What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningBrassica Alcohol
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingBrassicyl Isoleucinate Esylate
Emulsion StabilisingCapryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningCedrus Atlantica Bark Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantifolia Oil
CleansingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Paradisi Peel Oil
MaskingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
PerfumingJuniperus Virginiana Oil
MaskingPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingZingiber Officinale Root Oil
MaskingAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingChenopodium Quinoa Seed
AbrasiveCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Grandis Fruit Extract
AstringentDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
MaskingPersea Gratissima Fruit Extract
EmollientRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentSolanum Lycopersicum Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract
AstringentBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicNiacinamide
SmoothingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitral
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water, Brassica Alcohol, Glycerin, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Brassicyl Isoleucinate Esylate, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Zingiber Officinale Root Oil, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Biotin, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Citral, Limonene
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningSodium Coco-Sulfate
CleansingSodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate
CleansingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
PerfumingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantMentha Arvensis Leaf Oil
MaskingMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingAvena Sativa Bran
AbrasiveCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingChenopodium Quinoa Seed
AbrasiveTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBabassu Oil Polyglyceryl-4 Esters
SurfactantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingGlyceryl Oleate
EmollientInulin
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Phytate
Sodium Sulfate
Alcohol
AntimicrobialBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Decyl Glucoside, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Avena Sativa Bran, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed, Tocopheryl Acetate, Babassu Oil Polyglyceryl-4 Esters, Beta-Glucan, Bisabolol, Citric Acid, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Inulin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Sulfate, Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Limonene
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is the filtered, stabilized liquid pressed from the inner gel of the aloe vera leaf.
In cosmetics, it shows up as either soothing active or a water-replacement base. It is roughly 98-99% water and the last 1-2% is an interesting mix of polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
The polysaccharides do most of the work: they bind water at the skin surface for a light, non-greasy hydration boost. And one of the polysaccharides, glycomannan, is linked to fibroblast stimulation + collagen synthesis. This is also why aloe has such a long track record in wound and burn healing.
This ingredient is also calming with anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity, making it a great pick for sensitive, irritated, or post-sun skin.
Realistic expectations matter though; the solid evidence is mostly limited to hydration, soothing, and wound support. Deeper claims about anti-aging or sun protection are not well backed, and science reviews note it does not prevent radiation-induced skin injury.
Because it plays well with almost everything, it's commonly used as a base alongside other actives like niacinamide or vitamin C.
Typical usage concentrations range from 0.5% (where hydration benefits already show up) all the way to 90%+ (where it replaces water as the main base).
The safety for this ingredient is well-establish as well. Overall, this is a great supporting ingredient for those who want a boost in hydration.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract comes from the marigold flower and has been used on skin for centuries for its calming effect.
In the lab, its active compounds appear to calm inflammation and support the early "healing" phase of minor wounds.
This is why Europe's medicines regulator has approved calendula extracts as a traditional remedy for minor skin inflammation and healing small wounds.
The stronger human evidence is around would/ulcer care rather than everyday cosmetic claims; a review that pulled together 14 studies found that calendula helped calm the early, inflamed stage of a wound and helped new skin tissue form faster.
Two studies also showed it shrank leg ulcers (the kind caused by poor circulation). Results were mixed for burns and for the skin irritation people get from radiation treatment, so it's not a sure thing there.
In cosmetics, it's mostly a skin conditioning and soothing agent.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel concluded that calendula-derived ingredients are safe as used and that the ingredients are not irritating, sensitizing, or photosensitizing in clinical tests (though they may be mild eye irritants).
Typical use levels are quite low; industry data reported it used at under 0.5% (one supplier noted a 10-25% extract blend used at 1-10% in the finished product). Historical use goes up to 10%.
The only thing to keep in mind is if you have daisy/ragweed allergies. Calendula is in the same family and one patch-test study found 2% of dermatitis patients reacted to marigold. Be sure to patch test if you have sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
Learn more about Calendula Officinalis Flower ExtractChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.
Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds found in chamomile help with soothing, such as bisbolol.
Antioxidant components in chamomile make it an effective ingredient to help slow the signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, or molecules that may damage your skin.
Essential oils from chamomile have been found to improve wound healing due to its antimicrobial properties.
Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used Chamomile to treat skin redness and dryness. Chamomile has also been used to help treat stomach issues.
Learn more about Chamomilla Recutita Flower ExtractChenopodium Quinoa Seed is an exfoliant.
Citrus 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 OilThis oil is derived from the leaves of Eucalyptus Globulus, a type of Eucalyptus tree native to Australia.
Though this oil shows antibacterial and antioxidant activity, it is also a known skin-irritant due to its fragrance components.
Limonene 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 LimoneneRosmarinus 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 OilSodium 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 BenzoateTocopheryl Acetate is a stable, shelf-friendly form of vitamin E.
Formulators love it because plain vitamin E oxidizes quickly once it hits air. This acetate version stays stable and resists going off, helping to extend a product's shelf life.
It's actually inactive on its own and works like a slow-release "storage" form; the enzymes in your skin called esterases gradually convert it into active vitamin E over time.
One in vivo study showed 5% of the acetate in the living layer of the epidermis converted to vitamin E after 5 days of application. This study also found the skin gained protection against UV damage even though the conversion was slow and small.
Once converted, vitamin E acts as a skin's main fat-soluble antioxidant that fights free radicals to protect skin from damage.
Topical vitamin E generally boosts the skin's photoprotection, and it reduced UV-damage in animal models.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
Overall, it has a pretty solid safety profile and has been found to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic. Allergic reactions may happen but stay rare due to how widely the ingredient gets used.
The concentration will vary depending on the formula; industry data shows 0.1% in baby lotions, 3% in lipsticks, and 5% in foot powders. You can also find this ingredient at 100% in a pure vitamin E oil.
Most leave-on skincare keeps it at the lower end, often between 0.5-1%.
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