What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Pyrithione 1%
AntiseborrhoeicWater
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingBetaine
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientQuaternium-18
Polyquaternium-37
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantPhytosterols
Skin ConditioningLinum Usitatissimum Seed Extract
PerfumingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientParfum
MaskingMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingPiroctone Olamine
PreservativeMenthol
MaskingPropylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientQuaternium-80
Polyquaternium-10
Propanediol
SolventPropylene Glycol
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingPPG-1 Trideceth-6
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingZinc Pyrithione 1%, Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Betaine, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Quaternium-18, Polyquaternium-37, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Phytosterols, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Parfum, Mentha Piperita Oil, Piroctone Olamine, Menthol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Quaternium-80, Polyquaternium-10, Propanediol, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningCetyl Esters
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeDimethicone
EmollientArachidyl/Behenyl Alcohol
EmulsifyingC13-15 Alkane
SolventParfum
MaskingRice Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingSchinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil
EmollientArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingLinum Usitatissimum Seed Extract
PerfumingSalvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientChenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract
Skin ProtectingLens Esculenta Seed Extract
Skin ProtectingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Ricinoleate
EmollientGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingItaconic Acid
AntimicrobialCetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantArachidyl/Behenyl Betainate Esylate
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialPolyquaternium-37
Amodimethicone
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Isopropyl Alcohol
SolventGlyceryl Distearate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientDisodium EDTA
PPG-1 Trideceth-6
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCitric Acid
BufferingAcrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingCaprylic Acid
CleansingXylitol
HumectantAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Cetyl Esters, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Chloride, Dimethicone, Arachidyl/Behenyl Alcohol, C13-15 Alkane, Parfum, Rice Amino Acids, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Extract, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract, Lens Esculenta Seed Extract, Panthenol, Glyceryl Ricinoleate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Arginine, Itaconic Acid, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Arachidyl/Behenyl Betainate Esylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzyl Alcohol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-37, Amodimethicone, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, PEG-100 Stearate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Disodium EDTA, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Propanediol, Citric Acid, Acrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Sorbitan Oleate, Caprylic Acid, Xylitol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCitric 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.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidCitronellol 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 CitronellolCocos Nucifera Oil is obtained from the kernels of the coconut fruit. In other words, this is coconut oil.
Coconut Oil is rich in fatty acids with lauric acid making up the majority of these. It also contains linoleic acid. Due to this high fatty acid content, coconut oil helps trap moisture and soften skin.
Despite being antibacterial, coconut oil may not be great for acne-prone skin. It is comedogenic and may clog pores. This ingredient may not be safe for malassezia or fungal acne.
Note: Coconut Oil should not replace your sunscreen for UV protection. Studies show it only blocks about 20% of UV.
This oil is non-volatile and has a light scent.
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 Cocos Nucifera OilGeraniol 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 is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinLinalool 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 LinaloolLinum Usitatissimum Seed Extract is a fragrance.
Parfum 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 ParfumWe don't have a description for Polyquaternium-37 yet.
We don't have a description for PPG-1 Trideceth-6 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 PropanediolPropylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate is a mixture of Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate and Propylene Glycol Dicaprate.
It is an emollient and helps hydate the skin.
Sodium 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 BenzoateWater. 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 Water