What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientLactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientTrehalose
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientSesamum Indicum Seed Oil
EmollientSorbitol
HumectantHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantRibes Nigrum Seed Oil
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientSteareth-21
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAstrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
EmollientDunaliella Salina Extract
Skin ConditioningTrideceth-6
EmulsifyingLinum Usitatissimum Seed Oil
PerfumingSodium Phytate
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveTocopherol
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientRosa Damascena Flower Oil
MaskingPelargonium Graveolens Oil
MaskingLactic Acid
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialNicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin ConditioningN-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientBenzoic Acid
MaskingPropanediol
SolventSodium Benzoate
MaskingMica
Cosmetic ColorantColloidal Gold
AntimicrobialAcetyl Heptapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingFarnesol
PerfumingRosa Damascena Flower Water, Glycerin, Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Octyldodecanol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Trehalose, Cetyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Sodium Polyacrylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Sorbitol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, CI 77891, Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Steareth-21, Ethylhexylglycerin, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Trideceth-6, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Sodium Phytate, Pentylene Glycol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Silica, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Nicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate, Benzyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Benzoic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium Benzoate, Mica, Colloidal Gold, Acetyl Heptapeptide-9, CI 77491, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorphenesin, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Citral, Farnesol
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientC12-20 Acid PEG-8 Ester
EmulsifyingImperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPullulan
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingC12-13 Alkyl Lactate
EmollientPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningChondrus Crispus Powder
AbrasiveBisabolol
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBrassica Campestris Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningNannochloropsis Oculata Extract
HumectantPhytic Acid
Porphyridium Cruentum Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Damascena Flower Oil
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingAcacia Dealbata Flower Wax
EmollientCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Wax
Jasminum Grandiflorum Flower Wax
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPelargonium Graveolens Oil
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingRosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingNicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture
Skin ConditioningN-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, C12-20 Acid PEG-8 Ester, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Carbomer, Saccharide Isomerate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Pullulan, CI 77891, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Hydroxide, C12-13 Alkyl Lactate, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Bisabolol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Nannochloropsis Oculata Extract, Phytic Acid, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Citrate, Acacia Dealbata Flower Wax, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Wax, Jasminum Grandiflorum Flower Wax, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Citric Acid, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Centella Asiatica Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Nicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture, N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Biotin, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Citral
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCi 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 77891Citral is the molecule responsible for the fresh lemon scent in lemon, lime, and lemongrass. It is a fragrance ingredient that can be created from plant essential oils or synthetically.
Though Citral has documented antimicrobial activity against acne bacteria (which is where the marketing claims about it being good for acne-prone skin originate), real formulas use it at fragrance-level concentrations under 1% so there's likely no skin benefit.
You should know this ingredient is a known EU fragrance allergen.
Animal studies classifies this ingredient as a weak-to-moderate skin sensitizer and clinical patch testing on eczema patients confirmed it to be both a contact allergen and irritant.
The term 'citral' is a collective term for two geometric isomers: geranial/Citral A and neral/Citral B.
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 CitralCitronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolEthylhexylglycerin 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 GeraniolGlycerin (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 GlycerinLinalool 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 LinaloolN-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate is a peptide.
We don't have a description for Nicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture yet.
Pelargonium Graveolens Oil is the pressed oil of the Rose Geranium plant. It has perfuming and masking properties.
This ingredient contains citronellol and geraniol. These compounds may cause allergies and skin-sensitivity.
The scent of Rose Geranium closely resembles. you guessed it: roses.
Learn more about Pelargonium Graveolens OilPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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 SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolRosa Damascena Flower Oil is an essential oil made from the Damask Rose. It is often used as a fragrance in cosmetics.
Rose Oil has antibacterial and antioxidant properties due to its terpene, glycoside, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and Vitamin C content.
Other major parts of Rose Oil include citronellol and geraniol. Both of these are known EU allergens and cause contact-allergies.
The downsides of this ingredient outweight the positives.
Learn more about Rosa Damascena Flower OilRosa Damascena Flower Water is the water-based byproduct of steam-distilling damask rose petals. It has skin conditioning, masking, and skin protecting properties.
Research shows that Rosa damascena is rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds like gallic acid that contribute to its antioxidant activity.
In vitro studies have shown that Rosa damascena can scavenge free radicals and reduce melanin overproduction. Research has also found this extract offers some degree of UV absorption but this should not replace your sunscreen.
Learn more about Rosa Damascena Flower WaterRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.
While Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil can be volatile due to its fragrant properties, the fragrance components are usually removed in the leaf extract.
Rosemary Leaf Extract contains many antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid. Rosemarinic acid, a compound found in rosemary leaf, has been found to help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf ExtractSodium 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 BenzoateSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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