What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSorbitol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeCetyl Alcohol
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyvinyl Alcohol
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventParfum
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingPropanediol
SolventCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPunica Granatum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingVinegar
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingAcer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningWater, Sorbitol, Dimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Isopropyl Alcohol, Parfum, Caprylyl Glycol, Mica, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Limonene, Propanediol, CI 77891, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Vinegar, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Acer Saccharum Extract, Tocopherol, Glycolipids
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientSorbitol
HumectantMaltitol
HumectantStearyl Alcohol
EmollientCopernicia Cerifera Wax
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
SurfactantCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingAminopropyl Dimethicone
Butylene Glycol
HumectantSuccinic Acid
BufferingParfum
MaskingSqualane
EmollientDi-C12-13 Alkyl Malate
EmollientMaleic Acid
BufferingHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
EmulsifyingDimethiconol
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Metaphosphate
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Water
MaskingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingCetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Benzyl Salicylate
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingSilica Silylate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDextrin
Absorbent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientJojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters
Skin ConditioningMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasivePrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingCamellia Seed Oil
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
HumectantAvena Sativa Peptide
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingSerine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantThreonine
Leucine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningAspartic Acid
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingTin Oxide
AbrasivePhenylalanine
MaskingAlanine
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantValine
MaskingMethionine
Skin ConditioningGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningCystine
MaskingTryptophan
MaskingWater, Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Sorbitol, Maltitol, Stearyl Alcohol, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Succinic Acid, Parfum, Squalane, Di-C12-13 Alkyl Malate, Maleic Acid, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Dimethiconol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Metaphosphate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Water, Caprylyl Methicone, Linalool, Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Silica Silylate, Propanediol, CI 77891, Dextrin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Silica, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Avena Sativa Peptide, Arginine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Threonine, Leucine, Proline, Aspartic Acid, Isoleucine, Glycine, Tin Oxide, Phenylalanine, Alanine, Tyrosine, Lysine, Histidine, Valine, Methionine, Glycolipids, Cystine, Tryptophan
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
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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. It is a primary fatty alcohol with a chain length above 12 carbons. A study from 2019 show Malassezia can feed on fatty alcohols in this range, so it may trigger fungal acne in those prone to it.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholCi 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycolipids are natural, sustainable biosurfactants. They are both surfactants (cleansing agents) and emollients.
Made from lipids and sugars, in-vitro studies show glycolipids are a gentle alternative to conventional surfactants. They also possess foaming properties to give cleaning products a nice texture.
One manufacturer study found their glycolipid also demonstrated sebum reduction and helped reduced oiliness after four weeks. This means it can also be great for scalp care.
Learn more about GlycolipidsLimonene 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 LimoneneParfum 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 ParfumPropanediol 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 PropanediolSorbitol is a sugar alcohol. It is a hydrating and moisturizing agent created from the reduction process of glucose.
Most sorbitol is usually made from potato starch. It is also found in fruits such as apples and pears.
As a humectant, Sorbitol helps draw water to the skin. This helps keep the skin hydrated. Sorbitol also helps create a thicker texture in products. You might find sorbitol in your toothpaste and other gels.
It is a non-irritating ingredient that is great for those with dry skin.
Sorbitol is a prebiotic. It helps promote the growth of healthy bacteria on your skin. The bacteria on your skin form a microbiome. This microbiome helps protect your skin from infection and harmful bacteria.
Learn more about SorbitolStearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Fatty alcohols are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent (ethanol) alcohols.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. It is a primary fatty alcohol with a chain length above 12 carbons. A study from 2019 show Malassezia can feed on fatty alcohols in this range, so it may trigger fungal acne in those prone to it.
Learn more about Stearyl AlcoholWater. 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