What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlycerin
HumectantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMica
Cosmetic ColorantCitric Acid
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDimethicone
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientPropanediol
SolventSilica
AbrasiveChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Lactate
Buffering3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
BufferingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingBenzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberAlcohol
AntimicrobialSucrose
HumectantUrea
BufferingSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantTris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate
StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTartaric Acid
BufferingMalic Acid
BufferingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Propylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mica, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Propanediol, Silica, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Lactate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Alcohol, Sucrose, Urea, Sodium Metabisulfite, Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tartaric Acid, Malic Acid, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientPotassium Methoxysalicylate
BleachingGlycerin
HumectantBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientPetrolatum
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientPhytosteryl Macadamiate
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningDiglycerin
HumectantSilica
AbrasivePEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientBeheneth-20
EmulsifyingMica
Cosmetic ColorantBatyl Alcohol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantMaltitol
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTheanine
EmollientPolyvinyl Alcohol
Trehalose
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Citrate
BufferingParfum
MaskingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantSaccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Metaphosphate
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Hexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantCitronellol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLilium Candidum Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialTocopherol
AntioxidantAngelica Acutiloba Root Extract
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Leaf Extract
PerfumingIris Florentina Root Extract
MaskingGlucosamine Hcl
Glycine
BufferingRubus Suavissimus Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialInositol
Humectant2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningRehmannia Chinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningIsostearic Acid
CleansingUncaria Gambir Extract
AstringentHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantPyrola Incarnata Extract
Skin ConditioningPotentilla Erecta Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAlteromonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBupleurum Falcatum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLauryl Betaine
CleansingSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantPerilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
TonicHydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingWater, Alcohol, Dipropylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Dimethicone, Potassium Methoxysalicylate, Glycerin, Behenyl Alcohol, Petrolatum, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Diglycerin, Silica, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Beheneth-20, Mica, Batyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Maltitol, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891, Theanine, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Trehalose, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Citrate, Parfum, Potassium Hydroxide, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate, Citric Acid, Sodium Metaphosphate, Disodium EDTA, Hexyl Cinnamal, Sodium Metabisulfite, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Linalool, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Tocopherol, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Glucosamine Hcl, Glycine, Rubus Suavissimus Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Inositol, 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Isostearic Acid, Uncaria Gambir Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk, Pyrola Incarnata Extract, Potentilla Erecta Root Extract, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract, Lauryl Betaine, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Sodium Benzoate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholCi 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Citric 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 AcidDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolGlycerin (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 GlycerinMica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaPhenoxyethanol 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.
Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateSodium metabisulfite is also known as Sodium Pyrosulfite. It is a preservative, antioxidant, and disinfectant.
As a preservative, it helps stabilize cosmetic formulas without affecting their color or scent.
Water. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum