What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Behentrimonium Chloride
Preservative
Propanediol
Solvent
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Cetyl Palmitate
Emollient
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
Cleansing
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingPhyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract
HumectantCedrus Atlantica Bark Extract
Perfuming
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Propanediol, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Cetyl Palmitate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glycerin, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Linalool, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Brassica Alcohol
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Charcoal Powder
Abrasive
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicMentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil
Astringent
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Brassicyl Valinate Esylate
EmollientCarrageenan
Arginine
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningMenthyl Lactate
Masking
Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingCalcium Gluconate
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Sodium Glycolate
BufferingSodium Formate
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Brassica Alcohol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Charcoal Powder, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Biotin, Mentha Piperita Oil, Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Brassicyl Valinate Esylate, Carrageenan, Arginine, Panthenol, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Citric Acid, Sodium PCA, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Menthyl Lactate, Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract, Potassium Hydroxide, Calcium Gluconate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Glycolate, Sodium Formate, Sodium Hydroxide, Chlorphenesin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Cetearyl alcohol is a waxy mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Despite having "alcohol" in its name, it has nothing to do with drying solvent alcohols; the FDA also allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols like this ingredient.
It plays several roles in a formula:
Typical use levels for this ingredient sit around 1-10% and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has affirmed safety at concentrations up to 25% in leave-on products.
Multiple assessments have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing to most people.
However, there have been some cases of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with chronically compromised skin barriers.
Cetearyl alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 and irritancy rating of 1. Both of these numbers come from the 1989 study that used rabbit ears; a "2" means mildly comedogenic and a "1" means low irritancy.
Here's the catch: rabbit skin is more sensitive than human skin and throws a lot of false positives. A 1996 reappraisal found that ingredients rated 1-2 in the rabbit ear tests are generally safe for humans.
Remember comedogenic ratings are unable to assess the entire formula of a product or how it will react on your skin. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure about certain ingredients.
This ingredient is not fungal acne safe. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with chain lengths that fall within the range that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCitric 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 (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 GlycerinThis ingredient is derived from guar gum. It is a skin conditioning agent that creates a thin, breathable film to reduce water loss during cleansing.
This leaves the skin feeling soft rather than stripped and also contributes to a creamier lather.
Due to the large molecule size, this ingredient is unlikely to penetrate skin.
Learn more about Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideHydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate is a modified starch used to help thicken a product.
It is also used in foods.
Panthenol 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 PanthenolPotassium 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 SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium 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 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 HydroxideWater. 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
