What's inside
What's inside
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethiconol
EmollientAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantIsohexadecane
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingPEG-8 Methicone
EmollientEthylhexyl Hydroxystearate
EmollientPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingPEG-4 Dilaurate
EmulsifyingPEG-4 Laurate
EmulsifyingIodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
PreservativePEG-4
HumectantSodium PCA
HumectantDimethicone PEG-8 Meadowfoamate
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride
Amyl Cinnamal
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Isohexadecane, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, PEG-8 Methicone, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan Oleate, PEG-4 Dilaurate, PEG-4 Laurate, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, PEG-4, Sodium PCA, Dimethicone PEG-8 Meadowfoamate, Panthenol, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool, CI 77163, Mica, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientIsohexadecane
EmollientPolyquaternium-37
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPolyquaternium-11
Dimethicone PEG-8 Meadowfoamate
EmollientCinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride
Quaternium-91
Cetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetrimonium Methosulfate
AntimicrobialDimethiconol
EmollientPPG-1 Trideceth-6
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxyamodimethicone
Glycerin
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningC11-15 Pareth-7
EmulsifyingC12-16 Alketh-9
EmulsifyingTrideceth-12
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTribehenin
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingHexadecanolactone
MaskingGeraniol
PerfumingCitrus Aurantium Peel Oil
Limonene
PerfumingTetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes
MaskingAcetyl Cedrene
Citronellol
PerfumingGeranyl Acetate
PerfumingAmyl Salicylate
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialTerpineol
MaskingLinalyl Acetate
MaskingRose Ketone-4
PerfumingWater, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Isohexadecane, Polyquaternium-37, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Polyquaternium-11, Dimethicone PEG-8 Meadowfoamate, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Quaternium-91, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Dimethiconol, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Phenyl Trimethicone, Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, C11-15 Pareth-7, C12-16 Alketh-9, Trideceth-12, Caprylyl Glycol, Tribehenin, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexadecanolactone, Geraniol, Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil, Limonene, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, Acetyl Cedrene, Citronellol, Geranyl Acetate, Amyl Salicylate, Benzyl Benzoate, Terpineol, Linalyl Acetate, Rose Ketone-4
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzyl Salicylate is a solvent and fragrance additive. It is an ester of benzyl alcohol and salicylic acid. This ingredient can be naturally found in some plants and plant extracts.
In fragrances, Benzyl Salicylate may be a solvent or a fragrance component. In synthetic musk scents, it is used as a solvent. For floral fragrances such as lilac and jasmine, it is used as a fragrance component. The natural scent of Benzyl Salicylate is described as "lightly-sweet, slightly balsamic".
While Benzyl Salicylate has been associated with contact dermatitis and allergies, emerging studies show it may not be caused by this ingredient alone.
However, this ingredient is often used with fragrances and other components that may cause allergies. It is still listed as a known allergen in the EU. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Another study from 2021 shows Benzyl Salicylate may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Learn more about Benzyl SalicylateWe don't have a description for Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride yet.
Citronellol 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 CitronellolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
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 DimethiconeDimethicone PEG-8 Meadowfoamate is a type of silicone and isn't fungal acne safe.
Dimethiconol is a silicone that resembles the popular dimethicone. Like other silicones, it is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient helps to create a silky texture and improve spreadability. Due to its high molecular weight and thickness, it is often combined with cyclopentasiloxane.
Geraniol 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 GeraniolHexyl Cinnamal is a fragrance ingredient with a similar scent to jasmine. It can be naturally found in chamomile essential oil.
This ingredient is a known EU allergen and may sensitize the skin. The EU requires this ingredient to be listed separately on an ingredients list.
Hexyl Cinnamal is not water soluble but is soluble in oils.
Learn more about Hexyl CinnamalHydroxycitronellal is a fragrance created from citronellal. The smell of hydroxycitronellal is often described as "citrus-like" or "melon-like".
Hydroxycitronellal is a known EU allergen and may cause irritation when applied to the skin.
Isohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.
Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.
Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.
Learn more about IsohexadecaneLimonene 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 LinaloolParfum 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.
Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconeWater. 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