What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Paradisi Peel Oil
MaskingPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantifolia Oil
CleansingRosa Damascena Flower Oil
MaskingPogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
MaskingCananga Odorata Flower Oil
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Phosphate
BufferingLimonene
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingCitric Acid
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeLinalool
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingWater, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Lauryl Glucoside, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Polysorbate 60, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate, Limonene, Citronellol, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Linalool, Geraniol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCoconut Acid
CleansingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingEucalyptus Radiata Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil
MaskingSodium Isethionate
CleansingCitrus Paradisi Peel Oil
MaskingMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingErythritol
HumectantGlycol Distearate
EmollientMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantPopulus Tremuloides Bark Extract
AntiseborrhoeicBetula Alba Juice
AstringentSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeMyrtus Communis Oil
MaskingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingCitrus Aurantifolia Oil
CleansingPropanediol
SolventTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Zingiber Officinale Root Oil
MaskingSantalum Spicatum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningPogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
MaskingAcer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Serotina Bark Extract
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Benzyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Coconut Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Sodium Gluconate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Eucalyptus Radiata Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil, Sodium Isethionate, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Citric Acid, Erythritol, Glycol Distearate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract, Betula Alba Juice, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Dehydroacetic Acid, Myrtus Communis Oil, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Benzoate, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, Propanediol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Zingiber Officinale Root Oil, Santalum Spicatum Seed Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Acer Saccharum Extract, Prunus Serotina Bark Extract, Limonene, Linalool, Citral
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzyl Alcohol is an aromatic alcohol with several roles: it's a preservative, solvent, and mild fragrance component with a floral scent.
This ingredient has been deemed safe for use in cosmetic formulations at concentrations up to 5%, and up to 10% in hair dyes. You'll typically see 0.5-2% in most rinse-off or leave-on products.
As a preservative, it works by disrupting the membrane of microbial proteins. This helps keep bacteria and fungi from growing in your products.
The sensitization picture is actually quite assuring as well:of nearly 71,000 patients patch tested with benzyl alcohol, only 0.21% showed a positive reaction with most of them being weakly positive.
This led researchers to conclude that benzyl alcohol cannot be regarded as a significant contact allergen.
It is worth noting this ingredient is classified as one of the EU's regulated fragrance allergens and restricted to 1% in finished products.
Labels must also declare it in concentrations above 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products.
At concentrations around 5%, localized redness and itching can appear as a direct irritant response and not as a true allergic reaction.
Learn more about Benzyl 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 AcidThis ingredient is also known as lime essential oil or key lime essential oil.
Like other citrus extracts and oils, this ingredient contains furanocoumarins that can cause phototoxicity.
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 ingredient is also known as grapefruit peel oil. It is mainly used as a fragrance/perfuming ingredient and is made up of about 99-92% limonene.
Though in vitro or food science has shown this oil to be antibacterial, possess antioxidant activity, and be anti-inflammatory, there's very little research testing it directly on human skin or in cosmetics.
Limonene is a known skin sensitizer. Because grapefruit peel oil can contain furanocoumarins, this ingredient can also cause phototoxicity. It is possible to created furanocoumarin-free versions that are not phototoxic; it is best to reach out to the brand if you have questions about this ingredient in your cosmetics.
Learn more about Citrus Paradisi Peel 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 known as tea tree oil. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Tea tree oil is a complex lipophilic (fat-loving) oil that contains around 100 compounds with terpinen-4-ol being the most abundant (~40%).
Terpinen-4-ol is responsible for tea tree oil's broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and makes it a well-researched option for acne.
Clinical studies support 5% tea tree oil as an effective topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. A study with 124 patients compared 5% tea tree oil gel to 5% benzoyl peroxide and both reduced acne (though tea tree oil worked more slowly).
Besides acne, it is also seen in anti-dandruff shampoos and scalp treatments for it's antimicrobial and anti-seborrheic properties.
Safety-wise, the allergic potential of low concentrations on healthy skin is considered low. However, oxidized (old or improperly stored) tea tree oil is a stronger sensitizer.
Irritation can also occur if using the undiluted oil on skin; it's best to use this ingredient as part of a carefully crafted cosmetic formula. This is because regulations require tea tree oil in cosmetics to be stabilized to prevent degradation.
This ingredient has been deemed safe up to 2% in shampoo, 1% in cleansers, and 0.1% in face cream by the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).
There is some lab evidence that tea tree oil is antifungal against Malassezia, but it is a supportive option at best and not a replacement for proven antifungal treatments.
Learn more about Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf OilThis ingredient is also known as Patchouli oil. Its main role is to add a warm, earthy, and musky scent to products.
Patchouli exhibits slight antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activity from its patchoulol, beta-caryophyllene, pogostone content.
Like all essential oils, this ingredient is a known sensitizer at higher concentrations. This is because this oil also contains known skin-irritating fragrances, limonene and camphor. Limonene and camphor are both known EU allergens.
While patchouli oil holds FDA GRAS ("generally recognized as safe") status, it is typically used at low levels and subject to usage guidelines.
Those with sensitive skin should patch test before using.
Learn more about Pogostemon Cablin Leaf OilPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateJojoba oil is one of the most well-studied plant-derived ingredients in cosmetics. It is an emollient with a special structure.
Because it is made up of 97-98% wax esters, it closely mirrors the linear monoesters found in human sebum. This makes it skin compatible, non-greasy, and lightweight.
Unlike other plant oils, jojoba wax doesn't easily penetrate skin. It mostly works in the uppermost layers as an emollient. This just means it forms a light barrier on the skin to help retain moisture.
Formulations with jojoba esters up to 90% reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and increased barrier recovery by 81% (outperforming bisabolol at 47%).
Besides barrier support, the science also suggests jojoba to have anti-inflammatory effects and potential applications for skin infections, aging, and wound healing.
Fun fact: Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns for centuries.
Fungal acne: The Malassezia yeast is known to metabolize fatty acids in the C11-24 range and jojoba's dominant fatty acid components fall into this range. This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilWater. 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 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