What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingLauryl/Myristyl Polyricinoleate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventAcrylates Crosspolymer-4
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-3 Laurate
EmulsifyingNymphaea Caerulea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientCorylus Americana Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialCocos Nucifera Fruit Water
Skin ConditioningAmethyst Extract
Skin ConditioningSilicone Quaternium-8
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Oleate
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Isethionate
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyquaternium-113
Glycerin
HumectantHydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantStearic Acid
CleansingSodium Formate
BufferingGlycol Distearate
EmollientCoconut Acid
CleansingTrideceth-10
CleansingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingPolyquaternium-7
Tin Oxide
AbrasiveSodium Glycolate
BufferingSodium Chloride
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingParfum
MaskingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantExtracts
CI 60730
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamide Mipa, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Lauryl/Myristyl Polyricinoleate, Propanediol, Acrylates Crosspolymer-4, Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate, Nymphaea Caerulea Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Corylus Americana Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Water, Amethyst Extract, Silicone Quaternium-8, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sclerotium Gum, Glyceryl Oleate, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Sodium Isethionate, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyquaternium-113, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, Tocopherol, Stearic Acid, Sodium Formate, Glycol Distearate, Coconut Acid, Trideceth-10, Coco-Glucoside, Polyquaternium-7, Tin Oxide, Sodium Glycolate, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hydroxyacetophenone, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Mica, CI 77891, Extracts, CI 60730
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingQuaternium-91
Acrylates Crosspolymer-4
Emulsion StabilisingGlycerin
HumectantAstrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
EmollientHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningBabassuamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingZea Mays Oil
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantBHT
AntioxidantBrassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer
Skin ConditioningC12-13 Pareth-23
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride
Citric Acid
BufferingCitrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil
Skin ConditioningC12-13 Pareth-3
EmulsifyingCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientDimethiconol
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Disteareth-75 Ipdi
Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer
Parfum
MaskingGlycol Distearate
EmollientGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePolyglyceryl-3 Laurate
EmulsifyingPolyquaternium-7
Polyquaternium-70
Polysilicone-29
PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventQuaternium-95
UV AbsorberSilicone Quaternium-18
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Lauroamphoacetate
CleansingTrideceth-12
EmulsifyingTrideceth-6
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Isethionate
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Glycolic Acid
BufferingLactic Acid
BufferingCoumarin
PerfumingWater, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Quaternium-91, Acrylates Crosspolymer-4, Glycerin, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Babassuamidopropyl Betaine, Zea Mays Oil, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, BHT, Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer, C12-13 Pareth-23, Caprylyl Glycol, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil, C12-13 Pareth-3, Cocamide Mipa, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Dipropylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Disteareth-75 Ipdi, Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, Parfum, Glycol Distearate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate, Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-70, Polysilicone-29, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Propanediol, Quaternium-95, Silicone Quaternium-18, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Trideceth-12, Trideceth-6, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Isethionate, Sodium Chloride, Tocopherol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Coumarin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
We don't have a description for Acrylates Crosspolymer-4 yet.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
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 AcidWe don't have a description for Cocamide Mipa yet.
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is a synthetic cleansing agent, though it is derived from coconut oil.
It is used to enhance the texture of products by boosting lather and thickening the texture. As a cleanser, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is mild.
Glycerin (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 GlycerinGlycol Distearate serves as a pearlizing or opacifying agent in cosmetic products.
It's often included in cleansers and haircare products to give them a lustrous or shimmering appearance.
It is derived from stearic acid, a natural fatty acid commonly found in vegetable oils and animal fats.
Glycol Distearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Glycol DistearateThis ingredient is derived from guar gum. It is a skin conditioning agent that creates a thin, breathable film to reduce water loss during cleansing.
This leaves the skin feeling soft rather than stripped and also contributes to a creamier lather.
Due to the large molecule size, this ingredient is unlikely to penetrate skin.
Learn more about Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideParfum 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 ParfumPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.
It is used to help stabilize other antioxidants or prevent the color from changing in a product.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Thus, antioxidants may reduce the signs of aging.
This ingredient is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamatePhenoxyethanol 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.
We don't have a description for Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate yet.
Polyquaternium-7 is a light to clear colored liquid. It is commonly found in haircare products for its film-forming and anti-static properties.
According to a manufacturer, it is a non-paraben and specially developed for negatively charged surfactant systems. This makes it a great hairstyle holder and helps to improve wet hair detangling without adding buildup.
Propanediol 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 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 cocoyl isethionate is a natural ingredient from coconut oil. It is an ultra gentle cleanser that gives a nice foam without drying the skin or impacting the skin barrier.
The amount of foam created depends on the amount of sodium cocoyl isethionate used in the product.
This ingredient also helps improve the spreadability of a product.
This ingredient hasn’t been shown in studies to feed fungal acne yeast.
Learn more about Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateSodium 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 HydroxideWe don't have a description for Sodium Isethionate yet.
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate is a cleansing ingredient. It is a surfactant, meaning it helps gather dirt, oil, and other pollutants. This helps them be rinsed away easily.
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is a cleansing agent and emulsifier. It is a surfactant derived from sarcosine, and a common source is coconut oil.
As a surfactant, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate helps lift dirts, oil, and other molecules to be washed away. In leave-on products, this ingredient is used as an emulsifier. Emulsifier help prevent ingredients such as oils and waters from separating.
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is also commonly found as a foaming agent in shampoo, toothpaste, and shaving foam. It is amphiphilic, meaning it loves both water and fats.
Learn more about Sodium Lauroyl SarcosinateTocopherol 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 TocopherolTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful.
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 Water