What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentKaolin
AbrasiveSodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentPropanediol
SolventEuterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Punica Granatum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantPunica Granatum Seed Powder
AbrasiveLycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCamellia Sinensis Leaf Powder
Malpighia Glabra Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
MaskingPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentElettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract
PerfumingAcer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningPaullinia Cupana Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCarica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientSalvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingFucus Vesiculosus Extract
EmollientRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract
RefreshingCucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Centifolia Flower Extract
AstringentJasminum Officinale Flower Extract
MaskingSantalum Album Wood Extract
PerfumingCananga Odorata Flower Extract
PerfumingCupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Nut/Stem Oil
EmollientMorinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGarcinia Mangostana Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPapain
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Quinoa
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Linseed Seed
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBromelain
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTriethyl Citrate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentSodium Chloride
MaskingAlgin
MaskingDisodium Adenosine Triphosphate
Skin ConditioningDiatomaceous Earth
AbrasiveParfum
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPhytic Acid
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativePolydiallyl Phthalate
Tea-Sulfate
BufferingWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Kaolin, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Propanediol, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Seed Powder, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Malpighia Glabra Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract, Acer Saccharum Extract, Paullinia Cupana Seed Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Santalum Album Wood Extract, Cananga Odorata Flower Extract, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Nut/Stem Oil, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Fruit Extract, Papain, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Hydrolyzed Linseed Seed, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bromelain, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethyl Citrate, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Maltodextrin, Sodium Chloride, Algin, Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate, Diatomaceous Earth, Parfum, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phytic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Polydiallyl Phthalate, Tea-Sulfate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDiglycerin
HumectantMaltooligosyl Glucoside
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantDecyl Glucoside
CleansingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientGlycol Distearate
EmollientDisodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingLactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningDisodium Cocoamphodiacetate
CleansingPropanediol
SolventColloidal Oatmeal
AbsorbentHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientXanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingBisabolol
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Algin
Triethyl Citrate
MaskingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientCalendula Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAgastache Mexicana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
BufferingLavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialElettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract
PerfumingPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingLinum Usitatissimum Seed Extract
PerfumingCananga Odorata Flower Extract
PerfumingCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract
RefreshingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCoffea Arabica Seedcake Extract
Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningFucus Vesiculosus Extract
EmollientJasminum Officinale Flower Extract
MaskingRose Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSalvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingSantalum Album Wood Extract
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Diglycerin, Maltooligosyl Glucoside, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Decyl Glucoside, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycol Distearate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Propanediol, Colloidal Oatmeal, Hydroxyacetophenone, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Bisabolol, Hydrolyzed Algin, Triethyl Citrate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Phenoxyethanol, Agastache Mexicana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Lactic Acid, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Extract, Cananga Odorata Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract, Coffea Arabica Seedcake Extract, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Rose Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Santalum Album Wood Extract
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 ExtractCananga Odorata Flower Extract is a fragrance. It can cause irritation.
Citric 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 AcidThis ingredient is known as bitter orange blossom or neroli flower extract. It is mainly used for its soft floral scent.
The flowers naturally contain plant antioxidants and soothing compounds that have shown calming, antioxidant, and mild brightening-related effects in lab studies.
It is generally considered low risk when used at the small amounts typical in cosmetics. However, it may still bother fragrance-sensitive skin because it’s a fragrant botanical.
Unlike some citrus peel oils, bitter orange flower extracts are not usually linked to sun sensitivity.
Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower ExtractWe don't have a description for Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract yet.
This extract comes from cucumber. Cucumbers are mostly made up of water (95%), and the other 5% is composed of: vitamin C, caffeic acid, fatty acids, amino acids, and other minerals.
Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory, barrier repair, and hydrating properties.
They contain shikimate dehydrigenase, an enzyme shown to help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
The amino acids found in cucumbers help nourish our skin's natural acid mantle (it's an important part of our skin barrier). This slightly acidic film acts as a barrier to protect us from bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.
Unless you have an allergy to cucumbers, this is generally a non-irritating ingredient.
Fun fact: Cucumis Sativus is native to South Asia and can now be found on every continent.
Learn more about Cucumis Sativus Fruit ExtractCardamomum extract is used to add a sweet, warm, and spicy scent to products.
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract is derived from a type of brown algae.
Algae is an informal term for a group of aquatic organisms that can photosynthesize. It is estimated there are at least 30,000 types of Algae.
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract is also rich in sodium, potassium, and amino acids.
Many different types of algae have different benefits.
Learn more about Fucus Vesiculosus ExtractGlycerin (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 GlycerinHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
Though naturally occuring in Norwegian spruce needles, this ingredient is usually synthetically created.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing. Recent research also suggests it may have skin-brightening effects through tyrosinase inhibition.
Learn more about HydroxyacetophenoneJasmine flower extract is a fragrance. The flower also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
The antioxidant activity in Jasmine comes from flavonoids - a compound found in many plants. While antioxidants are great - Jasmine flowers also contain coumarin, a known EU allergen.
This ingredient can also help mask unpleasant scents from other ingredients.
Learn more about Jasminum Officinale Flower ExtractThis ingredient comes from the lavender plant. It is used to add a scent or mask an unpleasant one in products.
Lavender contains linalool and linalyl acetate.
When exposed to air, these two compounds become strong allergens. This ingredient exhibits cytotoxicity at low concentrations; amounts of 0.25% have been shown to damage skin cells.
Learn more about Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem ExtractPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolPyrus 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 ExtractRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.
While Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil can be volatile due to its fragrant properties, the fragrance components are usually removed in the leaf extract.
Rosemary Leaf Extract contains many antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid. Rosemarinic acid, a compound found in rosemary leaf, has been found to help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf ExtractWe don't have a description for Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract yet.
Sage leaf extract is a culinary and medicinal herb with antibacterial, antioxidant, and soothing properties.
This ingredient is made up of 75-90% ursolic acid, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound.
Santalum Album Wood Extract is a fragrance.
Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideTriethyl Citrate comes from citric acid. It has masking, perfuming, and solvent properties. As a solvent, this ingredient helps disperse ingredients evenly in skincare.
One manufacturer claims this ingredient can:
According to perfume manufacturers, this ingredient is almost odorless but has a mild fruity, wine and plum scent. It can be used to mask the scent of other ingredients.
This ingredient can be plant-sourced or synthetic; it can naturally be found in cabbage and white wine.
Learn more about Triethyl CitrateWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum