What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningChrysanthemum Boreale Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingAmmonium Lauryl Sulfate
CleansingHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientPEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
EmulsifyingPPG-3 Caprylyl Ether
SolventParfum
MaskingRehmannia Chinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSilkworm Cocoon Extract
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientPlukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil
EmollientMorus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Gigas Root Extract
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCrinum Asiaticum Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantPolyquaternium-73
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingTea-Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-7
Disodium EDTA
Laureth-23
CleansingLaureth-3
EmulsifyingMica
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPvp
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientLinalool
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingWater, Chrysanthemum Boreale Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether, Parfum, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Silkworm Cocoon Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Niacinamide, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Crinum Asiaticum Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Polyquaternium-73, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate, Trihydroxystearin, Polyquaternium-7, Disodium EDTA, Laureth-23, Laureth-3, Mica, Butylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77491, Xanthan Gum, Pvp, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal
Water
Skin ConditioningChrysanthemum Boreale Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingSodium Lauryl Sulfate
CleansingRehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningThuja Orientalis Leaf Extract
AntioxidantArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingDimethicone
EmollientGleditsia Japonica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMorus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
EmulsifyingAcorus Calamus Rhizome Water
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingCnidium Officinale Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCocamide Mea
EmulsifyingDecylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Cocoyl Alaninate
SurfactantTriethanolamine
BufferingPEG-10
HumectantGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantMenthol
MaskingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantLactobacillus/Centella Asiatica/Gleditsia Sinensis Thorn/Houttuynia Cordata Extract/Phellodendron Amurense Bark/Polygonum Cuspidatum Root/Prunella Vulgaris/Torilis Japonica Extract Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingLauramine Oxide
CleansingOak Vinegar
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeLinalool
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingWater, Chrysanthemum Boreale Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Thuja Orientalis Leaf Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Dimethicone, Gleditsia Japonica Fruit Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Acorus Calamus Rhizome Water, Parfum, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Cocamide Mea, Decylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Carbomer, Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate, Triethanolamine, PEG-10, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Propylene Glycol, Menthol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Lactobacillus/Centella Asiatica/Gleditsia Sinensis Thorn/Houttuynia Cordata Extract/Phellodendron Amurense Bark/Polygonum Cuspidatum Root/Prunella Vulgaris/Torilis Japonica Extract Ferment Filtrate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Disodium EDTA, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Lauramine Oxide, Oak Vinegar, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Butylene 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 GlycolCocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, a compound with two amino groups.
This ingredient is a surfactant and cleanser. It helps gather the dirt, pollutants, and other impurities in your skin to be washed away. It also helps thicken a product and make the texture more creamy.
Being created from coconut oil means Cocamidopropyl Betaine is hydrating for the skin.
While Cocamidopropyl Betaine was believed to be an allergen, a study from 2012 disproved this. It found two compounds in unpure Cocamidopropyl Betaine to be the irritants: aminoamide and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. High-grade and pure Cocamidopropyl Betaine did not induce allergic reactions during this study.
Learn more about Cocamidopropyl BetaineDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeDisodium 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 ingredient is also known as Bhringaraj extract or False Daisy. It is a skin conditioning ingredient that keeps skin soft and hydrated.
Research shows it has antioxidant properties; lab studies have found it can protect skin cells from UV-induced damage and help suppress inflammation.
There's also some interesting research on its potential to support hair growth by promoting the growth phase of the hair cycle.
Those with an allergy to plants in the daisy family may want to patch test this ingredient. This ingredient is generally well-tolerated otherwise.
Learn more about Eclipta Prostrata ExtractLinalool 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 LinaloolWe don't have a description for Morus Alba Bark Extract yet.
Ginseng 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 ParfumPEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate is a synthetic, water-soluble surfactant and emulsifier.
It's a "superfatting" agent that helps replenish some of your skin's oils after they're stripped away by other surfactants.
This is why "gentle" and "moisturizing" cleansers feel less stripping than basic ones.
Typical concentrations range from 1-10% and it has a solid safety record. The CIR Expert Panel has concluded this ingredient to be safe at concentrations up to 10% in leave-on products.
Dermal application tests at 50% also did not produce irritation in two studies.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe and in vitro studies have shown Malassezia can metabolize it.
Learn more about PEG-7 Glyceryl CocoatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Sodium 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.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a foaming, cleansing, and emulsifying ingredient. It is created from palm kernel oil or coconut oil. SLES is not the same as sodium lauryl sulfate. It is much milder and less likely to irritate.
SLES helps create foam in personal products. It also prevents ingredients from separating, helping to elongate the shelf life.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a type of sulfate. It can be drying. We recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient if you have concerns.
Learn more about Sodium Laureth SulfateWater. 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 WaterWe don't have a description for Chrysanthemum Boreale Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract yet.