What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPolyimide-1
Glycerin
HumectantPolyquaternium-68
Cetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingTetrasodium EDTA
Citric Acid
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingPunica Granatum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPinus Pinaster Bark Extract
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientFucus Vesiculosus Extract
EmollientArctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCentaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
AstringentGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitral
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingWater, Polyimide-1, Glycerin, Polyquaternium-68, Cetrimonium Chloride, Polysorbate 20, Parfum, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citral, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningIsobutane
Propane
Acrylates Copolymer
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativePolyquaternium-11
Ceteareth-25
CleansingHydroxyethyl Cetyldimonium Phosphate
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingPPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningButane
Benzophenone-4
UV AbsorberEthane
Citric Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitral
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingWater, Isobutane, Propane, Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Polyquaternium-11, Ceteareth-25, Hydroxyethyl Cetyldimonium Phosphate, Aminomethyl Propanol, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Parfum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Butane, Benzophenone-4, Ethane, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citral, Limonene
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citral is a fragrance and used to add a lemon-like scent to products. It is both naturally found in plants and created synthetically. In plants, it is commonly occurring in lemon myrtle, lemongrass, lemon tea-tree, lemon verbena, and other citruses.
The EU mandates Citral be listed separately as a fragrance. It is a known allergen and may cause contact dermatitis. Citral can also used as a masking ingredient.
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.
The term 'citral' is a collective term for two geometric isomers: geranial/Citral A and neral/Citral B.
Learn more about CitralCitric 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.
Limonene 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 LimoneneParfum 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 āFRAGRANCEā or āPARFUMā 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.
Potassium 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 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