What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingGlycerin
Humectant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Decyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Cleansing
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingLitchi Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHedychium Coronarium Root Extract
MaskingLotus Corniculatus Flower Extract
MaskingHydrolyzed Jojoba Protein
Skin ConditioningQuartz
Abrasive
Rose Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Masking
Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningJasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract
RefreshingMorus Indica Flower Extract
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSalvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCananga Odorata Flower Extract
Perfuming
Coffea Arabica Leaf/Seed Extract
MaskingCucumis Melo Cantalupensis Fruit Extract
AstringentSodium Chloride
MaskingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Cocamide Mipa
Emulsifying
Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate
CleansingHydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Trisodium EDTA
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantCI 60730
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract, Lotus Corniculatus Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Protein, Quartz, Rose Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract, Morus Indica Flower Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Cananga Odorata Flower Extract, Coffea Arabica Leaf/Seed Extract, Cucumis Melo Cantalupensis Fruit Extract, Sodium Chloride, Panthenol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cocamide Mipa, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Trisodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, CI 19140, CI 14700, CI 60730
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Cleansing
Propanediol
Solvent
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDecyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Cleansing
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Citrus Tangerina Peel Extract
AstringentPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingDisodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate
CleansingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Trisodium EDTA
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Propanediol, Polysorbate 20, Xanthan Gum, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Citrus Tangerina Peel Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Trisodium EDTA, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 16035, 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.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (tea extract) is one of the most well-researched plant extracts in skincare with an impressive resume.
Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from the Camellia Sinensis plant.
Studies show green tea extract and its catechins (like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)) help your skin cells product energy more efficiently and reducing the number of free-radicals that can damage your skin from the inside.
In lab-grown skin models, this translated to younger, healthier, and stronger skin.
There's also good sun protection data; researchers saw less DNA damage and redness on human skin when green tea was applied before UVB exposure. And the more they applied, the better the protection.
Needless to say, this ingredient shouldn't replace your sunscreen. But it is a great supportive ingredient that you can already find in many sunscreens and antioxidant serums.
A 2009 study found a 2% green tea lotion was effective for mild-to-moderate acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity.
The quality of the extract matters a lot here:
Good extracts contain 50-90% catechins while lower quality ones are mostly there for marketing. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the quality or source of their ingredients.
Human Repeated Insult Patch Testing showed no irritation or sensitization at use concentrations (0.86% in leave-on products and up to 30% as leaf water).
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractThis ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, a compound with two amino groups.
This ingredient is a surfactant and cleanser. It helps gather the dirt, pollutants, and other impurities in your skin to be washed away. It also helps thicken a product and make the texture more creamy.
Being created from coconut oil means Cocamidopropyl Betaine is hydrating for the skin.
While Cocamidopropyl Betaine was believed to be an allergen, a study from 2012 disproved this. It found two compounds in unpure Cocamidopropyl Betaine to be the irritants: aminoamide and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. High-grade and pure Cocamidopropyl Betaine did not induce allergic reactions during this study.
Learn more about Cocamidopropyl BetaineCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is a synthetic cleansing agent, though it is derived from coconut oil.
It is used to enhance the texture of products by boosting lather and thickening the texture. As a cleanser, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is mild.
Decyl Glucoside is a plant-derived surfactant and emulsion stabilizer. It is created by reacting glucose with the fatty acids from plants.
Like all surfactants, it works by lowering the surface tension between water and oil. This makes it so that dirt, sebum, and makeup can be lifted off your skin and rinsed away. It also produces a dense and creamy foam.
Because it has a neutral charge, it is compatible with a wide range of ingredients and stays stable across a broad pH range/water hardiness conditions.
Patch testing has shown it to have the lowest irritation potential among common cleansing surfactants (like SLS).
Typical use levels range from 5-20% in rinse-off cleansers.
One thing worth knowing: The American Contact Dermatitis Society named the parent family, alkyl glucosides, "Allergen of the Year" in 2017. The prevalence of allergy is pretty low but be sure to patch test if you've reacted to "gentle" or sulfate-free cleansers before.
This ingredient is fungal acne safe because the fatty alcohol portion of this ingredient is not within the C11-24 chain length that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Decyl GlucosideThis ingredient is a cleansing agent, surfactant, and foam booster. It considered an alternative to traditional sulfates (Sulfosuccinate) and is allowed in "sulfate-free" products.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is mild and can be used in baby and bath options.
We don't have a description for Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate yet.
Glycerin (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 GlycerinHexylene Glycol is a multitasker ingredient that works as a solvent, humectant, emulsifier, viscosity reducer, and preservative booster.
It is able to dissolve both water and oil-soluble ingredients to stabilize tricky actives and make products spread more easily.
As a humectant, it pulls water into the skin. But it's a pretty minor moisturizing ingredient compared to other humectants, like glycerin.
Interestingly, it can act as a mild penetration enhancer. One in vitro study on human skin found a 12% concentration upped the absorption of mometasone furoate (a medicinal ingredient used to treat inflammatory skin conditions) up to 7%.
This ingredient is typically used at levels of 0.1-10% depending on the role it's playing.
A patch test study on eczema patients didn't find a significant increase in irritation versus the control group, but the potential for irritation rises at higher concentrations.
Learn more about Hexylene GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Potassium 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 SorbatePyrus Malus Fruit Extract is extract from Apples. Apples are rich in Vitamin C, sugars, and antioxidants.
The sugar in Apples are humectants and help hydrate the skin. On top of that, apples also contain some acids, such as malic acid. These acids may have a mild exfoliating effect.
Last, the phytochemicals found in apples are strong antioxidants. These antioxidants help with anti-aging as they protect your skin cells against oxidative damage.
Learn more about Pyrus Malus Fruit ExtractTrisodium EDTA is one of those quietly essential helper ingredients that most people have never heard of. You'll most likely spot it near the end of ingredient lists in almost every category of skincare.
So what does it actually do?
Its main job is chelation; this is a fancy word to say it grabs onto metal ions and neutralizes them. This is because even purified water in cosmetics contains trace amounts of metals that can cause big problems in a formula.
These trace metals can break down actives faster, cause discoloration, promote rancidity in oils, and make preservatives less effective. Trisodium EDTA binds to these metals and takes them out of the equation so your products can stay stable and effective for longer.
There's also an added bonus: by neutralizing the metals ions that bacteria need to thrive, this ingredient also acts as a preservative booster.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review has concluded this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetic formulations. It is not considered an irritant, sensitizer, and is barely absorbed through the skin.
Learn more about Trisodium EDTAWater. 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
