What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Lauryl Sulfate
Cleansing
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Glycerin
Humectant
Acrylates Copolymer
Decyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Coco-Glucoside
Cleansing
Glyceryl Oleate
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Polyquaternium-7
Castoryl Maleate
Skin ConditioningBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLauryl Alcohol
Emollient
2-Benzylheptanol
Masking
Decylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Proline
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ng
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide As
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Menthone Glycerin Acetal
Refreshing
Menthol
Masking
Disodium EDTA
ChelatingCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingGeraniol
Perfuming
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Water, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Acrylates Copolymer, Decyl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Parfum, Polyquaternium-7, Castoryl Maleate, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lauryl Alcohol, 2-Benzylheptanol, Decylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium PCA, Panthenol, Proline, Hydroxyproline, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide Ng, Ceramide NP, Ceramide As, Ceramide AP, Centella Asiatica Extract, Menthone Glycerin Acetal, Menthol, Disodium EDTA, CI 42090, Sodium Hydroxide, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citral, Limonene, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingLauric Acid
Cleansing
Lauryl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingCocamide Mea
Emulsifying
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Chloride
MaskingParfum
Masking
Menthol
Masking
Di-C12-13 Alkyl Malate
EmollientSodium Sulfite
Preservative
Sodium Metaphosphate
BufferingGluconolactone
Chelating
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLinalool
Perfuming
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Mentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Betaine
Humectant
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Panax Ginseng Root Water
Masking
Propanediol
Solvent
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Mume Fruit Extract
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex
Antioxidant
Asiatic Acid
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Lauric Acid, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Cocamide Mea, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Parfum, Menthol, Di-C12-13 Alkyl Malate, Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Metaphosphate, Gluconolactone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Linalool, Lactic Acid, Mentha Piperita Oil, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Limonene, Ascorbic Acid, Betaine, Phytosphingosine, Citric Acid, Glycolic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Panax Ginseng Root Water, Propanediol, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Madecassoside, Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Tocopherol, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex, Asiatic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinLimonene is the compound that gives citrus peel its smell.
In skincare, it shows up as a standalone fragrance ingredient or as a natural compound of citrus and other essential oils.
You'll typically see this ingredient used in very small amounts; anything above 0.001% in a leave-on product or 0.01% in a rinse-off has to be named on the label in the EU. The citrus oils that carry it sit around 0.5-1% in a finished formula.
Fresh limonene is a weak allergen; the real issue is that it slowly reacts with air and then breaks down from oxidation to create hydroperoxides (which are strong sensitizers). This is why suppliers are required to keep the peroxide value below 20 mmol.
Positive reactions in people being investigated for eczema vary:
It's worth skipping if you have a known fragrance allergy or a compromised barrier, but the risk is low for most people.
Older or long-opened products are also more likely to bother you than fresh ones due to oxidation.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a small, naturally occurring scent molecule found in plants like lavender, coriander, bergamot, and more.
It is one of the two most-used fragrance ingredients in cosmetics and added purely for smell. Since it's not used for a skin benefit, there's no "effective dose". Concentration depends on the fragrance load of the product.
The EU requires it to be named on the label above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products.
Fresh linalool is a weak sensitizer but air exposure turns some of it into hydroperoxides, which are strong sensitizers. Those oxidation products are the actual allergy concern.
Patch-test clinics see positive reactions to linalool hydroperoxides in about 4% to 12% of dermatitis patients depending on country and test concentration.
Resassuringly, one analytical study found hydroperoxide levels in real fragranced products to be orders of magnitude below what induced sensitization in animal studies with no evidence of oxidation building up during normal storage.
The practical takeaway is that linalool is fine for most people but worth avoiding if you have a confirmed fragrance contact allergy or a badly compromised barrier.
Products stored a long time after opening are also the high-risk scenario since that is when oxidation happens.
The scent of linalool is described as floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolMenthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholParfum 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 Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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
