What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantSulfated Castor Oil
CleansingPolyglyceryl-3 Betainate Malate
Coco-Glucoside
CleansingGlyceryl Oleate
EmollientCoconut Acid
CleansingPropanediol
SolventHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantParfum
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingCocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingGlucose
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningZinc PCA
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingHippophae Rhamnoides Seed Oil
Skin ProtectingHydrolyzed Quinoa
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-10
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingHydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Linalool
PerfumingAllium Cepa Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningArginine Hcl
Skin ConditioningCitrulline
Skin ConditioningGlucosamine Hcl
Niacinamide
SmoothingOrnithine Hcl
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningCitronellol
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialHexamethylindanopyran
MaskingJojoba Esters
EmollientCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientLinum Usitatissimum Seed Oil
PerfumingMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingMagnesium Oxide
AbsorbentBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicSorbic Acid
PreservativeBenzoic Acid
MaskingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingDavidsonia Jerseyana Fruit Extract
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantHydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
EmollientWater, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Sulfated Castor Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Betainate Malate, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Coconut Acid, Propanediol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Parfum, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Glucose, Panthenol, Zinc PCA, Citric Acid, Hippophae Rhamnoides Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyquaternium-10, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Linalool, Allium Cepa Bulb Extract, Arginine Hcl, Citrulline, Glucosamine Hcl, Niacinamide, Ornithine Hcl, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Pyridoxine Hcl, Citronellol, Benzyl Benzoate, Hexamethylindanopyran, Jojoba Esters, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Squalane, Sodium Hydroxide, Magnesium Oxide, Biotin, Sorbic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Davidsonia Jerseyana Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingDisteareth-75 Ipdi
Propanediol
SolventHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningPereskia Aculeata Callus Extract
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialAlanine
MaskingArginine
MaskingAspartic Acid
MaskingGlycine
BufferingHistidine
HumectantIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingThreonine
Valine
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingPCA
HumectantMomordica Cochinchinensis Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningSodium Carrageenan
Emulsion StabilisingGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
BufferingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Glycerin
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Lauryl Glucoside, Disteareth-75 Ipdi, Propanediol, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Pereskia Aculeata Callus Extract, Panthenol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Alanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Valine, Citric Acid, PCA, Momordica Cochinchinensis Seed Extract, Sodium PCA, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment, Sodium Carrageenan, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Lactate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Glycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Linalool
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 SalicylateCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitric 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 (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.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.
Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.
Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.
Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilLinalool 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 LinaloolPanthenol 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 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 SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium 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 BenzoateWater. 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