What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningPadina Pavonica Thallus Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Porphyridium Cruentum Extract
Skin ConditioningAcacia Decurrens Flower Extract
Masking
Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract
Astringent
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyacrylate-13
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Polyacrylate
Polyisobutene
Parfum
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantSodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde
Masking
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Citrus Limon Peel Oil
Masking
Cuminum Cyminum Seed Oil
Masking
Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Isononyl Isononanoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dimethicone, Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Padina Pavonica Thallus Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract, Acacia Decurrens Flower Extract, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylate-13, Stearic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Cetyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Polyisobutene, Parfum, Citric Acid, Chlorphenesin, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Citronellol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Cuminum Cyminum Seed Oil, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Limonene
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 5%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 2.8%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Nylon-12
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Myristyl Myristate
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cetyl Esters
Emollient
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Glycerin
Humectant
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Masking
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Masking
Illicium Verum Fruit/Seed Oil
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Masking
Myristica Fragrans Kernel Oil
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil
Masking
Citrus Limon Peel Oil
Masking
Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
Masking
Hibiscus Abelmoschus Extract
MaskingGeraniol
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Coffea Arabica Seed Extract
Masking
Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningPeucedanum Graveolens Extract
TonicHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientPisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
Emollient
Micrococcus Lysate
Skin ConditioningBambusa Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningCrithmum Maritimum Extract
Skin ConditioningAnogeissus Leiocarpus Bark Extract
Skin ProtectingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCaffeine
Skin Conditioning
Centaurium Erythraea Extract
Skin ConditioningRubus Idaeus Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCassia Alata Leaf Extract
AstringentPhytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Trisiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Algin
Glucosamine Hcl
PEG-100 Stearate
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
PEG-6
HumectantDi-PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate
Emollient
Steareth-21
CleansingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Trehalose
Humectant
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Lecithin
Emollient
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantEssential Oils
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 5%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%, Octocrylene 2.8%, Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Nylon-12, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Behenyl Alcohol, Myristyl Myristate, Dimethicone, Cetyl Esters, Polyethylene, Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Glycerin, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Illicium Verum Fruit/Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Myristica Fragrans Kernel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Hibiscus Abelmoschus Extract, Geraniol, Linalool, Citronellol, Limonene, Citral, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Peucedanum Graveolens Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Pisum Sativum Extract, Cholesterol, Micrococcus Lysate, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Anogeissus Leiocarpus Bark Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Caffeine, Centaurium Erythraea Extract, Rubus Idaeus Leaf Extract, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Phytosphingosine, Trisiloxane, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hydrolyzed Algin, Glucosamine Hcl, PEG-100 Stearate, Sodium Hyaluronate, PEG-6, Di-PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate, Steareth-21, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Squalane, Linoleic Acid, Trehalose, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium PCA, Lecithin, Maltodextrin, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Essential Oils
Reviews
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.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidCitronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolCitrus Limon Peel Oil is created from the peels of the lemon. It is used to add a lemon-scent to products. Lemon peel oil also has antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. However, it may also cause phototoxicity and sensitize skin.
Lemon peel oil contains limonene, a skin sensitizing ingredient. Another component is furanocoumarin, which induces phototoxicity in skin.
Furanocoumarins bind and destabilize your DNA to increase the rate of sunburn.
Most reputable companies will remove furanocoumarins from their formulations.
Learn more about Citrus Limon Peel OilDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeDisodium 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 EDTAGlycerin (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 GlycerinLimonene 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 LinaloolPhenoxyethanol 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.
This ingredient is a preservative with antimicrobial properties. It is the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid.
It is especially effective at preventing bacterial and fungal growth in low concentrations.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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
