trigger at exfoliating concentrations (20%). Because everybody's skin is unique, we recommend a patch test if you are unsure.
Learn more about Citric AcidWe don't have a description for Cocamide Mipa yet.
Disodium 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 EDTAThis ingredient is a cleansing agent, surfactant, and foam booster. It considered an alternative to traditional sulfates (Sulfosuccinate) and is allowed in "sulfate-free" products.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is mild and can be used in baby and bath options.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinLinalool is a small, naturally occurring scent molecule found in plants like lavender, coriander, bergamot, and more.
It is one of the two most-used fragrance ingredients in cosmetics and added purely for smell. Since it's not used for a skin benefit, there's no "effective dose". Concentration depends on the fragrance load of the product.
The EU requires it to be named on the label above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products.
Fresh linalool is a weak sensitizer but air exposure turns some of it into hydroperoxides, which are strong sensitizers. Those oxidation products are the actual allergy concern.
Patch-test clinics see positive reactions to linalool hydroperoxides in about 4% to 12% of dermatitis patients depending on country and test concentration.
Resassuringly, one analytical study found hydroperoxide levels in real fragranced products to be orders of magnitude below what induced sensitization in animal studies with no evidence of oxidation building up during normal storage.
The practical takeaway is that linalool is fine for most people but worth avoiding if you have a confirmed fragrance contact allergy or a badly compromised barrier.
Products stored a long time after opening are also the high-risk scenario since that is when oxidation happens.
The scent of linalool is described as floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolMethylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.
As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.
Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.
Learn more about MethylpropanediolParfum 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 ParfumPolyquaternium-10 is an ammonium salt of hydroxyethylcellulose. It is a white and granular powder used as a film-former and anti-static agent.
This ingredient is commonly found in hair conditioning products. According to a manufacturer, its positive charge makes it great for absorbing hair proteins. The manufacturer also states this ingredient helps with curl retention.
For haircare friends: this ingredient is not a silicone.
Learn more about Polyquaternium-10We don't have a description for Polyquaternium-22 yet.
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 PropanediolChances 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.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideWe don't have a description for Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate yet.
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