What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientStearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingBrassica Napus Seed Oil
EmollientGlutamic Acid
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAmodimethicone
Niacinamide
SmoothingGanoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingButylene Glycol
HumectantGinkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialCyclotetrasiloxane
EmollientLavandula Angustifolia Flower Water
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantTrideceth-12
EmulsifyingCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPinus Sylvestris Cone Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientCoix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialSalvia Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Parfum, Brassica Napus Seed Oil, Glutamic Acid, Dimethicone, Persea Gratissima Oil, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Amodimethicone, Niacinamide, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Butylene Glycol, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Water, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Trideceth-12, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Pinus Sylvestris Cone Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Alcohol, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Salvia Officinalis Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingAmmonium Lauryl Sulfate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingParfum
MaskingCocamide Mea
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingDimethiconol
EmollientAlcohol
AntimicrobialTea-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
CleansingChrysanthemum Boreale Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningRehmannia Chinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingSalicylic Acid
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMenthol
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Tetrasodium EDTA
Niacinamide
SmoothingBiota Orientalis Leaf Extract
HumectantMorus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPinus Sylvestris Cone Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingLauramine Oxide
CleansingArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientGanoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialSalvia Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialCoptis Japonica Extract
AntimicrobialAloe Ferox Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMalus Domestica Fruit Extract
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingCalendula Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningCoix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeLimonene
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialWater, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Parfum, Cocamide Mea, Sodium Chloride, Dimethiconol, Alcohol, Tea-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Chrysanthemum Boreale Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, Sodium Citrate, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Glycerin, Menthol, Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Niacinamide, Biota Orientalis Leaf Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Pinus Sylvestris Cone Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Lauramine Oxide, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Salvia Officinalis Extract, Coptis Japonica Extract, Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Benzoate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
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.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholArtemisia Vulgaris Extract is more commonly known as the common mugwort. It has strong antioxidant properties and helps soothe irritation.
Antioxidants protect skin from damage and the signs of aging.
This plant contains the compounds saponins, glycosides, flavanoids, protein, triterpenoids.
The common wugwort has been used in traditional Indian, Chinese, and European medicines to treat gastrointestinal diseases.
Learn more about Artemisia Vulgaris ExtractButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCalendula Officinalis Extract comes from the common Marigold plant.
Marigold flowers contain flavonoids. Flavonoids are a group of substances found naturally in plants. They possess antioxidant and inflammation properties.
This ingredient may help soothe your skin by reducing inflammation. Emerging studies show it inhibits nitrous oxide production safely, therefore reducing inflammation.
Marigolds have been used in traditional medicine throughout Asia and Europe.
Learn more about Calendula Officinalis ExtractCitrus Limon Fruit Extract comes from lemons. While lemon extract is exfoliating and antimicrobial, it can also cause skin sensitivity.
Lemons contains antioxidants, which may help with anti-aging. They are also rich in citric acid, an AHA.
And of course, lemons are rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps with skin-brightening and increasing collagen production.
The acidity of lemons may work as an astringent for acne.
However, lemons can also cause skin sensitivity due to its limonene content. It can also increase photosensitivity, or sensitivity to the sun.
This ingredient is also used to add a lemon scent to products.
Learn more about Citrus Limon Fruit ExtractWe don't have a description for Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract yet.
You might know this plant as Job's Tears or Chinese pearl barley. It is a grain native to Southeast Asia.
This ingredient has skin conditioning properties. Emerging studies show the grain to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties as well. (With one study finding this ingredient to be effective at blocking melanin when skin is exposed to UV).
Job's tears is rich in nutrients, such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid.
You can also find great antioxidants such as ferulic acid, caffeic acid.
To top if off, ceramides are also present in this grain.
Learn more about Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed ExtractDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAThis is the extract of the Reishi mushroom.
The Reishi mushroom has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
This is due to its content of terpenoids, polysaccharides, macronutrients, and phenolic acids.
Learn more about Ganoderma Lucidum ExtractHouttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.
The components found in Heart Leaf give it antioxidant, hydrating, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Heart Leaf is rich in flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, and more. It also contains polysaccharides, the most common type of carbs in food.
Flavonoids have been shown to be effective antioxidants. They help neutralize free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are unstable molecules that may damage our skin cells and DNA. The flavonoids in Heart Leaf also help soothe the skin.
Polysaccharides are naturally found in our skin. They play a role in hydrating and repairing the top layer of skin. The polysaccharides in Heart Leaf help moisturize our skin.
Studies show decanoyl acetaldehyde, a component of Heart Leaf oil, is effective at killing bacteria.
The name 'Fish Mint' comes from the herb's natural fishy smell. Is is native to southeast Asia and used throughout the continent for traditional cooking and medicine.
Learn more about Houttuynia Cordata ExtractNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideGinseng root is a well-loved ingredient in Asian skincare for good reason. It hydrates the skin, soothes irritation, and helps even out skin tone.
In traditional East Asian medicine, ginseng has been used for centuries both as food and as a healing remedy, and modern research continues to confirm its skin benefits.
One of the standout features of ginseng is its ability to improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the skin, bringing a fresh supply of nutrients to support overall skin health. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to protect your skin against damage from UV exposure, pollution, and daily stress.
Additionally, studies suggest that ginseng may help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin production.
There are different types of ginseng used in skincare, and while they all share core benefits, their potency can vary.
Most products use fresh or white ginseng because it’s more affordable. However, red ginseng, produced by steaming the root, contains higher levels of ginsenosides, which are compounds with proven anti-aging effects. These ginsenosides help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
Note: All forms of ginseng are listed simply as “Panax ginseng” in ingredient lists. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about which type of ginseng is used in their ingredients.
For general antioxidant benefits, any ginseng extract will do, but for wrinkle care or firmer skin, red or fermented ginseng is often more effective.
In short, ginseng is a powerhouse ingredient that supports hydration, radiance, and resilience.
Learn more about Panax Ginseng Root ExtractPanthenol 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 PanthenolParfum 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 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.
Pinus Sylvestris Cone Extract is a fragrance.
Rosemary extract has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and astringent properties.
This ingredient has a natural fragrance due its small component of rosemary oil. The antioxidant properties from its rosmarinic acid, flavone, and phenolic acids.
Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSalvia, or sage, extract is a culinary and medicinal herb with antibacterial, antioxidant, and soothing properties.
This ingredient is made up of 75-90% ursolic acid, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound.
Fun fact: Sage is a member of the mint family.
Learn more about Salvia Officinalis ExtractWater. 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