What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantAlumina
AbrasiveDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPumice
AbrasiveAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder
AbrasivePPG-25-Laureth-25
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Sodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantDiethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Butylene Glycol, Alumina, Dipropylene Glycol, Pumice, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, PPG-25-Laureth-25, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Potassium Sorbate, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Metabisulfite, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, CI 19140, CI 42090
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantHydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
BufferingPerlite
AbsorbentAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPumice
AbrasivePoloxamer 184
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingPolyquaternium-47
Skin ConditioningBHT
AntioxidantSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMyrtrimonium Bromide
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Perlite, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sodium Hydroxide, Pumice, Poloxamer 184, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, T-Butyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-47, BHT, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Myrtrimonium Bromide, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAParfum 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 ParfumPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Pumice is an exfoliant.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum