What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
PPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMaris Aqua
HumectantParfum
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Citrate
BufferingLimonene
Perfuming
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Linalool
Perfuming
Ficus Carica Fruit Extract
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Geraniol
Perfuming
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Coumarin
Perfuming
Crocus Sativus Flower Extract
MaskingWater, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Propanediol, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Maris Aqua, Parfum, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Citrate, Limonene, Phenethyl Alcohol, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Linalool, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Geraniol, Saccharide Isomerate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citral, Citronellol, Coumarin, Crocus Sativus Flower Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Polyglutamate
HumectantTocopherol
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Callus Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Sinensis Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
Masking
Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract
MaskingLycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Astringent
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
Astringent
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Riboflavin Phosphate
Skin ConditioningSodium Tocopheryl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantTriethylhexanoin
MaskingPolyglyceryl-3 Laurate
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Triethyl Citrate
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Water, Lactobacillus Ferment, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Sodium Polyglutamate, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Callus Culture Extract, Citrus Sinensis Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Gluconolactone, Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Citric Acid, Sodium Riboflavin Phosphate, Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Gluconate, Triethylhexanoin, Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Triethyl Citrate, Limonene, Linalool, Citral
Reviews
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 AcidGlycerin 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 GlycerinLimonene 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 LimoneneLinalool 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 LinaloolSodium 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 Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateWater. 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
