What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Lauryl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingCocamide DEA
Emulsifying
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantKaolin
Abrasive
Charcoal
Abrasive
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Keratin
Cleansing
Lauric Acid
Cleansing
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
Astringent
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingPolyquaternium-7
Polyquaternium-39
Dimethyl Glutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Silk Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningIsostearamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingHydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantGlycol Distearate
Emollient
Polyquaternium-10
Sorbitol
Humectant
Menthol
Masking
Polyquaternium-47
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Disodium EDTA
Silica
Abrasive
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Parfum
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Cocamide DEA, Dipropylene Glycol, Kaolin, Charcoal, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopherol, Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Lauric Acid, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-39, Dimethyl Glutamic Acid, Hydrolyzed Silk Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol Crosspolymer, Isostearamidopropyl Betaine, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Glycol Distearate, Polyquaternium-10, Sorbitol, Menthol, Polyquaternium-47, Propylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Disodium EDTA, Silica, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Parfum, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Parfum
Masking
Menthol
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Chloride
MaskingZea Mays Starch
Absorbent
Laureth-3
EmulsifyingLaureth-5
EmulsifyingLaureth-7
EmulsifyingMannitol
Humectant
Microcrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentSucrose
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Amodimethicone
Chromium Hydroxide Green
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Climbazole
Antimicrobial
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate
StabilisingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Nigella Sativa Seed Extract
Perfuming
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Masking
Uncaria Tomentosa Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 42053
Cosmetic ColorantPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 20, Parfum, Menthol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Zea Mays Starch, Laureth-3, Laureth-5, Laureth-7, Mannitol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sucrose, Disodium EDTA, Amodimethicone, Chromium Hydroxide Green, Alcohol, Climbazole, Salicylic Acid, Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate, Butylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, 1,2-Hexanediol, CI 19140, Phenoxyethanol, Nigella Sativa Seed Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Uncaria Tomentosa Extract, CI 42053, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Alternatives
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 AlcoholButylene 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 GlycolDisodium 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 EDTAMenthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholParfum 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.
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 BenzoateSodium 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 Water
