What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPEG-8
HumectantDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantDiheptyl Succinate
EmollientCapryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningBuglossoides Arvensis Seed Oil
EmollientBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentLimonene
PerfumingLithothamnion Calcareum Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantVeronica Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
AstringentHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeNyctanthes Arbor-Tristis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCananga Odorata Flower Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingMyristica Fragrans Kernel Oil
MaskingGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingCitrus Aurantium Amara Leaf/Twig Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil
Skin ConditioningCoriandrum Sativum Fruit Oil
MaskingBenzoic Acid
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, PEG-8, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Diheptyl Succinate, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Sodium Polyacrylate, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Buglossoides Arvensis Seed Oil, Benzyl Benzoate, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Maltodextrin, Limonene, Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract, Tocopherol, Veronica Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hexyl Cinnamal, Dehydroacetic Acid, Nyctanthes Arbor-Tristis Flower Extract, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Myristica Fragrans Kernel Oil, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Citrus Aurantium Amara Leaf/Twig Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil, Coriandrum Sativum Fruit Oil, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCoco-Caprylate
EmollientCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingGlyceryl Oleate Citrate
EmulsifyingMatthiola Longipetala Seed Oil
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePanthenol
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingPerilla Ocymoides Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningChondrus Crispus Powder
AbrasiveTocopherol
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Benzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCitrus Limon Peel Extract
EmollientLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingHydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Skin ConditioningHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingSodium Benzoate
MaskingCananga Odorata Flower Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingMyristica Fragrans Kernel Oil
MaskingEugenol
PerfumingCoumarin
PerfumingCitrus Aurantium Amara Leaf/Twig Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil
Skin ConditioningCoriandrum Sativum Fruit Oil
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Glyceryl Oleate Citrate, Matthiola Longipetala Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Parfum, Perilla Ocymoides Seed Oil, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Benzyl Benzoate, Citrus Limon Peel Extract, Linalool, Limonene, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Hexyl Cinnamal, Sodium Benzoate, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Myristica Fragrans Kernel Oil, Eugenol, Coumarin, Citrus Aurantium Amara Leaf/Twig Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil, Coriandrum Sativum Fruit Oil
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzyl Benzoate is usually created from the condensation of benzoic acid and benzyl alcohol. It is used as a preservative, solvent, and has a floral/balsamic scent in large amounts.
As a preservative, Benzyl Benzoate works against bacteria and fungus. It is often used to treat scabies and lice in medicine.
Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
Due to its fragrance, Benzyl Benzoate can be sensitizing and may cause contact dermatitis. It is a known EU allergen. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Benzyl Benzoate can be naturally found in cranberries and peaches.
Learn more about Benzyl BenzoateCananga Odorata Flower Oil comes from the ylang-ylang flower, Cananga odorata.
Ylang-ylang oil has slight antibacterial, antioxidant and antifungal properties. However, it also contains a number of sensitizing ingredients such as geraniol, limonene, linalool and benzyl benzoate. These compounds are known EU allergens.
The composition of this ingredient depends on the source. Luxury perfumes tend to use higher grade ylang-ylang for their fragrance. Lower grade ylang-ylang is less fragrant.
Learn more about Cananga Odorata Flower OilCitrus Aurantium Amara Leaf/Twig Oil is an oil.
Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil is an oil.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil is oil from the peel of an orange fruit.
Limonene and linalool make up the majority of oils from citrus peels. Limonene has a "citrus" fragrance. Citrus peels also contain flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Citrus peel is also a rich source of flavonoids. Flavonoids are natural antioxidants and help protect your skin against damage. Flavonoids are a group of compounds naturally found in vegetables and fruits.
The term '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.
Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel OilCoriander fruit refers to the seeds of the coriander plant. This plant is also often called cilantro. This ingredient is used to add a fresh and herbal scent to products.
Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinHexyl 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 CinnamalWe don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein yet.
Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolThis ingredient is also known as nutmeg oil.
Parfum 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 ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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 BenzoateTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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