What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingDisodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate
CleansingGlycerin
Humectant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Parfum
Masking
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Cleansing
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin Conditioning
Yeast Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Inulin
Skin Conditioning
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water
Masking
Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCaffeine
Skin Conditioning
Melissa Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Water
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Paeonia Suffruticosa Branch/Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingArtemisia Annua Extract
Masking
Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract
MaskingCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningArginine
Masking
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Aspartic Acid
Masking
Polylysine
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Ganoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin Protecting
PCA
Humectant
Serine
Masking
Glycine
Buffering
Alanine
Masking
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPhellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingDehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin Conditioning
Threonine
Histidine
Humectant
Phenylalanine
Masking
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract
AstringentVinegar
Zea Mays Starch
Absorbent
Dextrin
AbsorbentPEG-Crosspolymer
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Di-C12-13 Alkyl Malate
EmollientPolyquaternium-7
Microcrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentCocamide Mea
Emulsifying
Coco-Glucoside
Cleansing
Glyceryl Oleate
Emollient
Menthol
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Coconut Acid
Cleansing
Niacinamide
Smoothing
PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether
SolventMannitol
Humectant
CI 77289
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Isethionate
CleansingTetrasodium EDTA
Methylpropanediol
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningChlorophyllin-Copper Complex
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Lactate
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Parfum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Yeast Extract, Beta-Glucan, Inulin, Maltodextrin, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Biotin, Caffeine, Melissa Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Water, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Branch/Flower/Leaf Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Artemisia Annua Extract, Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Leaf/Stem Extract, Arginine, Benzyl Alcohol, Aspartic Acid, Polylysine, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, PCA, Serine, Glycine, Alanine, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Valine, Dehydroacetic Acid, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Sodium PCA, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Vinegar, Zea Mays Starch, Dextrin, PEG-Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Di-C12-13 Alkyl Malate, Polyquaternium-7, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cocamide Mea, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Menthol, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Coconut Acid, Niacinamide, PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether, Mannitol, CI 77289, Sodium Isethionate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylpropanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex, Citric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Pentylene Glycol, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Lactate, Potassium Sorbate, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Coco-Sulfate
Cleansing
Sodium Cocoyl Methyl Isethionate
Surfactant
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
Babassuamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingStearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Cetraria Islandica Extract
CleansingCocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Arginine
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningGalactoarabinan
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Propanediol
Solvent
Parfum
Masking
Linalool
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Amyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Sodium Phytate
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Charcoal Powder
Abrasive
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Sodium Cocoyl Methyl Isethionate, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Babassuamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Citric Acid, Cetraria Islandica Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil, Glycine Soja Oil, Arginine, Glycerin, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Galactoarabinan, Tocopherol, Propanediol, Parfum, Linalool, Geraniol, Amyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Sodium Phytate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Charcoal Powder, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineCitric 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 AcidGlycerin (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 GlycerinParfum 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 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 ChlorideWater. 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
