What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
PEG-60 Almond Glycerides
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Undecylenoyl Glycine
CleansingCapryloyl Glycine
CleansingBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Ficus Carica Fruit Extract
Humectant
Parfum
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract
AstringentTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialDehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Citrate
BufferingHexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitrus Grandis Fruit Extract
Astringent
Citronellol
Perfuming
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid
Antioxidant
Oleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningSodium Bisulfite
Antioxidant
Aspartic Acid
Masking
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicWater, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Butylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Caprylyl Glycol, Undecylenoyl Glycine, Capryloyl Glycine, Benzyl Alcohol, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Dehydroacetic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Citrate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Limonene, Xanthan Gum, Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract, Citronellol, Carbomer, Citric Acid, Sorbic Acid, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Oleanolic Acid, Sodium Bisulfite, Aspartic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Biotin
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Bisabolol
Masking
Diisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientSodium Chloride
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Citrus Limon Peel Oil
Masking
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Calendula Officinalis Flower
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantGeranium Maculatum Oil
Masking
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil
Masking
Citral
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Farnesol
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
Masking
Artemisia Absinthium Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Propanediol, Panthenol, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Bisabolol, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Chlorphenesin, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Sodium Citrate, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Limonene, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Calendula Officinalis Flower, Citric Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Farnesol, Linalool, Tocopherol, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Artemisia Absinthium Extract
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric 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 AcidCitronellol 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 CitronellolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeLimonene 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 LinaloolPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSodium 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 CitrateTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful.
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
