What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingBetaine
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantSodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingAcrylates Copolymer
Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol
EmulsifyingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingAlcohol
AntimicrobialBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCitric Acid
BufferingParfum
MaskingGlyceryl Laurate
EmollientGlycol Distearate
EmollientHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningLinalyl Acetate
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPantolactone
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePolyquaternium-7
Pyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningRuscus Aculeatus Root Extract
AstringentSalicylic Acid
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Lauryl Sulfate
CleansingTocopheryl Nicotinate
AntioxidantWater, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Acrylates Copolymer, Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Alcohol, Biotin, Citric Acid, Parfum, Glyceryl Laurate, Glycol Distearate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Linalyl Acetate, Panthenol, Pantolactone, Phenoxyethanol, Polyquaternium-7, Pyridoxine Hcl, Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Tocopheryl Nicotinate
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingLauroyl/Myristoyl Methyl Glucamide
EmollientSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Phytate
Inositol
HumectantLactic Acid
BufferingMilk Protein
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Cysteine
AntioxidantAcetyl Methionine
Skin ConditioningApigenin
AntioxidantOleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningBiotinoyl Tripeptide-1
Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-86
Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-9
Nicotiana Benthamiana Octapeptide-30 Sh-Oligopeptide-2
Skin ConditioningAcrylates Crosspolymer-4
Emulsion StabilisingTriethanolamine
BufferingSodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Glycol Distearate
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantPolyquaternium-22
Steareth-4
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialPanthenyl Ethyl Ether
PPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingAlcohol
AntimicrobialLactose
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingPhosphate Buffered Saline
SolventTris Buffered Saline
BufferingParfum
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSorbic Acid
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 16255
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauroyl/Myristoyl Methyl Glucamide, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Phytate, Inositol, Lactic Acid, Milk Protein, Acetyl Cysteine, Acetyl Methionine, Apigenin, Oleanolic Acid, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-86, Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-9, Nicotiana Benthamiana Octapeptide-30 Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Acrylates Crosspolymer-4, Triethanolamine, Sodium Levulinate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Glycol Distearate, Propylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-22, Steareth-4, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Alcohol, Lactose, Sodium Citrate, Phosphate Buffered Saline, Tris Buffered Saline, Parfum, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Dehydroacetic Acid, CI 19140, CI 16255
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 AlcoholCitric 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 AcidGlycol Distearate serves as a pearlizing or opacifying agent in cosmetic products.
It's often included in cleansers and haircare products to give them a lustrous or shimmering appearance.
It is derived from stearic acid, a natural fatty acid commonly found in vegetable oils and animal fats.
Glycol Distearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Glycol DistearateParfum 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 ParfumPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is an emulsifier derived from castor oil.
As an emulsifying agent, it helps other ingredients like fragrances and fat-soluble vitamins dissolve cohesively.
Due to its large molecule size, it doesn't penetrate beyond the skin's surface.
This ingredient has a solid regulatory track record; the CIR Expert Panel first concluded it was safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 100% in 1997. A 2012 reassessment reaffirmed that finding. Safety studies have also found no irritation or evidence of toxicity.
A 2019 study did find this ingredient to grow Malassezia, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Sodium 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 BenzoateWater. 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