What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantParaffinum Liquidum
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingStearic Acid
CleansingPalmitic Acid
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningDimethiconol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningNymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNardostachys Jatamansi Rhizome/Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPEG-100 Stearate
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTriethanolamine
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingWater, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Paraffinum Liquidum, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Dimethiconol, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Carbomer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Nardostachys Jatamansi Rhizome/Root Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, PEG-100 Stearate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Limonene, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Paraffinum Liquidum
EmollientPEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientPolyethylene
AbrasivePolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveParfum
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingSalicylic Acid
MaskingPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
PerfumingPrunus Serrulata Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantLactic Acid
BufferingWater
Skin ConditioningNelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Root Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingParaffinum Liquidum, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polyethylene, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Synthetic Wax, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butylene Glycol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Salicylic Acid, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Prunus Serrulata Flower Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Lactic Acid, Water, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Root Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGeraniol 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 GeraniolLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool 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 LinaloolParaffinum Liquidum is a highly-refined cosmetic-grade mineral oil. It is also known as liquid paraffin.
Despite its controversial reputation, the science is pretty clear: it's one of the most well-studied and effective moisturizing ingredients out there.
As an occlusive, it forms a protective layer on the skin that locks in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This makes it especially great for compromised skin barriers.
The "it clogs your pores" myth has been around for decades; a study found that industrial-grade mineral oil may be comedogenic but cosmetic-grade mineral oil is not (these two are very, very different).
A 2017 review concluded that cosmetic use of mineral oils and waxes does not present a risk to consumers due to absorption.
Mineral oil got a bad rap from the old rabbit ear studies. When tested on actual human skin, cosmetic-grade mineral oil showed no comedogenic activity. The rating of 0 is a correction of outdated science.
Mineral oil is an inert substance with no fatty acids so there's nothing to feed Malassezia. This ingredient is fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Paraffinum LiquidumParfum 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.
Polysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.
Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.
In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.
Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.
Learn more about Polysorbate 60Sorbitan Sesquioleate is derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. It is an emulsifier and prevents ingredients from separating.
Specifically, this ingredient is a water-in-oil emulsifier, meaning it helps water dissolve into oil.
Some studies suggest this ingredient may cause irritation in some people. If you are unsure, it is best to patch test.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan SesquioleateTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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