What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventEthylhexyl Stearate
EmollientIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientTripelargonin
EmollientBetaine
HumectantLauryl Glucoside
CleansingPentaerythrityl Distearate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningSea Water
HumectantHydrolyzed Rhodophyceae Extract
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveCichorium Intybus Leaf Extract
MaskingSqualane
EmollientRetinol
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningPullulan
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingBakuchiol
AntimicrobialTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingParfum
MaskingHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Citric Acid
BufferingCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Tripelargonin, Betaine, Lauryl Glucoside, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Sea Water, Hydrolyzed Rhodophyceae Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Cichorium Intybus Leaf Extract, Squalane, Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate, Pullulan, Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Bakuchiol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Sodium Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Hexylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, CI 15985, CI 19140
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantRosa Canina Fruit Extract
AstringentMalpighia Glabra Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Water
MaskingAcacia Seyal Gum Extract
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCollagen Amino Acids
MoisturisingDipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningFerulic Acid
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeParfum
MaskingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingPolydextrose
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Lactate
BufferingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Propylene Glycol, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Propanediol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Malpighia Glabra Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Water, Acacia Seyal Gum Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Collagen Amino Acids, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Ferulic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Polydextrose, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Carbomer, Sodium Lactate, Polysorbate 20, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Linalool
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 AcidEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinThis ingredient is used in skincare as a delivery system.
It works by "encapsulating" active ingredients with its unique ring shape that is water-loving on the outside and oil-loving on the inside. This improves the stability and absorption of the product into the skin.
According to a manufacturer, it also offer some moisturizing effects.
Learn more about Hydroxypropyl CyclodextrinParfum 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.
Potassium 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 SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium 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 BenzoateSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopheryl 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum