What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPvp
Emulsion StabilisingAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialTriethanolamine
BufferingPropylene Glycol
HumectantOleth-20
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingVp/Dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate Copolymer
Hydroxypropylcellulose
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-11
Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone
EmollientParfum
MaskingBetula Alba Juice
AstringentEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientBenzophenone-4
UV AbsorberCalcium Sodium Borosilicate
Citral
PerfumingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingSorbitol
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeTin Oxide
AbrasiveCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Pvp, Alcohol Denat., Triethanolamine, Propylene Glycol, Oleth-20, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Vp/Dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate Copolymer, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Panthenol, Polyquaternium-11, Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone, Parfum, Betula Alba Juice, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caramel, Dimethicone, Benzophenone-4, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Citral, Caprylyl Glycol, Linalool, Limonene, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Sorbitol, Citric Acid, CI 77891, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Tin Oxide, CI 77491, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningAcrylic Acid/Vp Crosspolymer
SurfactantPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCreatine
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningVp/Acrylates/Lauryl Methacrylate Copolymer
Parfum
MaskingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolyquaternium-11
Calcium Sodium Borosilicate
Disodium EDTA
Polysilicone-15
UV FilterPropanediol
SolventHydroxypropylgluconamide
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydrolyzed Verbascum Thapsus Flower
AntioxidantCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLitchi Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropylammonium Gluconate
HumectantLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningBuddleja Officinalis Flower Extract
UV FilterTin Oxide
AbrasiveAcacia Seyal Gum Extract
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Benzoate
MaskingTartaric Acid
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Butylene Glycol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Acrylic Acid/Vp Crosspolymer, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Creatine, Panthenol, Vp/Acrylates/Lauryl Methacrylate Copolymer, Parfum, Chlorphenesin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyquaternium-11, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Disodium EDTA, Polysilicone-15, Propanediol, Hydroxypropylgluconamide, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Verbascum Thapsus Flower, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Hydroxypropylammonium Gluconate, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract, Tin Oxide, Acacia Seyal Gum Extract, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Benzyl Alcohol, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citral, CI 77891, CI 77491
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Calcium Sodium Borosilicate is a bulking agent. It is considered a borosilicate glass; it is composed of powder or flakes of calcium and sodium borosilicates.
This ingredient is used to add volume, shine, and color to products. You'll most likely find this ingredient in makeup products.
According to in-vivo and ex-vivo studies done by a manufacturer, this ingredient works well with UV filters:
Learn more about Calcium Sodium BorosilicateCaprylyl 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 GlycolCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491Ci 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 77891Citral is the molecule responsible for the fresh lemon scent in lemon, lime, and lemongrass. It is a fragrance ingredient that can be created from plant essential oils or synthetically.
Though Citral has documented antimicrobial activity against acne bacteria (which is where the marketing claims about it being good for acne-prone skin originate), real formulas use it at fragrance-level concentrations under 1% so there's likely no skin benefit.
You should know this ingredient is a known EU fragrance allergen.
Animal studies classifies this ingredient as a weak-to-moderate skin sensitizer and clinical patch testing on eczema patients confirmed it to be both a contact allergen and irritant.
The term 'citral' is a collective term for two geometric isomers: geranial/Citral A and neral/Citral B.
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 CitralCitric 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 AcidEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinLimonene 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 LimonenePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolParfum 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.
We don't have a description for Polyquaternium-11 yet.
Potassium 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 SorbateSodium 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 BenzoateTin Oxide is an inorganic oxide used to add opacity and volume to a product. In nature, it is already found in mineral form. The main ore of tin is an opaque and shiny mineral called casseterite.
Tin Oxide helps remove translucency in a product, or make it more opaque. Besides adding opacity, tin oxide is used for bulking to add volume.
Tocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
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.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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