What's inside
What's inside
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingStearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyquaternium-10
Cocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningNiacin
SmoothingPantothenic Acid
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantThiamine Hcl
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientDaucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningLonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract
PerfumingMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin ConditioningSalvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingUrtica Dioica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningBehentrimonium Methosulfate
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativePolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingPolyquaternium-11
Benzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPolyquaternium-39
Cetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCoumarin
PerfumingSilk Amino Acids
HumectantHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Sulfite
PreservativeWater, Glycerin, Propanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Parfum, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-10, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Biotin, Folic Acid, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Cyanocobalamin, Pyridoxine Hcl, Riboflavin, Thiamine Hcl, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk, Persea Gratissima Oil, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 60, Polyquaternium-11, Benzyl Benzoate, Polyquaternium-39, Cetrimonium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Coumarin, Silk Amino Acids, Hexyl Cinnamal, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Benzyl Salicylate, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Sodium Sulfite
Water
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Stearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantStearalkonium Chloride
PreservativeCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCorn Starch Modified
AbsorbentPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMagnesium Sulfate
Ceteareth-20
CleansingPolyquaternium-55
Polyquaternium-10
Alcohol
AntimicrobialCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialPanthenol
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingSodium PCA
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingTetrasodium EDTA
Pvp
Emulsion StabilisingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialHydrolyzed Pea Protein
EmollientHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate
StabilisingCoumarin
PerfumingLactobacillus/Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentKeratin Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningMelissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingPrunus Serotina Bark Extract
MaskingHumulus Lupulus Extract
AntimicrobialCymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract
Skin ConditioningUrtica Dioica Extract
AstringentRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSalvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingAchillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialAcyl Coenzyme A Desaturase
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialBenzoic Acid
MaskingSorbic Acid
PreservativeWater, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Stearalkonium Chloride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Corn Starch Modified, Phenoxyethanol, Magnesium Sulfate, Ceteareth-20, Polyquaternium-55, Polyquaternium-10, Alcohol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Panthenol, Parfum, Sodium PCA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Limonene, Tetrasodium EDTA, Pvp, Benzyl Benzoate, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Caprylyl Glycol, Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate, Coumarin, Lactobacillus/Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Keratin Amino Acids, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Prunus Serotina Bark Extract, Humulus Lupulus Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract, Urtica Dioica Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Acyl Coenzyme A Desaturase, Chlorphenesin, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzyl Benzoate is usually created from the condensation of benzoic acid and benzyl alcohol. It is used as a preservative, solvent, and has a floral/balsamic scent in large amounts.
As a preservative, Benzyl Benzoate works against bacteria and fungus. It is often used to treat scabies and lice in medicine.
Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
Due to its fragrance, Benzyl Benzoate can be sensitizing and may cause contact dermatitis. It is a known EU allergen. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Benzyl Benzoate can be naturally found in cranberries and peaches.
Learn more about Benzyl BenzoateCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholThis ingredient is a preservative, antimicrobial, and emulsifier. It is often used in cosmetics for its ability to cleanse, condition, and reduce static.
Cetrimonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt, meaning it has a water-soluble structure.
Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholCoumarins are a group of substances found naturally in plants. There are over 1300 types of coumarins identified. It has a natural vanilla scent.
Coumarin is an identified EU known allergy, meaning it may cause an allergic reaction when applied to the skin.
In many countries, coumarin is banned as a food additive. However, it can be found in soaps, tobacco products, and some alcohol drinks.
Plants use coumarins as a chemical defense. Some plants that have coumarins include lavender, tonka beans, and yellow clovers.
Learn more about CoumarinEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate is a natural preservative. It comes from fermenting radish roots with a bacteria called leuconostoc.
Leuconostoc comes from lactic acid.
This ingredient has antimicrobial properties and helps prevent the growth of bacteria in a product.
Leuconostoc is used to make the traditional Korean side-dish, kimchi. It is also used to make sourdough bread (both incredibly yummy foods).
Learn more about Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateParfum 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.
Polyquaternium-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 SorbateSage leaf extract is a culinary and medicinal herb with antibacterial, antioxidant, and soothing properties.
This ingredient is made up of 75-90% ursolic acid, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound.
Sodium 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 BenzoateStearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients.
Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent alcohols. FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Stearyl AlcoholWater. 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