What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Citrus Limon Fruit Water 36.5%
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningDisiloxane
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantLauryl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingCitrus Limon Peel Water 1.96%
Skin ConditioningCoco-Betaine
CleansingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingPotassium Benzoate
PreservativeCitrus Limon Peel Oil 0.36%
MaskingTromethamine
BufferingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide 0.1%
SmoothingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
MaskingGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantZingiber Officinale Root Oil
MaskingDextrin
AbsorbentGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCurcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantArginine/Lysine Polypeptide
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingCitrus Limon Fruit Water 36.5%, Water, Disiloxane, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Glycerin, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Citrus Limon Peel Water 1.96%, Coco-Betaine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Benzoate, Citrus Limon Peel Oil 0.36%, Tromethamine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Niacinamide 0.1%, Sodium Polyacrylate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Zingiber Officinale Root Oil, Dextrin, Gluconolactone, Trehalose, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide, Limonene, Citral
Citrus Limon Fruit Water
MaskingPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantTripropylene Glycol
AntioxidantCitrus Limon Peel Water
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningC12-14 Pareth-12
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCoptis Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingOctyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Citrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingNymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningBackhousia Citriodora Leaf Extract
AstringentUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAmaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningMalus Domestica Fruit Extract
AntioxidantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingFicus Carica Fruit Extract
HumectantCymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
MaskingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Oil
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Antioxidant3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Arbutin
AntioxidantFerulic Acid
AntimicrobialArginine/Lysine Polypeptide
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingCitrus Limon Fruit Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Tripropylene Glycol, Citrus Limon Peel Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Water, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, C12-14 Pareth-12, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Sodium Citrate, Octyldodeceth-16, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Ceramide NP, Zingiber Officinale Root Oil, Tocopherol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione, Arbutin, Ferulic Acid, Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide, Limonene, Citral
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
You might know this ingredient as Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a more stable version of ascorbic acid.
Like other types of vitamin C, this ingredient has many benefits including reducing wrinkles, skin soothing, dark spot fading, and fighting against free radicals.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid interferes with the process of skin darkening, helping to reduce hyperpigmentation. It also encourages the skin to produce more collagen.
Once applied, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is converted to Vitamin C deeper in the skin's layers. This process is slow but makes this ingredient more tolerable for skin.
The optimum pH range for this ingredient is 4 - 5.5
Learn more about 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidArginine/Lysine Polypeptide is a peptide.
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate is a version of ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C.
This ingredient has many benefits including reducing wrinkles, skin soothing, dark spot fading, and fighting against free radicals.
It helps with dark spot fading by interfering with the process of skin darkening, helping to reduce hyperpigmentation. Like other forms of vitamin C, this ingredient encourages the skin to create more collagen.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
One study found Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate to degrade in sunlight, but is stabilized when combined with acetyl zingerone.
Learn more about Ascorbyl TetraisopalmitateButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that 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. Just 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.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCitral is the molecule responsible for the fresh lemon scent in lemon, lime, and lemongrass. It is a fragrance ingredient that can be created from plant essential oils or synthetically.
Though Citral has documented antimicrobial activity against acne bacteria (which is where the marketing claims about it being good for acne-prone skin originate), real formulas use it at fragrance-level concentrations under 1% so there's likely no skin benefit.
You should know this ingredient is a known EU fragrance allergen.
Animal studies classifies this ingredient as a weak-to-moderate skin sensitizer and clinical patch testing on eczema patients confirmed it to be both a contact allergen and irritant.
The term 'citral' is a collective term for two geometric isomers: geranial/Citral A and neral/Citral B.
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 CitralCitrus Limon Fruit Water comes from lemons.
Lemons contains antioxidants, which may help with anti-aging. They are also rich in citric acid, an AHA. And of course, lemons are rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps with skin-brightening and increasing collagen production.
Citrus 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 OilWe don't have a description for Citrus Limon Peel Water yet.
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil is also known as lemongrass oil. It is used as a fragrance in cosmetics.
Major components of Lemongrass include limonene and citral. These are known EU allergens and may cause an allergic reaction and skin sensitivity.
Lemongrass oil is being researched for its antibacterial properties.
This is the volatile oil created from the steam distillation of fresh Lemon Grass, Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.), Poaceae. Lemongrass is native to South Asia and Northern Africa. It is commonly used to make tea.
Learn more about Cymbopogon Schoenanthus OilEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is a more stable version of lecithin.
It's made by taking lecithin (a phospholipid commonly found in soybeans and egg yolks) and hydrogenating it. This just means the unsaturated fatty acids are turned into saturated ones so they don't go bad as easily.
This ingredient is an emollient, emulsifier, and penetration enhancer. As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Hydrogenated Lecithin can form tiny spherical structures made of phospholipid bilayers called liposomes. These liposomes are able to capture compounds inside their structure and deliver them through the skin barrier.
Because phospholipids are a natural component of our cell membranes, this ingredient is inherently compatible with skin.
A 2021 study found lecithin-based surfactants were less harsh and more tolerable comared to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
Learn more about Hydrogenated LecithinLimonene 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 LimoneneNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) is a water-soluble form of Vitamin C. It is the salt of ascorbic acid.
This ingredient is commonly used in skincare because it's more formulation-stable while still offering the same benefits as pure ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is notorious for breaking down when exposed to sunlight and oxygen whereas SAP has been shown to be more stable.
Studies show SAP has anti-acne and antioxidant benefits. One study found 5% of SAP lotion to be an effective ingredient for treating acne vulgaris. This is because research shows that SAP may help control acne by reducing acne-causing bacteria and slowing the oxidation of skin oils caused by UV exposure.
In addition to acne, vitamin C is important for skin structure. Lab studies suggest SAP may support collagen production in skin cells, making it a great ingredient in anti-aging routines.
Vitamin C has many benefits: it helps reduce redness, improve skin texture, fade the appearance of dark spots, and brighten the skin.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateWater. 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 WaterZingiber Officinale is more commonly known as ginger.
Studies show the ginger root has antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and antimicrobial properties.
The antioxidant properties help protect your body from free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. As a result, ginger may help slow down signs of aging such as hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.
Ginger originates from Southeast Asia but has spread throughout the world. It is now a common spice used in many cultures.
Learn more about Zingiber Officinale Root Oil