What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingCoco-Betaine
CleansingCocamide Methyl Mea
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingPolyquaternium-22
Glycerin
HumectantParfum
MaskingPotassium Cocoyl Glycinate
Citric Acid
BufferingPhenethyl Alcohol
MaskingSalicylic Acid
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlycol Distearate
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlycol Stearate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingIsomalt
HumectantCoptis Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPisum Sativum Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantOryza Sativa Seed Protein
AntioxidantAvena Sativa Protein Extract
Skin ConditioningPisum Sativum Peptide
Skin ConditioningPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Protein
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningLysine
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantSerine
MaskingGlycoproteins
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Oat Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCysteine
AntioxidantAsiaticoside
AntioxidantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSh-Oligopeptide-2
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-9
Skin ConditioningWater, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Coco-Betaine, Cocamide Methyl Mea, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Polyquaternium-22, Glycerin, Parfum, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Citric Acid, Phenethyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Glycol Distearate, Hexylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycol Stearate, Niacinamide, Trihydroxystearin, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isomalt, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Pisum Sativum Sprout Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Oryza Sativa Seed Protein, Avena Sativa Protein Extract, Pisum Sativum Peptide, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Protein, Ceramide NP, Glycine, Asiatic Acid, Lysine, Madecassoside, Serine, Glycoproteins, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Madecassic Acid, Arginine, Centella Asiatica Extract, Cysteine, Asiaticoside, Copper Tripeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-9
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingLauramidopropyl Betaine
CleansingLauryl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingSorbitol
HumectantParfum
MaskingAlcohol
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycine Soja Germ Extract
EmollientOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentSea Salt
AbrasiveAspergillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningTrifolium Pratense Flower Extract
AstringentCaffeine
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningXylitylglucoside
HumectantXylitol
HumectantAdansonia Digitata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCoco-Glucoside
CleansingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicAcetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Skin ProtectingMenthol
MaskingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingAnhydroxylitol
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingDextran
Lauramide Mipa
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPolyquaternium-22
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingPolyquaternium-10
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Sorbitol, Parfum, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Glycine Soja Germ Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Sea Salt, Aspergillus Ferment, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Caffeine, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Xylitol, Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Coco-Glucoside, Dipropylene Glycol, Panthenol, Biotin, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Menthol, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Chloride, Anhydroxylitol, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Dextran, Lauramide Mipa, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopherol, Trihydroxystearin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyquaternium-22, Decyl Glucoside, Polyquaternium-10, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Phytate, Maltodextrin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
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 GlycolThis ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitric 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 AcidThis ingredient is a cleansing agent, surfactant, and foam booster. It considered an alternative to traditional sulfates (Sulfosuccinate) and is allowed in "sulfate-free" products.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is mild and can be used in baby and bath options.
Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolParfum 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 ParfumWe don't have a description for Polyquaternium-22 yet.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a surfactant that helps water and oil mix so that dirt, sweat, sebum, and sunscreen can rinse away easily. It's not technically a sulfate, but behaves similarly in formulas.
What it does:
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a strong cleansing surfactant and is much stronger than many mild cleansers. Because it works deeply, it can disrupt the skin's barrier. This can lead to dryness or irritation for those with sensitive skin.
Compared to gentler surfactants, it's effective but more likely to dry or irritate if not balanced with soothing ingredients.
CIR considers sodium α-olefin sulfonates (including C14-16) to be safe for use in rinse-off products when properly formulated. It is poorly absorbed through normal skin but absorption increases if the skin barrier is already damaged.
Learn more about Sodium C14-16 Olefin SulfonateChances 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 ChlorideThis ingredient comes from Hydroxystearic Acid, a fatty acid, and glycerin. It is used to thicken oils.
Due to its fatty acid content, it is a natural emollient.
Creating trihydroxystearin involves using a chemical reaction between hydrogen and castor oil.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about TrihydroxystearinWater. 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