What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingGlycolic Acid
BufferingButylene Glycol
HumectantHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientAlcohol
AntimicrobialCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientParfum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeXylitol
HumectantPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingTetrasodium EDTA
Ascorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Malva Sylvestris Extract
AstringentHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSaponins
CleansingLimonene
PerfumingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantAframomum Angustifolium Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPalmaria Palmata Extract
Skin ProtectingSodium Benzoate
MaskingTin Oxide
AbrasivePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeTocopherol
AntioxidantJasminum Officinale Flower Extract
MaskingCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Glycolic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, CI 77891, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Alcohol, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Phenoxyethanol, Xylitol, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Malva Sylvestris Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Zea Mays Starch, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Saponins, Limonene, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Aframomum Angustifolium Seed Extract, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Tin Oxide, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, CI 14700
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientCaffeine
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Parfum
MaskingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveEscin
TonicEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantZingiber Zerumbet Extract
Skin ConditioningPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingAgropyron Repens Root Extract
MaskingEthylene Brassylate
MaskingPaullinia Cupana Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Caffeine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Parfum, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Escin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zingiber Zerumbet Extract, Phospholipids, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Agropyron Repens Root Extract, Ethylene Brassylate, Paullinia Cupana Seed Extract, Potassium Sorbate
Reviews
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 GlycolGlycerin (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 GlycerinHydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneParfum 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 ParfumPotassium 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 SorbateSodium 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 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