What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPolyimide-1
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingGlycerin
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPolyquaternium-73
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingVp/Dmapa Acrylates Copolymer
Propylene Glycol
HumectantCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialDisodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Benzoate
MaskingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingAmyl Cinnamal
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingWater, Polyimide-1, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Panthenol, Polysorbate 20, Polyquaternium-73, Decyl Glucoside, Vp/Dmapa Acrylates Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Amyl Cinnamal, Citral, Linalool, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal
Water
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
Polyquaternium-10
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Flower
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydroxypropyl Guar
Emulsion StabilisingPg-Hydroxyethylcellulose Cocodimonium Chloride
Tocopherol
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Chloride
MaskingCarnosine
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantParfum
MaskingSodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Acetate
BufferingIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingBenzyl Cinnamate
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Polyquaternium-10, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Helianthus Annuus Flower, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Helianthus Annuus Flower Extract, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Pg-Hydroxyethylcellulose Cocodimonium Chloride, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Carnosine, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Parfum, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Acetate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Cinnamate, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Limonene, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzyl Salicylate is a solvent and fragrance additive. It is an ester of benzyl alcohol and salicylic acid. This ingredient can be naturally found in some plants and plant extracts.
In fragrances, Benzyl Salicylate may be a solvent or a fragrance component. In synthetic musk scents, it is used as a solvent. For floral fragrances such as lilac and jasmine, it is used as a fragrance component. The natural scent of Benzyl Salicylate is described as "lightly-sweet, slightly balsamic".
While Benzyl Salicylate has been associated with contact dermatitis and allergies, emerging studies show it may not be caused by this ingredient alone.
However, this ingredient is often used with fragrances and other components that may cause allergies. It is still listed as a known allergen in the EU. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Another study from 2021 shows Benzyl Salicylate may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Learn more about Benzyl SalicylateCitric 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.
We don't have a description for Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract yet.
Hexyl Cinnamal is a fragrance ingredient with a similar scent to jasmine. It can be naturally found in chamomile essential oil.
This ingredient is a known EU allergen and may sensitize the skin. The EU requires this ingredient to be listed separately on an ingredients list.
Hexyl Cinnamal is not water soluble but is soluble in oils.
Learn more about Hexyl CinnamalLimonene 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 LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolParfum 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.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSodium 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 (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water