What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDibutyl Adipate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDimethicone
EmollientPolyisobutene
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPalmitic Acid
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingSodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningEthylparaben
PreservativeMethylparaben
PreservativeBenzoic Acid
MaskingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Anisate
AntimicrobialDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPanicum Miliaceum Extract
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingChlorella Vulgaris/Lupinus Albus Protein Ferment
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingUbiquinone
AntioxidantBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGeraniol
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingTocopherol
AntioxidantTannic Acid
AstringentEugenol
PerfumingColeus Forskohlii Root Extract
EmollientPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Glycerin, Dibutyl Adipate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone, Polyisobutene, Panthenol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Hydroxide, Allantoin, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Benzoic Acid, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Anisate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panicum Miliaceum Extract, Linalool, Limonene, Chlorella Vulgaris/Lupinus Albus Protein Ferment, Alcohol Denat., Benzyl Alcohol, Ubiquinone, Benzyl Benzoate, Geraniol, Citronellol, Tocopherol, Tannic Acid, Eugenol, Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventPolymethyl Methacrylate
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Antimicrobial1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Parfum
MaskingCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingOleyl Erucate
EmollientLens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Tocopherol
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantO-Cymen-5-Ol
AntimicrobialMagnolia Officinalis Bark Extract
AntimicrobialSodium Lactate
BufferingSodium PCA
HumectantSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Glycerin, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Propanediol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Parfum, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Sodium Levulinate, Benzyl Alcohol, Oleyl Erucate, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Disodium EDTA, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken, emulsify, and improve the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions to give products an elegant feel when applied.
It can also form a thin protective film on skin. One study found that a formula using this polymer helped slow down how quickly other ingredients (like DEET) were absorbed through skin.
A 2024 study of over 1,300 patients confirmed that sensitization to this ingredient is rare. It is also non-mutagenic and has a clean track record.
Learn more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerBenzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.
Benzyl Alcohol has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties help lengthen the shelf life of products. Benzyl Alcohol is a solvent and helps dissolve other ingredients. It can also improve the texture and spreadability.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is an astringent alcohol.
Using high concentrations of these alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Learn more about Benzyl AlcoholDicaprylyl Carbonate comes from carbonic acid and caprylyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It is an emollient and gives skin a velvet feel. The sources of Dicaprylyl Carbonate may be synthetic or from animals.
As an emollient, Dicaprylyl Carbonate creates a film on the skin. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin (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 GlycerinParfum 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 ParfumPotassium 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 SorbateWe don't have a description for Propylheptyl Caprylate yet.
This long ingredient is a copolymer of sodium acrylate and sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers.
It is used to help stabilize other ingredients and create a thicker gel-like texture.
Emulsifiers prevent oils and waters from separating.
Learn more about Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerSodium 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 HyaluronateSodium 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 HydroxideSodium levulinate is the a sodium salt of Levulinic Acid. Oncedissolved in an aqueous solution, the two ingredients become identical. It is usually derived from renewable plant sources like corn starch or sugarcane.
In skincare, it mostly acts as a skin conditioning agent that keeps skin soft and hydrated. It also acts as a preservative booster by inhibiting the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria.
It's often paired with Sodium Anisate as the two create a broad-spectrum preservative system that is popular in "natural" formulations.
This ingredient is water-soluble.
The CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety has concluded this ingredient to be non-irritated and there are no restrictions for use in EU cosmetics. The FDA also allows this ingredient to be used as a food-grade flavoring agent.
Learn more about Sodium LevulinateTocopherol 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 TocopherolWater. 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