What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantSqualane
EmollientBetaine
HumectantLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningPolyglycerin-3
HumectantLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningIris Florentina Root Extract
MaskingMalva Sylvestris Extract
AstringentAframomum Angustifolium Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningJasminum Officinale Flower Extract
MaskingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Tocopheryl Phosphate
AntioxidantPalmaria Palmata Extract
Skin ProtectingHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantPropanediol
SolventPolyglycerin-6
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPullulan
Xylitol
HumectantParfum
MaskingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialLecithin
EmollientYeast Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantAlcaligenes Polysaccharides
EmollientLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningSodium Surfactin
CleansingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantSilica
AbrasiveTocopherol
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientWater, Glycerin, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Betaine, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Polyglycerin-3, Lauroyl Lysine, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Malva Sylvestris Extract, Aframomum Angustifolium Seed Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Propanediol, Polyglycerin-6, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Pullulan, Xylitol, Parfum, Chlorphenesin, Lecithin, Yeast Ferment Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Alcaligenes Polysaccharides, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Sodium Surfactin, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, CI 77491, Silica, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolyglycerin-3
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialMel
EmollientRoyal Jelly
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningMannitol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingPropanediol
SolventPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Hydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingBiosaccharide Gum-2
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantMaltodextrin
AbsorbentAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
Triethyl Citrate
MaskingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Benzoate
MaskingBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningSimethicone
EmollientTin Oxide
AbrasiveWater, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglycerin-3, Alcohol, Mel, Royal Jelly, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Mannitol, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Chlorphenesin, Parfum, Propanediol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Biosaccharide Gum-2, Tocopheryl Acetate, Maltodextrin, Adenosine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Triethyl Citrate, CI 77891, Sodium Benzoate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Potassium Sorbate, CI 77492, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, CI 77491, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Propolis Extract, Simethicone, Tin Oxide
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineThis 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 AlcoholChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491Glycerin (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 GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilParfum 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 ParfumPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPolyglycerin-3 is a 3-unit glycerin polymer.
Like glycerin, this ingredient is a humectant. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing water to it.
Having moisturized skin helps improve the skin barrier. Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Learn more about Polyglycerin-3Potassium 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.
It’s 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 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 BenzoateTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful.
Water. 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