What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeAmodimethicone
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientQuaternium-80
Cetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePanthenol
Skin ConditioningPvp
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
BufferingTrideceth-12
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Limonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingSodium PCA
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingArginine
MaskingCoumarin
PerfumingAspartic Acid
MaskingPCA
HumectantCitral
PerfumingGlycine
BufferingAlanine
MaskingSerine
MaskingValine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Histidine
HumectantPhenylalanine
MaskingWater, Propylene Glycol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Amodimethicone, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Quaternium-80, Cetrimonium Chloride, Parfum, Isopropyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Pvp, Citric Acid, Trideceth-12, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Limonene, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Coumarin, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Citral, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine
Water
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientC13-14 Alkane
SolventC15-23 Alkane
SolventC13-15 Alkane
SolventTrimethylsiloxyamodimethicone
PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningLysine Carboxymethyl Cysteinate
Skin ConditioningCreatine
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
EmollientEuterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningBixa Orellana Seed Extract
MaskingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPolyacrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride
Polyquaternium-7
Sericin
Skin ConditioningGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningC11-15 Pareth-7
EmulsifyingC12-16 Pareth-9
EmulsifyingBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeTrideceth-12
EmulsifyingLactic Acid
BufferingPolyquaternium-37
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientTrideceth-6
EmulsifyingCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialCinnamal
PerfumingGlycolic Acid
BufferingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingAmyl Cinnamal
PerfumingHexyl Salicylate
MaskingCitronellol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCoumarin
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingButylene Glycol
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientParfum
MaskingCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Isododecane, C13-14 Alkane, C15-23 Alkane, C13-15 Alkane, Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Panthenol, Lysine Carboxymethyl Cysteinate, Creatine, Algae Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, Bixa Orellana Seed Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyacrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-7, Sericin, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, C11-15 Pareth-7, C12-16 Pareth-9, Behentrimonium Chloride, Trideceth-12, Lactic Acid, Polyquaternium-37, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Trideceth-6, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cinnamal, Glycolic Acid, Hexyl Cinnamal, Amyl Cinnamal, Hexyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Coumarin, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum, CI 15985
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone is a fragrance. It can be synthetically created or naturally occurring.
The scent of Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone is described as "flowery" but can also be "woody".
Naturally occurring Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone may be found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or the yeast used to make wine and bread.
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 Alpha-Isomethyl IononeThis ingredient is a preservative and often used for it's anti-static properties. You'll most likely see this ingredient in hair conditioners.
It does not cause irritation or sensitization in leave-on products at 1-5%.
This ingredient is a preservative, antimicrobial, and emulsifier. It is often used in cosmetics for its ability to cleanse, condition, and reduce static.
Cetrimonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt, meaning it has a water-soluble structure.
Citronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolCoumarins are a group of substances found naturally in plants. There are over 1300 types of coumarins identified. It has a natural vanilla scent.
Coumarin is an identified EU known allergy, meaning it may cause an allergic reaction when applied to the skin.
In many countries, coumarin is banned as a food additive. However, it can be found in soaps, tobacco products, and some alcohol drinks.
Plants use coumarins as a chemical defense. Some plants that have coumarins include lavender, tonka beans, and yellow clovers.
Learn more about CoumarinDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAHexyl 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 CinnamalLinalool 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 LinaloolPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolParfum 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 a synthetic, colorless, odorless liquid that has been a staple in cosmetics for decades. It is a skin conditioning agent, humectant, and solvent.
As a humectant, it draw water to the skin to reduce flaking and restore suppleness. It's also a solvent that helps dissolve other actives and keeps formulas stable across temperature changes.
The CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be nontoxic and clinical studies show no sensitization at cosmetic use concentrations.
True allergic reactions are quite rare: a 15-year retrospective study of 6,751 patients found only 0.31% had a positive reaction (and less than half were considered clinically relevant).
It seemed that when sensitization does occur, it's most commonly linked to topical medication (like corticosteroids) and not cosmetics. Allergic contact dermatitis also appears largely limited to individuals with underlying skin conditions.
Overall, propylene glycol is a well-studied ingredient that most people can tolerate without issue.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolThis ingredient is an emollient designed to leave a non-greasy feel. It is also a skin conditioning agent and viscosity modifier.
Skin irritation studies for this ingredient (up to 80%) showed mimimal to no irritation.
One thing worth knowing: this ingredient may enhance the skin penetration of other ingredients.
Overall, this ingredient is a well-tolerated and lightweight emollient.
Learn more about Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/DicaprateWe don't have a description for Trideceth-12 yet.
Water. 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