What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantVegetable Oil
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientIsosorbide Dicaprylate
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientDicetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientPistacia Lentiscus Gum
MaskingOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSalvia Sclarea Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil
MaskingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingRosa Damascena Flower Oil
MaskingPogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
MaskingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingLecithin
EmollientHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCeteth-20 Phosphate
CleansingSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Methylglucoside Phosphate
Skin ConditioningCopper Lysinate/Prolinate
Skin ConditioningCetyl Palmitate
EmollientAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Citronellyl Methylcrotonate
MaskingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeSodium Hydroxide
BufferingParfum
MaskingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Vegetable Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Isosorbide Dicaprylate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dicetyl Phosphate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Pistacia Lentiscus Gum, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Propolis Extract, Panthenol, Salvia Sclarea Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lecithin, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Sclerotium Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ceteth-20 Phosphate, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Methylglucoside Phosphate, Copper Lysinate/Prolinate, Cetyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Disodium EDTA, Citronellyl Methylcrotonate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum, Benzyl Alcohol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal
Water
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantTheobroma Cacao Seed Butter
EmollientAlgae Extract
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
EmollientPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingPEG-100 Stearate
SurfactantSesamum Indicum Seed Oil
EmollientMedicago Sativa Seed Powder
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seedcake
AbrasivePrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal
AbrasiveEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
PerfumingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningCopper Gluconate
Skin ConditioningCalcium Gluconate
HumectantMagnesium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningZinc Gluconate
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Succinate
AntioxidantNiacin
SmoothingSesamum Indicum Seed Powder
Skin ConditioningSucrose
HumectantCitrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract
CleansingWhey Protein
Skin ConditioningHelichrysum Arenarium Extract
AntiseborrhoeicGlycosaminoglycans
EmollientPotassium Palmitoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
CleansingNiacinamide
SmoothingLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingEryngium Maritimum Extract
TonicAcetyl Carnitine Hcl
Skin ConditioningAdenosine Phosphate
Skin ConditioningCreatine
Skin ConditioningMolasses Extract
Skin ConditioningDipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningTetraacetylphytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientHydrolyzed Rice Extract
Skin ConditioningTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantJania Rubens Extract
Skin ConditioningLinoleic Acid
CleansingLinolenic Acid
CleansingGold
Cosmetic ColorantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningCrithmum Maritimum Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantVitis Vinifera Seed Extract
AntimicrobialCitrus Reticulata Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningPunica Granatum Fruit Juice
MaskingMicrococcus Lysate
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTourmaline
Glycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHumulus Lupulus Extract
AntimicrobialAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantSoy Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Algin
Faex Extract
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingLecithin
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid
AntioxidantSorbic Acid
PreservativeParfum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCyclodextrin
AbsorbentIsododecane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialEthylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
BHT
AntioxidantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCitronellol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialLimonene
PerfumingCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glycerin, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Algae Extract, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, PEG-100 Stearate, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Medicago Sativa Seed Powder, Helianthus Annuus Seedcake, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Sodium Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Magnesium Gluconate, Zinc Gluconate, Tocopheryl Succinate, Niacin, Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder, Sucrose, Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract, Whey Protein, Helichrysum Arenarium Extract, Glycosaminoglycans, Potassium Palmitoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Niacinamide, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Eryngium Maritimum Extract, Acetyl Carnitine Hcl, Adenosine Phosphate, Creatine, Molasses Extract, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Caffeine, Tetraacetylphytosphingosine, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Jania Rubens Extract, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Gold, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Citrus Reticulata Peel Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Juice, Micrococcus Lysate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tourmaline, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Humulus Lupulus Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Soy Amino Acids, Acetyl Glucosamine, Hydrolyzed Algin, Faex Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Lecithin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Cyclodextrin, Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Alcohol Denat., Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Phenoxyethanol, Citronellol, Linalool, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Citral, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, CI 14700, CI 15985
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.
Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).
Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that it is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid.
In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Just patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetearyl alcohol is a waxy mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Despite having "alcohol" in its name, it has nothing to do with drying solvent alcohols; the FDA also allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols like this ingredient.
It plays several roles in a formula:
Typical use levels for this ingredient sit around 1-10% and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has affirmed safety at concentrations up to 25% in leave-on products.
Multiple assessments have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing to most people.
However, there have been some cases of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with chronically compromised skin barriers.
Cetearyl alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 and irritancy rating of 1. Both of these numbers come from the 1989 study that used rabbit ears; a "2" means mildly comedogenic and a "1" means low irritancy.
Here's the catch: rabbit skin is more sensitive than human skin and throws a lot of false positives. A 1996 reappraisal found that ingredients rated 1-2 in the rabbit ear tests are generally safe for humans.
Remember comedogenic ratings are unable to assess the entire formula of a product or how it will react on your skin. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure about certain ingredients.
This ingredient is not fungal acne safe. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with chain lengths that fall within the range that Malassezia can metabolize.
A 2019 study has also observed Malassezia growth in the presence of this ingredient, confirming it to be not-fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCitronellol 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 CitronellolDisodium 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 EDTAGeraniol 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 (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 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.
This ingredient is used in skincare as a delivery system.
It works by "encapsulating" active ingredients with its unique ring shape that is water-loving on the outside and oil-loving on the inside. This improves the stability and absorption of the product into the skin.
According to a manufacturer, it also offer some moisturizing effects.
Learn more about Hydroxypropyl CyclodextrinLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of phospholipids.
Thanks to its amphiphilic structure (water-loving head and oil-loving tail), it is a true multitasker:
It plays well with most ingredients and is typically used at 0.1-1%. However, concentrations up to 50% have been reported in moisturizers.
Learn more about LecithinLimonene 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 LinaloolParfum 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 ParfumTocopheryl 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water