What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Glycerin
HumectantC9-12 Alkane
SolventRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingBacillus/Rosemary Leaf/Soybean Ferment Extract Filtrate
AntimicrobialCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingMentha Viridis Leaf Oil
AstringentEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
PerfumingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialOcimum Basilicum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningOriganum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningThuja Orientalis Extract
AntimicrobialPinus Pinaster Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium DNA
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
Emulsifying2,3-Butanediol
HumectantCandida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialMenthol
MaskingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
MaskingCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingOryza Sativa Germ Oil
EmollientSalicylic Acid
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialSodium Phytate
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicCaffeine
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCitral
PerfumingCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialZinc Chloride
AntimicrobialGlycine
BufferingLarix Europaea Wood Extract
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantCholesterol
EmollientPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingWater, 1,2-Hexanediol, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Glycerin, C9-12 Alkane, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Bacillus/Rosemary Leaf/Soybean Ferment Extract Filtrate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Thuja Orientalis Extract, Pinus Pinaster Leaf Extract, Sodium DNA, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, 2,3-Butanediol, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Menthol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Arginine, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Oryza Sativa Germ Oil, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Phytate, Biotin, Caffeine, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Citral, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Zinc Chloride, Glycine, Larix Europaea Wood Extract, Ceramide NP, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol
Alcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPinus Densiflora Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialWater
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicThiamine Hcl
MaskingPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantMenadione
MaskingRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSesamum Indicum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMorus Alba Fruit Extract
AntioxidantPiper Nigrum Seed Extract
RefreshingSalicylic Acid
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingMenthol
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingMentha Viridis Leaf Oil
AstringentMentha Spicata Herb Oil
PerfumingMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
Perfuming1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Glycol
SolventAlcohol Denat., Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Water, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Caffeine, Panthenol, Biotin, Thiamine Hcl, Pyridoxine Hcl, Ascorbic Acid, Menadione, Riboflavin, Oryza Sativa Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Piper Nigrum Seed Extract, Salicylic Acid, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Menthol, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil, Mentha Spicata Herb Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, 1,2-Hexanediol, Benzyl Glycol
Reviews
Alternatives
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
Biotin is a B vitamin that is naturally produced by our bodies. It is also called Vitamin H.
Our bodies use biotin in the metabolism process. It also helps our bodies use enzymes and move nutrients around. A biotin deficiency can lead to brittle hair and nails.
More research is needed on applying biotin topically. However, taking biotin orally has been shown to help nourish the skin, hair, and nails. They play a role in forming skin-hydrating fatty acids.
Biotin is water-soluble. It can be found in foods such as fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, and meat. Vitamin H stands for "haar" and "haut". These are the German words for hair and skin.
Learn more about BiotinCaffeine is a naturally occurring plant compound found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa pods, and guarana.
As an antioxidant, caffeine protects your skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and envionrmnetal stressors.
Early research also shows that caffeine can help calm redness, soothe irritated skin, and support hair growth by stimulating microcirculation in the scalp.
You might have seen eye creams marketing caffeine as a depuffing ingredient. This is because it is a vasoconstrictor meaning it can temporarily constrict blood vessels, though clinical evidence for this specific use is still limited.
Most skincare products contain this ingredient at concentrations between 1-6%. It is able to penetrate skin easily regardless of skin type or thickness.
Just so you know, a very small number of case reports describe caffeine-induced allergy. This ingredient is generally well-tolerated, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for the majority of people.
Learn more about CaffeineCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil is oil from the peel of an orange fruit.
Limonene and linalool make up the majority of oils from citrus peels. Limonene has a "citrus" fragrance. Citrus peels also contain flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Citrus peel is also a rich source of flavonoids. Flavonoids are natural antioxidants and help protect your skin against damage. Flavonoids are a group of compounds naturally found in vegetables and fruits.
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 Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel OilEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGeraniol 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 GlycerinLavandula Angustifolia Oil is more commonly known as lavender essential oil. It is considered a fragrancing ingredient.
Lavender imparts a famous scent. While the smell is lovely, this ingredient and may sensitize skin in topical products. This is because about 85% of the oil is made up of linalool and linalyl acetate.
When exposed to air, these two compounds become strong allergens. This ingredient exhibits cytotoxicity at low concentrations; amounts of 0.25% have been shown to damage skin cells.
A study from Japan found this ingredient caused lavender sensitivity after widespread exposure.
Lavender essential oil has some antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the cons of this ingredient may outweight the pros.
More research is needed to confirm lavender essential oil's effects when used in aromatherapy.
Lavandula Angustifolia is known as the English Lavender and famous for creating purple fields in Provence, France.
Learn more about Lavandula Angustifolia OilLimonene 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 LinaloolThis ingredient is also called spearmint oil. It contains carvone (41-79%), limonene (10-22%), and small amounts of other monoterpenes depending on where it's grown.
In cosmetics, this ingredient mostly acts as a fragrancing/masking ingredient and mild astringent.
Lab studies show carvone to have antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, but it is a recognized fragrance allergen. Carvone is a mild skin sensitizer while limonene is a well-known one.
In a 21-year retrospective from a Swedish patch test clinic, 3.5% of patients tested positive for sensitive towards carvone.
Learn more about Mentha Viridis Leaf OilMenthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholPanthenol 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 PanthenolThis is a botanical extract from the rosemary plant (the same one you cook with). In skincare, it mostly works as a skin conditioning agent.
Its activity comes from a handful of polyphenols, carnosic acid, carnosol, and rosmarinic acid. Almost 90% of the antioxidant activity of this ingredient can be attributed to canosol and carnosic acid.
These compounds protect your skin two ways:
1) They fight off free radicals, or the unstable molecules from things like sun and pollution that age and damage skin.
2) They help calm inflammation by switching off the chemical signals that tell skin to get red and irritated.
Lab studies also suggest that rosmarinic acid may help protect collagen and slow sugar-related damage to it.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review has concluded rosemary-derived ingredients to be safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing.
Rosemary can occasionally cause allergic contact dermatitis (due to carnosol), so be sure to patch test if you have reactive or fragrance-sensitive skin.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf ExtractRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil is an essential oil also known as rosemary essential oil. In skincare, it is a skin conditioning agent and also acts as a natural fragrance that gives products a fresh/herby smell.
The oil is a mix of over 100 volatile compounds with 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, camphor, and verbenone usually leading the pack.
Lab studies credit this oil with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity. Some research even show rosemary compounds calming acne-related inflammation.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has concluded rosemary-derived ingredients to be safe when formulated to be nonsensitizing.
Since this is a fragrant essential oil, the main concern is for fragrance-sensitive folks.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf OilSalicylic 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 AcidWater. 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 WaterZingiber Officinale is more commonly known as ginger.
Ginger root has antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and antimicrobial properties.
The antioxidant properties help protect your body from free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. As a result, ginger may help slow down signs of aging such as hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.
Studies show ginger inhibits the enzyme that breaks down collagen. It also helps with:
This ingredient has no negative side-effects and is safe to use unless one has a specific allergy to it.
Ginger originates from Southeast Asia but has spread throughout the world. It is now a common spice used in many cultures.
Learn more about Zingiber Officinale Root Extract