What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingMenthyl Lactate
MaskingAlanine
MaskingAlcohol
AntimicrobialApigenin
AntioxidantArctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingAspartic Acid
MaskingBiotinoyl Tripeptide-1
Bisabolol
MaskingCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingCamellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentCarica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Geranium Maculatum Extract
TonicGinkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingHistidine
HumectantHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Cloprostenate
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantOleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingPCA
HumectantPhenylalanine
MaskingPilocarpus Pennatifolius Leaf Extract
TonicPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingSodium Lactate
BufferingSodium PCA
HumectantTaraxacum Officinale Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Valine
MaskingVitis Vinifera Seed Extract
AntimicrobialBenzoic Acid
MaskingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantSorbic Acid
PreservativeAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCitronellol
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Menthyl Lactate, Alanine, Alcohol, Apigenin, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Bisabolol, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Disodium EDTA, Geranium Maculatum Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Glycine, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Histidine, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Isoleucine, Isopropyl Cloprostenate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Oleanolic Acid, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Panthenol, Parfum, PCA, Phenylalanine, Pilocarpus Pennatifolius Leaf Extract, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Proline, Serine, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Taraxacum Officinale Leaf Extract, Threonine, Valine, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Benzoic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sorbic Acid, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Benzoate, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventAlcohol
AntimicrobialPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingArginine
MaskingLactic Acid
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantPolyquaternium-7
Glycine Soja Germ Extract
EmollientTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingJuniperus Virginiana Oil
MaskingCalcium Gluconate
HumectantPinus Palustris Oil
MaskingApigenin
AntioxidantOleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningBiotinoyl Tripeptide-1
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeLimonene
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingWater, Propanediol, Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hydroxide, Arginine, Lactic Acid, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Butylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-7, Glycine Soja Germ Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Gluconolactone, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Calcium Gluconate, Pinus Palustris Oil, Apigenin, Oleanolic Acid, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.
These alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.
Learn more about AlcoholApigenin is an antioxidant.
Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.
As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.
Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineBiotinoyl Tripeptide-1 is a lab-made molecule that combines two parts: biotin (vitamin B7) and Tripeptide-1. Together, they form a peptide that’s often used in hair and eyelash products.
In-vitro studies show this ingredient helps hair bulb cells grow faster and product more structual proteins. This helps keep hair securely anchored in the follicle.
A small human study using a mascara with 2% Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 reported lashes that were about 17% longer and 19% thicker after one month.
One study from 2025 compared topical spray vs. a combined tropical/oral treatment. The combination group saw greater increases in total hair count.
While these early results are encouraging, most of the data comes from in-vitro experiments (in test tubes) or small, short-term trials.
Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 looks promising for supporting hair strength and growth but there’s not yet strong clinical evidence to confirm how well it works.
Learn more about Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1Butylene 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 GlycolDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAOleanolic acid is a type of triterpene.
Triterpenes are chemical compounds found in various plants such as pomegranates, apples, basil, and rosemary. They have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Parfum 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 ParfumPeg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is derived from castor oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG). It is used as a emollient and emulsifier.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps make the other ingredients more soluble; it is often used to solubilize fragrances. This increases spreadability and elongates shelf life in a product.
Emollients help soothe and soften the skin. They do this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
This ingredient may or may not be vegan, depending on the source.
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil may not be fungal-acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any questions or concerns.
Learn more about PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20We don't have a description for PPG-26-Buteth-26 yet.
Sodium 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 BenzoateWater. 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