What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningAcrylates Copolymer
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingHydroxypropylammonium Gluconate
HumectantHydroxypropylgluconamide
HumectantBlue 1 Lake
Cosmetic ColorantCitric Acid
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCetrimonium Methosulfate
AntimicrobialSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientEtidronic Acid
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Linalool
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingGeraniol
PerfumingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingCitronellol
PerfumingAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPhytantriol
HumectantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantPolyquaternium-7
Benzyl Alcohol
PerfumingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Cocamide Mipa, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Benzoate, Hydroxypropylammonium Gluconate, Hydroxypropylgluconamide, Blue 1 Lake, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Etidronic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Sodium Hydroxide, Geraniol, Lauryl Glucoside, Citronellol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Panthenol, Phytantriol, Ascorbic Acid, Polyquaternium-7, Benzyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 20
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingAmmonium Chloride
BufferingGlycerin
HumectantParfum
MaskingGlycol Distearate
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningAstrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingMangifera Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningQuillaja Saponaria Bark Extract
CleansingTheobroma Cacao Seed Butter
EmollientLinum Usitatissimum Seed Oil
PerfumingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingAleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningKeratin Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-8
HumectantDimethicone PEG-8 Meadowfoamate
EmollientTrimethylsiloxyamodimethicone
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Myristyl Serinate
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentSilicone Quaternium-18
EmollientC11-15 Pareth-7
EmulsifyingC12-16 Pareth-9
EmulsifyingTrideceth-6
EmulsifyingTrideceth-12
EmulsifyingPEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
EmulsifyingPEG-8/Smdi Copolymer
Benzophenone-4
UV AbsorberPhosphoric Acid
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCI 60730
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Ammonium Chloride, Glycerin, Parfum, Glycol Distearate, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil, Keratin Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Butylene Glycol, PEG-8, Dimethicone PEG-8 Meadowfoamate, Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Palmitoyl Myristyl Serinate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Silicone Quaternium-18, C11-15 Pareth-7, C12-16 Pareth-9, Trideceth-6, Trideceth-12, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, PEG-8/Smdi Copolymer, Benzophenone-4, Phosphoric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, CI 60730
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is created by combining pure Vitamin C and palmitic acid. It is an antioxidant and helps reduce hyperpigmentation.
This ingredient is a more stable version of Vitamin C, meaning it does not disintegrate as quickly when exposed to sunlight. However, studies show it does not penetrate skin as well as pure Vitamin C.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is oil soluble.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl PalmitateCitric 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 AcidCocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, a compound with two amino groups.
This ingredient is a surfactant and cleanser. It helps gather the dirt, pollutants, and other impurities in your skin to be washed away. It also helps thicken a product and make the texture more creamy.
Being created from coconut oil means Cocamidopropyl Betaine is hydrating for the skin.
While Cocamidopropyl Betaine was believed to be an allergen, a study from 2012 disproved this. It found two compounds in unpure Cocamidopropyl Betaine to be the irritants: aminoamide and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. High-grade and pure Cocamidopropyl Betaine did not induce allergic reactions during this study.
Learn more about Cocamidopropyl BetaineEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
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 GeraniolGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinThis ingredient is derived from guar gum.
It is a conditioning ingredient, meaning it helps soften skin and hair.
Linalool 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.
This oil comes from the seeds of the desert shrub called Jojoba. It is more commonly known as jojoba oil, a non-comedogenic oil.
Jojoba oil does not contain fragrance and has many fatty-acids, making it a great soothing ingredient.
It also contains Vitamin E, a great moisturizing ingredient. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant and protects your skin against oxidative damage.
This ingredient humectant properties, meaning it helps draw moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
While jojoba has antibacterial properties, it is only able to kill some strains of bacteria.
Studies also show it helps in wound healing. In fact, Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns for centuries.
Fun fact: Jojoba oil similar to natural human skin sebum, so it has a great effect on dry skin. It is also promising with helping to regulate sebum production.
Due to its fatty acid content, Jojoba oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilSodium 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 C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a cleansing agent made from a mixture of long chain sulfonate salts. It can also help produce foam.
This ingredient may be drying. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water