What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
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Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialGlycereth-26
HumectantPropanediol
SolventC12-14 Alketh-12
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantParfum
MaskingCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Benzoate
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningVinegar
Menthol
MaskingCitrus Reticulata Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingSodium Citrate
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
MaskingCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCoptis Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
MaskingCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingMentha Arvensis Leaf Extract
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract
AntioxidantSalvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingCitrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientCymbopogon Citratus Extract
Skin ConditioningEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
PerfumingMentha Arvensis Extract
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialErythritol
HumectantHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentPrunus Mume Fruit Extract
HumectantVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Suaveolens Leaf Extract
AstringentMentha Viridis Leaf Extract
MaskingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Alcohol Denat., Glycereth-26, Propanediol, C12-14 Alketh-12, Glycerin, Parfum, Cetrimonium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Vinegar, Menthol, Citrus Reticulata Fruit Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Citric Acid, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Tromethamine, Citrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Cymbopogon Citratus Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Mentha Arvensis Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Erythritol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Mentha Suaveolens Leaf Extract, Mentha Viridis Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Limonene, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningVinegar
Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentParfum
MaskingOctyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingAlcohol
AntimicrobialGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyquaternium-7
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningOctanediol
Raspberry Seed Oil/Tocopheryl Succinate Aminopropanediol Esters
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantHydrolyzed Corn Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Vinegar, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Parfum, Octyldodeceth-16, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Alcohol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyquaternium-7, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Octanediol, Raspberry Seed Oil/Tocopheryl Succinate Aminopropanediol Esters, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Phenoxyethanol
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
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 GlycolThis ingredient is a preservative, antimicrobial, and emulsifier. It is often used in cosmetics for its ability to cleanse, condition, and reduce static.
Cetrimonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt, meaning it has a water-soluble structure.
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 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract comes from the Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, Myrtaceae. This tea tree is native to Australia.
Tea Leaf extract contains antimicrobial and anti-acne properties.
This ingredient has perfuming properties and contains linalool and limonene. These fragrance and terpinen components can cause skin sensitivity.
Learn more about the benefits of Tea Tree Oil here.
Learn more about Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf ExtractParfum 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 ParfumSodium 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 BenzoateSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateIn cosmetics, vinegar is often used to help adjust the pH of a product. It is also a light exfoliant. The pH of your skin is important to maintain a healthy skin barrier.
Vinegar is created by the process of double-fermentation. It is an aqueous solution consisting mostly of water and acetic acid. Typically, vinegar contains anywhere from 5-8% acetic acid.
Other components include small amounts of contains small amounts of tartaric acid and citric acid. Depending on what is used to ferment the vinegar, it can have traces of flavoring as well.
Learn more about VinegarWater. 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