What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDecyl Glucoside
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantCoco-Glucoside
CleansingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningDisodium Coco-Glucoside Citrate
EmulsifyingDiheptyl Succinate
EmollientGlyceryl Oleate
EmollientAmaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCapryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningAllium Cepa Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningNigella Sativa Seed Extract
PerfumingPhyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract
HumectantTrigonella Foenum-Graecum Seed Extract
PerfumingWithania Somnifera Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract
Glyoxal
AntimicrobialCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialYucca Schidigera Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingTocopherol
AntioxidantHydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
EmollientSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingWater, Decyl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Disodium Coco-Glucoside Citrate, Diheptyl Succinate, Glyceryl Oleate, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Allium Cepa Bulb Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Nigella Sativa Seed Extract, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Seed Extract, Withania Somnifera Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract, Glyoxal, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Yucca Schidigera Root Extract, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Gluconolactone, Benzyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal
Water
Skin ConditioningLauryl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Alaninate
Coco-Betaine
CleansingAgar
MaskingAlgin
MaskingBenzoic Acid
MaskingCalcium Gluconate
HumectantCamphor
MaskingCellulose
AbsorbentCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77289
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantCitric Acid
BufferingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingParfum
MaskingGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCI 42053
Cosmetic ColorantHydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingLavandula Hybrida Oil
EmollientLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingLinalyl Acetate
MaskingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentMethyl Glucose Dioleate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPantolactone
HumectantPaullinia Cupana Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPinene
MaskingPropanediol
SolventRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingTalc
AbrasiveTocopherol
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate, Coco-Betaine, Agar, Algin, Benzoic Acid, Calcium Gluconate, Camphor, Cellulose, Cellulose Gum, CI 77289, CI 77288, Citric Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Parfum, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, CI 42053, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Linalyl Acetate, Maltodextrin, Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Pantolactone, Paullinia Cupana Seed Extract, Pinene, Propanediol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Talc, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, CI 19140
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 AcidGluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneGlycerin (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 GlycerinLauryl Glucoside sugar- and lipid-based cleansing agent. It is created from glucose and lauryl alcohol.
This ingredient is a surfactant, making it easier to rinse oil, dirt, and other pollutants away.
A British study found lauryl glucoside to cause skin sensitivity for some people. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Other names for this ingredient include "Lauryl Polyglucose", "Lauryl glycoside", and "D-Glucopyranoside".
Learn more about Lauryl GlucosideLimonene 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 LimoneneParfum 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 ParfumSodium 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