What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantIsostearyl Alcohol
EmollientPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantBambusa Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Lycopersicum Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract
AstringentFoeniculum Vulgare Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningMenyanthes Trifoliata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyethylene
AbrasiveCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHordeum Distichon Extract
Skin ProtectingSalvia Sclarea Extract
AntiseborrhoeicEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGelidiella Acerosa Extract
Skin ProtectingButylene Glycol Cocoate
EmulsifyingHypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBetaine
HumectantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberIsohexadecane
EmollientPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylcellulose
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingGlucosamine Hcl
Citric Acid
BufferingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientSodium Citrate
BufferingTetrasodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Propanediol, Glycerin, Isostearyl Alcohol, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Foeniculum Vulgare Seed Extract, Pisum Sativum Extract, Menyanthes Trifoliata Leaf Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Polyethylene, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hordeum Distichon Extract, Salvia Sclarea Extract, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Butylene Glycol Cocoate, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Betaine, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Biotin, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Acetyl Glucosamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Caffeine, Parfum, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Isohexadecane, Potassium Sorbate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Polysorbate 60, Glucosamine Hcl, Citric Acid, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Citrate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningC9-12 Alkane
SolventUndecane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetearyl Isononanoate
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientTridecane
PerfumingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Butylene Glycol
HumectantParfum
MaskingDipsacus Sylvestris Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePropanediol
SolventSilybum Marianum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTromethamine
BufferingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantEscin
TonicCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingChenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingButylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPersea Gratissima Oil Unsaponifiables
Skin ConditioningCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningActinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract
EmollientKalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract
MaskingMyrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingLycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
AstringentSodium Benzoate
MaskingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentOrthosiphon Stamineus Extract
Skin ConditioningHedychium Coronarium Root Extract
MaskingSalicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningJania Rubens Extract
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantSodium Citrate
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeEngelhardtia Chrysolepis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantCallicarpa Japonica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, C9-12 Alkane, Undecane, Glycerin, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Tridecane, Pentylene Glycol, Squalane, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Parfum, Dipsacus Sylvestris Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Propanediol, Silybum Marianum Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tromethamine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Escin, Carbomer, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Xanthan Gum, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Persea Gratissima Oil Unsaponifiables, Caramel, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Disodium EDTA, Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract, Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract, Kalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract, Citric Acid, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Maltodextrin, Orthosiphon Stamineus Extract, Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Mangifera Indica Leaf Extract, Jania Rubens Extract, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Tocopherol, Potassium Sorbate, Engelhardtia Chrysolepis Leaf Extract, CI 14700, Callicarpa Japonica Fruit 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.
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 GlycolCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
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 AcidEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
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 GlycerinParfum 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 âFRAGRANCEâ or âPARFUMâ 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 ParfumPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.
It is used to help stabilize other antioxidants or prevent the color from changing in a product.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Thus, antioxidants may reduce the signs of aging.
This ingredient is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Potassium 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.Â
Itâs 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 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 CitrateTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum