What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate
CleansingTea-Cocoyl Glutamate
Cleansing
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingCocamide Mea
Emulsifying
Polyquaternium-10
PPG-3 Myristyl Ether
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Pentasodium Pentetate
Sodium Chloride
MaskingCitric Acid
Buffering
Niacinamide
Smoothing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Aspartic Acid
Masking
Arginine
Masking
Alanine
Masking
Asparagine
MaskingCystine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
Humectant
Glycine
Buffering
Glutamine
Skin ConditioningHistidine
Humectant
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningLeucine
Skin ConditioningLysine
Skin ConditioningMethionine
Skin ConditioningOrnithine
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
Masking
Proline
Skin Conditioning
Serine
Masking
Taurine
BufferingThreonine
Tryptophan
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingValine
MaskingHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract
MaskingMenthol
Masking
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPorphyridium Cruentum Extract
Skin ConditioningFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningMenadione
MaskingPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Thiamine Hcl
MaskingBioflavonoids
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
Emollient
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate, Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamide Mea, Polyquaternium-10, PPG-3 Myristyl Ether, Caprylyl Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Parfum, Pentasodium Pentetate, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aspartic Acid, Arginine, Alanine, Asparagine, Cystine, Glutamic Acid, Glycine, Glutamine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Ornithine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Taurine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Valine, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Butylene Glycol, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Menthol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Biotin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lactobacillus Ferment, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract, Folic Acid, Menadione, Pyridoxine, Riboflavin, Retinol, Thiamine Hcl, Bioflavonoids, Cyanocobalamin, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Alaninate
Lauryl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Cleansing
Erythritol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
Honey Extract
Humectant
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Extract
EmollientSesamum Indicum Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningFragaria Chiloensis Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Morus Alba Root Extract
BleachingCornus Officinalis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTaraxacum Officinale Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningRubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract
AstringentHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
Cleansing
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Pelargonium Graveolens Extract
Masking
Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantThymus Vulgaris Extract
Perfuming
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin Conditioning
Laminaria Japonica Extract
Skin Protecting
Salicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Napus Extract
Skin ConditioningNarcissus Pseudo-Narcissus Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCeratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract
MaskingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-10
Sodium Chloride
MaskingBetaine
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Arginine
Masking
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Coconut Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Isethionate
CleansingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Water, Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Erythritol, Glycerin, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Honey Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Fragaria Chiloensis Fruit Extract, Morus Alba Root Extract, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Taraxacum Officinale Leaf Extract, Rubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Brassica Napus Extract, Narcissus Pseudo-Narcissus Flower Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Ceratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Chloride, Betaine, Allantoin, Panthenol, Arginine, Sodium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Coconut Acid, Sodium Isethionate, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum
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.
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 preservatives
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitric 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 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 EthylhexylglycerinPanthenol 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 ParfumPolyquaternium-10 is an ammonium salt of hydroxyethylcellulose. It is a white and granular powder used as a film-former and anti-static agent.
This ingredient is commonly found in hair conditioning products. According to a manufacturer, its positive charge makes it great for absorbing hair proteins. The manufacturer also states this ingredient helps with curl retention.
For haircare friends: this ingredient is not a silicone.
Learn more about Polyquaternium-10Chances 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 ChlorideWater. 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
