What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingCellulose
AbsorbentCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingAcrylates Copolymer
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingMalva Sylvestris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingUrtica Dioica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningVinegar
Glycerin
HumectantMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingPolyquaternium-10
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningPhytic Acid
Propanediol
SolventHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Chloride
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingParfum
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingCitrus Aurantium Peel Oil
Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cellulose, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Urtica Dioica Leaf Extract, Vinegar, Glycerin, Mentha Piperita Oil, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Gluconate, Phytic Acid, Propanediol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Linalool, Limonene, Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion StabilisingCitrus Grandis Fruit Extract
AstringentCitrus Medica Limonum Peel Extract
EmollientPyrus Malus Pulp Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPolyquaternium-10
Polyquaternium-59
UV AbsorberTocopherol
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Glycerin
HumectantSodium Acetate
BufferingSodium Bicarbonate
AbrasiveSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventPEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
EmulsifyingPEG-150 Distearate
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingParfum
MaskingWater, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Lauryl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum Peel Extract, Pyrus Malus Pulp Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Polyquaternium-10, Polyquaternium-59, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Polysorbate 20, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Glycerin, Sodium Acetate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Isopropyl Alcohol, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, PEG-150 Distearate, Butylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Linalool, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 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 LinaloolParfum 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 āFRAGRANCEā or āPARFUMā 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 ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polyquaternium-10 is an ammonium salt of hydroxyethylcellulose. It is a white and granular powder used as a film-former and anti-static agent.
This ingredient is commonly found in hair conditioning products. According to a manufacturer, its positive charge makes it great for absorbing hair proteins. The manufacturer also states this ingredient helps with curl retention.
For haircare friends: this ingredient is not a silicone.
Learn more about Polyquaternium-10Potassium 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 SorbateSodium 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 BenzoateChances 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 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 HydroxideTocopherol (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 skinās 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 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water