What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingSodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingPEG-60 Almond Glycerides
EmulsifyingSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingCoco-Betaine
CleansingPEG-90 Glyceryl Isostearate
CleansingSodium Pg-Sulfonate
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingPiroctone Olamine
PreservativeAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningUndecyl Alcohol
AntiseborrhoeicZinc Gluconate
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-10
Parfum
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingZinc Pyrithione
AntiseborrhoeicLaureth-2
CleansingMannitol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantOleyl Alcohol
EmollientRhamnose
HumectantJuniperus Oxycedrus Wood Extract
PerfumingZanthoxylum Bungeanum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetate
BufferingSodium Chloride
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate
Emulsion StabilisingIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingFructooligosaccharides
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingLaminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Coco-Betaine, PEG-90 Glyceryl Isostearate, Sodium Pg-Sulfonate, Salicylic Acid, Piroctone Olamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Pyridoxine Hcl, Undecyl Alcohol, Zinc Gluconate, Polyquaternium-10, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Zinc Pyrithione, Laureth-2, Mannitol, Xylitol, Oleyl Alcohol, Rhamnose, Juniperus Oxycedrus Wood Extract, Zanthoxylum Bungeanum Fruit Extract, Sodium Acetate, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Sodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Fructooligosaccharides, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingParfum
MaskingLactamide Mea
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantAcrylates/Palmeth-25 Acrylate Copolymer
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningAscophyllum Nodosum Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingPalmaria Palmata Extract
Skin ProtectingUndaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningXylitylglucoside
HumectantPEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate
EmulsifyingAnhydroxylitol
HumectantSodium PCA
HumectantStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingLauric Acid
CleansingPolyquaternium-7
Propylene Glycol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantSodium Sarcosinate
Tetrasodium EDTA
Polysorbate 20
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate
EmulsifyingGlucose
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantLinoleic Acid
CleansingRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDiethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingWater, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Parfum, Lactamide Mea, Glycerin, Acrylates/Palmeth-25 Acrylate Copolymer, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Xylitylglucoside, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Anhydroxylitol, Sodium PCA, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Citric Acid, Lauric Acid, Polyquaternium-7, Propylene Glycol, Xylitol, Sodium Sarcosinate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, PEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate, Glucose, Tocopherol, Linoleic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorphenesin, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that it is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid.
In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Just patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCitric 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 AcidDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAParfum 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 ParfumPotassium 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 BenzoateSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is a cleansing agent and emulsifier. It is a surfactant derived from sarcosine, and a common source is coconut oil.
As a surfactant, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate helps lift dirts, oil, and other molecules to be washed away. In leave-on products, this ingredient is used as an emulsifier. Emulsifier help prevent ingredients such as oils and waters from separating.
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is also commonly found as a foaming agent in shampoo, toothpaste, and shaving foam. It is amphiphilic, meaning it loves both water and fats.
Learn more about Sodium Lauroyl SarcosinateWater. 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 WaterXylitol is a humectant and prebiotic. It can help with dry skin.
In studies, xylitol has been shown to improve dry skin. It decreased transepidermal water loss, or when water passes through the skin and evaporates. Xylitol also showed to help improve the biomechanical properties of the skin barrier.
The prebiotic property of xylitol may also help reinforce our skin's natural microbiome. Having a healthy microbiome prevents infection by bad bacteria and helps with hydration.
As a humectant, Xylitol helps draw moisture from both the air and from deeper skin layers. This helps keep skin hydrated.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol and commonly used as a sugar substitute. It is naturally occurring in plants such as strawberries and pumpkin.
Learn more about Xylitol