What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Alaninate
Surfactant
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingCocamide Mea
Emulsifying
Sodium Chloride
MaskingPolyquaternium-10
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
PEG-150 Distearate
Emulsifying
PPG-3 Myristyl Ether
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Menthol
Masking
Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Keratin
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Silk
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantPentasodium Pentetate
ChelatingAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Peat Water
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Lavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin Conditioning
Mentha Citrata Leaf Extract
Astringent
Prunus Salicina Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningFreesia Refracta Extract
Skin ConditioningEthyl Hexanediol
SolventLecithin
Emollient
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicGlycine
Buffering
Glutamic Acid
Humectant
Glutamine
Skin ConditioningLysine
Skin ConditioningLeucine
Skin ConditioningMethionine
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingSerine
Masking
Cystine
MaskingCysteine
Antioxidant
Asparagine
MaskingAspartic Acid
Masking
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningAlanine
Masking
Arginine
Masking
Ornithine
Skin ConditioningTaurine
BufferingTyrosine
MaskingThreonine
Tryptophan
MaskingPhenylalanine
Masking
Proline
Skin Conditioning
Histidine
Humectant
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Emollient
Citrus Species Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Eucalyptus Dives Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Mentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate, Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Lauryl Glucoside, Cocamide Mea, Sodium Chloride, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Benzoate, PEG-150 Distearate, PPG-3 Myristyl Ether, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Menthol, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Dipropylene Glycol, Pentasodium Pentetate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Peat Water, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Mentha Citrata Leaf Extract, Prunus Salicina Fruit Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Freesia Refracta Extract, Ethyl Hexanediol, Lecithin, Polysorbate 80, Ceramide NP, Potassium Sorbate, Biotin, Glycine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Lysine, Leucine, Methionine, Valine, Serine, Cystine, Cysteine, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Isoleucine, Alanine, Arginine, Ornithine, Taurine, Tyrosine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Phenylalanine, Proline, Histidine, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Citrus Species Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Dives Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Coco-Betaine
Cleansing
Taurine
BufferingCocamide Mipa
Emulsifying
Sodium Chloride
MaskingAmodimethicone
Laureth-5 Carboxylic Acid
CleansingPPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Polyquaternium-10
PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate
Surfactant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Amyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Creatine
Skin Conditioning2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Cinnamate
Perfuming
Sodium Acetate
BufferingIsopropyl Alcohol
Solvent
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Parfum
Masking
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Coco-Betaine, Taurine, Cocamide Mipa, Sodium Chloride, Amodimethicone, Laureth-5 Carboxylic Acid, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Sodium Benzoate, Polyquaternium-10, PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate, Propylene Glycol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Salicylic Acid, Amyl Cinnamal, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Limonene, Creatine, 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol, Benzyl Cinnamate, Sodium Acetate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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.
Rosacea skin has a lower threshold for acids generally, with 62.5% of rosacea subjects in one study reacting to lactic acid in a sting test. This is why we mark citric acid as a potential rosacea trigger.
However, this ingredient shows up as a pH adjuster or chelator at roughly 0.1-1% in many products. These low levels are unlikely to be an issue for rosacea skin and becomes a potential trigger at exfoliating concentrations (20%). Because everybody's skin is unique, we recommend a patch test if you are unsure.
Learn more about Citric AcidHexyl Cinnamal is a fragrance ingredient with a similar scent to jasmine. It can be naturally found in chamomile essential oil.
This ingredient is a known EU allergen and may sensitize the skin. The EU requires this ingredient to be listed separately on an ingredients list.
Hexyl Cinnamal is not water soluble but is soluble in oils.
Learn more about Hexyl CinnamalParfum 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 ParfumPolyquaternium-10 is an ammonium salt of hydroxyethylcellulose. It is a white and granular powder used as a film-former and anti-static agent.
This ingredient is commonly found in hair conditioning products. According to a manufacturer, its positive charge makes it great for absorbing hair proteins. The manufacturer also states this ingredient helps with curl retention.
For haircare friends: this ingredient is not a silicone.
Learn more about Polyquaternium-10Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSodium 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 ChlorideTaurine is an amino acid that is found in human skin as an osmolyte. An osmolyte is a small molecule that cells use to hold onto water and stay comfortable under stressful conditions.
In skin cell studies, taurine accumulation helps cells maintain hydration in low-humidity environments. Some dermatology research on osmolytes also link taurine to barrier support. Research also suggests that osomolyte systems can be disrupted in photoaged skin.
One animal study reported tropical taurine improved barrier function and collagen signaling, while another one found oral taurine can lessen UVB-related damage. It is important to note that evidence for taurine in skincare is mostly preclinical, meaning further studies are needed.
Learn more about TaurineWater. 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
