Versus

Clé de Peau Beauté Protective Fortifying Cream Versus Clé de Peau Beauté Protective Fortifying Emulsion SPF 22

General Moisturizer
Emulsion
Japanese Brand Japan
Japanese Brand Japan

Updated on November 20, 2023

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid, SPF and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any oils or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Protective Fortifying Cream

Water

Skin Conditioning

Cyclopentasiloxane

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Octocrylene

UV Absorber
Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Eczema Icon

Diisopropyl Sebacate

Emollient

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

UV Absorber
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Diethylhexyl Succinate

Emollient
2 / 0

Sd Alcohol 40-B

Astringent
Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin Icon

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane

UV Absorber
Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Benzophenone-3

UV Absorber
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Trehalose

Humectant

PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether

Skin Conditioning

Beheneth-20

Emulsifying

PPG-17

Skin Conditioning

Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer

Skin Conditioning

Behenyl Alcohol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Carbomer

Emulsion Stabilising
1 / 0

Polysorbate 20

Emulsifying
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Triethanolamine

Buffering
2 / 0

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Stearyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 2 Fatty Alcohol Icon

Theanine

Emollient

Disodium EDTA

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether

Methylparaben

Preservative
0 / 0 Preservative IconParaben IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Eczema Icon

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Mica

Cosmetic Colorant
May worsen Eczema Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether

Skin Conditioning

Phytosteryl Macadamiate

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

CI 77891

Cosmetic Colorant

Sodium Citrate

Buffering

Alcohol

Antimicrobial
Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Sodium Metaphosphate

Buffering

Polyquaternium-51

Skin Conditioning

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Hexyl Cinnamal

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Citronellol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Limonene

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

BHT

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Linalool

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Geraniol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Benzyl Benzoate

Antimicrobial
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

CI 77491

Cosmetic Colorant

Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Panax Ginseng Root Extract

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Hydrolyzed Silk

Humectant

Glycine

Buffering
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Ononis Spinosa Root Extract

Antiseborrhoeic

Rosa Canina Fruit Extract

Astringent
Good for Scar Healing Icon

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Zanthoxylum Piperitum Peel Extract

Antimicrobial

Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract

Tonic

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract

Tonic

Benzoic Acid

Masking
Preservative IconMay worsen Eczema Icon

Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract

Tonic

Isodonis Japonicus Leaf/Stalk Extract

Masking

Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein

Skin Conditioning

Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract

Skin Conditioning
Protective Fortifying Emulsion SPF 22

Water

Skin Conditioning

Alcohol Denat.

Antimicrobial
Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Dipropylene Glycol

Masking

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

UV Absorber
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Diisopropyl Sebacate

Emollient

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane

UV Absorber
Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Hydrogenated Polydecene

Emollient

Silica

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Isostearic Acid

Cleansing
Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

PEG-5 Glyceryl Stearate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid

UV Absorber
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine

Skin Conditioning
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether

Skin Conditioning

Triethanolamine

Buffering
2 / 0

Behenic Acid

Cleansing
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Stearic Acid

Cleansing
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glyceryl Stearate Se

Emulsifying
3 / 2 Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Behenyl Alcohol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

CI 77891

Cosmetic Colorant

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Batyl Alcohol

Emollient

Mica

Cosmetic Colorant
May worsen Eczema Icon

PEG-30 Phytosterol

Emulsifying

Theanine

Emollient

Disodium EDTA

PEG/PPG-19/19 Dimethicone

Emulsifying
Silicon Icon

Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer

Trehalose

Humectant

PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether

Skin Conditioning

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Phytosteryl Macadamiate

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene

Emollient
1 / 2

Alcohol

Antimicrobial
Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

BHT

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Sodium Metaphosphate

Buffering

Cellulose Gum

Emulsion Stabilising
0 / 0

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Sodium Metabisulfite

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconPreservative Icon

Hexyl Cinnamal

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Citronellol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Limonene

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Linalool

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Geraniol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Panax Ginseng Root Extract

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Benzyl Benzoate

Antimicrobial
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Hydrolyzed Silk

Humectant

Glycine

Buffering
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Ononis Spinosa Root Extract

Antiseborrhoeic

Rosa Canina Fruit Extract

Astringent
Good for Scar Healing Icon

Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Zanthoxylum Piperitum Peel Extract

Antimicrobial

Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract

Tonic

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid Icon

CI 77491

Cosmetic Colorant

Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract

Tonic

Benzoic Acid

Masking
Preservative IconMay worsen Eczema Icon

Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract

Tonic

Isodonis Japonicus Leaf/Stalk Extract

Masking

Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein

Skin Conditioning

Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Water, Alcohol Denat., Dipropylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Glycerin, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Silica, Isostearic Acid, PEG-5 Glyceryl Stearate, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Triethanolamine, Behenic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Behenyl Alcohol, CI 77891, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Batyl Alcohol, Mica, PEG-30 Phytosterol, Theanine, Disodium EDTA, PEG/PPG-19/19 Dimethicone, Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer, Trehalose, PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Alcohol, BHT, Sodium Metaphosphate, Cellulose Gum, Parfum, Tocopherol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Hexyl Cinnamal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Limonene, Linalool, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Geraniol, Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Benzyl Benzoate, Hydrolyzed Silk, Glycine, Ononis Spinosa Root Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Peel Extract, Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, CI 77491, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Benzoic Acid, Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract, Isodonis Japonicus Leaf/Stalk Extract, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. 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
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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 Glycerin
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

We don't have a description for Diisopropyl Sebacate yet.

UV Absorber, UV Filter

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.

UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.

The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

UV Absorber, UV Filter

Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.

Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.

Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.

However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.

Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!

The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.

Learn more about Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
Humectant, Moisturising

Trehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.

As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.

Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.

In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.

Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.

Learn more about Trehalose
Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether yet.

Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising

A type of fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as traditional alcohols.

Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.

Behenyl Alcohol is usually derived from the fats in vegetable oils.

In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.

Learn more about Behenyl Alcohol
Buffering, Emulsifying, Masking

Triethanolamine is an emulsifier and pH adjuster. It is created using ethylene oxide and ammonia. This gives Triethanolamine a nitrogen core and a similar scent to ammonia.

As an emulsifier, it prevents ingredients from separating and enhances texture by adding volume to a product.

PH adjusters are common in cosmetic products. The pH of a product can affect the effectiveness of other ingredients. A product with a high pH may also irritate the skin.

Learn more about Triethanolamine
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol 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.

Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Theanine is an amino acid found in plants and fungal species. It helps hydrate the skin as an emollient and humectant.

Both emollients and humectants help hydrate the skin. Emollients prevent moisture from escaping by creating a thin film on top of the skin. Humectants draw water from the air to your skin.

Fun fact: Theanine gives green tea its special umami flavor.

Learn more about Theanine

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA
Masking, Perfuming

Parfum 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 Parfum
Cosmetic Colorant

Mica refers to a group of silicate minerals. Mica crystals are easily split to give products a shimmer. These crystals are able to reflect light to temporarily give your skin a glowy look.

Mica is found to be safe. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.

Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.

Mica can be naturally found throughout the world. However, some sources of mica may be controversial. In 2016, mica mined in the Jharkhand state in India was found to be using child labor. However, companies are able to source ethical mica affiliated with international organizations that monitor the mica supply chain.

Learn more about Mica
Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.

Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.

Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate
Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether yet.

Skin Conditioning

Phytosteryl Macadamiate comes from the fatty acids of Macadamia Seed Oil and an ester of phytosterol. Phytosterols are the plant-versions of cholesterol.

This ingredient helps provide hydration due to its high fatty acid property.

Cosmetic Colorant

Ci 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 77891
Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking

Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.

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.

Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.

Learn more about Alcohol

We don't have a description for Sodium Metaphosphate yet.

Perfuming

Hexyl Cinnamal is a fragrance ingredient with a similar scent to jasmine. It can be naturally found in chamomile essential oil.

This ingredient is a known EU allergen and may sensitize the skin. The EU requires this ingredient to be listed separately on an ingredients list.

Hexyl Cinnamal is not water soluble but is soluble in oils.

Learn more about Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming, Skin Conditioning

Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone is a fragrance. It can be synthetically created or naturally occurring.

The scent of Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone is described as "flowery" but can also be "woody".

Naturally occurring Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone may be found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or the yeast used to make wine and bread.

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 Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming

Citronellol 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 Citronellol
Perfuming, Solvent

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 Limonene
BHT
Antioxidant, Masking

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.

As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.

As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.

The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.

However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.

Learn more about BHT
Perfuming

Linalool 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 Linalool
Perfuming, Tonic

Geraniol 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 Geraniol
Antimicrobial, Perfuming, Solvent

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 Benzoate
Skin Conditioning

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract comes from the leaves of the Ginkgo tree. It has soothing and antioxidant properties.

The leaves of ginkgo contains flavonoids and terpenoids, potent antioxidants. Antioxidants may protect your skin from damage caused by external sources such as pollution.

Its soothing ability comes from a variety of compounds including biflavones, a type of flavonoid. Studies show gingko biloba has strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Fun fact: This tree is native to China and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

Learn more about Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Cosmetic Colorant

Ci 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.

Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.

Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.

Learn more about CI 77491

We don't have a description for Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract yet.

Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract yet.

We don't have a description for Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract yet.

Emollient, Skin Protecting, Tonic

Ginseng Root helps increase skin hydration, soothe skin, even out skin tone, and improve the appearance of wrinkles.

This ingredient helps improve blood circulation and oxygen flow while giving skin a boost in nutrients. Ginseng root contains both Vitamin D and B12. Both of these vitamins help boost collagen production in your skin. Collagen gives you skin the appearance of looking plump and firm.

Studies also show ginseng may help with hyperpigmentation. Ginseng disrupts the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme that starts the process of skin darkening.

Historically, people in East Asia have used ginseng as both food and medicine.

Learn more about Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

You can find hydrolyzed silk in both haircare and skincare products. According to a manufacturer, it can help improve skin and hair hydration.

This ingredient is created by adding acid or enzymes to 'hydrolyze' silk protein.

Due to the origins of this ingredient, it is not vegan. Silk is an animal product from silkworms.

Depending on the source, this ingredient can be considered cruelty-free. It is created from left-over cocoons of silkworms. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about where their hydrolyzed silk comes from.

Learn more about Hydrolyzed Silk
Buffering, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is an amino acid that helps build proteins and moisturizes skin. It is already present in our skin as our bodies produce them naturally.

Glycine already plays a role in helping keep our skin moisturized as amino acids transport moisture throughout our skin.

As collagen is made up of glycine and other amino acids, it is believed glycine may help our skin produce more collagen.

Learn more about Glycine
Antiseborrhoeic, Soothing

We don't have a description for Ononis Spinosa Root Extract yet.

Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Tonic

Rosa Canina Fruit Extract is from Rosehip. Rosehips are a fruit from a wild rose bush native to Eurasia and Africa.

Rosehip contains Vitamin C, Vitamin E, fatty acids and linolenic acids that hydrate skin. Having hydrated skin helps reduce the appearance of fine-lines and wrinkles.

Vitamins C and E are potent antioxidants and may help with anti-aging. The fatty acids are emollients that help soften and hydrate your skin.

Another potent vitamin found in rosehip is Vitamin A, or retinol. Retinol encourages collagen production in the skin.

Rosehip extract may help with brightening the skin. Several components, such as beta-carotene, are able to reduce pigmentation caused by sun damage.

Learn more about Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.

Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.

Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.

You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.

There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.

Learn more about Tocopherol

We don't have a description for Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract yet.

We don't have a description for Zanthoxylum Piperitum Peel Extract yet.

We don't have a description for Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract yet.

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate is a type of Hyaluronic Acid.

Hyaluronic Acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.

We don't have a description for Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract yet.

Masking, Preservative

Benzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.

The antimicrobial property of Benzoic Acid helps elongate a product's shelf life. Its main role is to reduce fungi growth and is not found to be effective at fighting bacteria. Therefore Benzoic Acid is always added along with other preservatives.

In its pure form, Benzoic Acid looks like a white crystalline solid. It has slight solubility in water.

The name of Benzoic Acid comes from gum benzoin, which used to be the sole source of deriving this ingredient. Benzoic Acid is the most simple aromatic carboxylic acid.

Benzoic Acid is naturally occuring in strawberries, mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. It has a slight scent but is not considered to be a fragrance.

Learn more about Benzoic Acid

We don't have a description for Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract yet.

Masking, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Isodonis Japonicus Leaf/Stalk Extract yet.

Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein yet.

We don't have a description for Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract yet.

When to use

1 Routine
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day
3 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day