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
CleansingDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingSodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Taurate
CleansingSarcosine
Skin ConditioningGlycol Distearate
EmollientCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingGlycereth-26
HumectantDecyl Glucoside
CleansingCoconut Acid
CleansingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Isethionate
CleansingParfum
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingPPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingDivinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer
Sodium Chloride
MaskingPolyquaternium-7
Amodimethicone
Coco-Betaine
CleansingPolyquaternium-10
Propylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate
Linalool
PerfumingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingC11-15 Pareth-7
EmulsifyingBenzoic Acid
MaskingLaureth-9
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingTocopherol
AntioxidantBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingTrideceth-12
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Nitrate
C12-13 Pareth-23
CleansingC12-13 Pareth-3
EmulsifyingBenzophenone-4
UV AbsorberTetrasodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeHydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningWheat Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningCI 60730
Cosmetic ColorantCI 60725
Cosmetic ColorantMethylchloroisothiazolinone
PreservativeHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantSorbic Acid
PreservativeMagnesium Chloride
Methylisothiazolinone
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeDisodium EDTA
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialRosa Centifolia Flower Extract
AstringentAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientWater, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Sodium Lauroyl Taurate, Sarcosine, Glycol Distearate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycereth-26, Decyl Glucoside, Coconut Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Isethionate, Parfum, Citric Acid, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, Sodium Chloride, Polyquaternium-7, Amodimethicone, Coco-Betaine, Polyquaternium-10, Propylene Glycol, PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate, Linalool, Carbomer, C11-15 Pareth-7, Benzoic Acid, Laureth-9, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Limonene, Geraniol, Tocopherol, Benzyl Alcohol, Trideceth-12, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Magnesium Nitrate, C12-13 Pareth-23, C12-13 Pareth-3, Benzophenone-4, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Wheat Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, CI 60730, CI 60725, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Sorbic Acid, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Ascorbic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.
The antimicrobial property of Benzoic Acid helps elongate a product's shelf life. Its main role is to reduce fungi growth and is not found to be effective at fighting bacteria. Therefore Benzoic Acid is always added along with other preservatives.
In its pure form, Benzoic Acid looks like a white crystalline solid. It has slight solubility in water.
The name of Benzoic Acid comes from gum benzoin, which used to be the sole source of deriving this ingredient. Benzoic Acid is the most simple aromatic carboxylic acid.
Benzoic Acid is naturally occuring in strawberries, mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. It has a slight scent but is not considered to be a fragrance.
Learn more about Benzoic AcidCitric 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 BetaineCoconut acid is a mixture of fatty acids obtains by hydrolyzing coconut oil and then distilling the fatty acid portion. It works as a cleansing surfactant, emollient, and emulsifier depending on the formulation.
This ingredient is not a single compound but reflects the fatty acid profile of coconut oil itself, which is about 90% saturated. The dominant fatty acid is lauric acid (44-54%) and then myristic acid (13-19%). There are small amount of caprylic, capric, palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids.
Human testing from CIR has shown no indication this ingredient to be a primary irritant, sensitizer, or phototoxic compound. It's also COSMOS-approved for natural and organic products.
Due to the high fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Coconut AcidDecyl Glucoside is a plant-derived surfactant and emulsion stabilizer. It is created by reacting glucose with the fatty acids from plants.
Like all surfactants, it works by lowering the surface tension between water and oil. This makes it so that dirt, sebum, and makeup can be lifted off your skin and rinsed away. It also produces a dense and creamy foam.
Because it has a neutral charge, it is compatible with a wide range of ingredients and stays stable across a broad pH range/water hardiness conditions.
Patch testing has shown it to have the lowest irritation potential among common cleansing surfactants (like SLS).
Typical use levels range from 5-20% in rinse-off cleansers.
One thing worth knowing: The American Contact Dermatitis Society named the parent family, alkyl glucosides, "Allergen of the Year" in 2017. The prevalence of allergy is pretty low but be sure to patch test if you've reacted to "gentle" or sulfate-free cleansers before.
This ingredient is fungal acne safe because the fatty alcohol portion of this ingredient is not within the C11-24 chain length that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Decyl GlucosideGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilHydrolyzed Soy Protein is a vegan protein made to mimic hydrolyzed collagen. It is created from soy, or glycine soja.
This ingredient is a humectant, meaning it helps hydrate the skin by binding to water. According to a manufacturer, it is also a great hair conditioner.
Read more about hydrolyzed collagen here.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Soy ProteinLinalool 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 ParfumPolyquaternium-10 is an ammonium salt of hydroxyethylcellulose. It is a white and granular powder used as a film-former and anti-static agent.
This ingredient is commonly found in hair conditioning products. According to a manufacturer, its positive charge makes it great for absorbing hair proteins. The manufacturer also states this ingredient helps with curl retention.
For haircare friends: this ingredient is not a silicone.
Learn more about Polyquaternium-10Potassium 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 BenzoateChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSodium 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 HydroxideSorbic Acid is a preservative. It is the most commonly used food preservative in the world.
Sorbic Acid is a natural antibiotic and highly effective at preventing the growth of fungus. It is less effective against bacteria.
Potassium Sorbate, another commonly-used preservative, is the potassium salt of Sorbic Acid.
Sorbic Acid may worsen eczema. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
Learn more about Sorbic AcidTocopherol 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