What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPolyglycerin-3
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMel
EmollientRoyal Jelly
Mannitol
HumectantCellulose
AbsorbentChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPropanediol
SolventTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingBiosaccharide Gum-2
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantMaltodextrin
AbsorbentAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAcrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Triethyl Citrate
MaskingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Benzoate
MaskingBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingTin Oxide
AbrasiveWater, Glycerin, Polyglycerin-3, 1,2-Hexanediol, Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Pentylene Glycol, Mel, Royal Jelly, Mannitol, Cellulose, Chlorphenesin, Parfum, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Propanediol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Biosaccharide Gum-2, Tocopheryl Acetate, Maltodextrin, Adenosine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Triethyl Citrate, CI 77891, Sodium Benzoate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Metabisulfite, CI 77492, Potassium Sorbate, CI 77491, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Tin Oxide
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventAlcohol
AntimicrobialGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSqualane
EmollientMel
EmollientDiglycerin
HumectantMel Extract
MoisturisingRoyal Jelly
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveParfum
MaskingGlycolic Acid
BufferingSorbitol
HumectantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
BufferingPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
BufferingSodium Magnesium Silicate
Dimethicone
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingAlgin
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Citrate
BufferingHydrolyzed Soy Flour
Skin ConditioningMalva Sylvestris Extract
AstringentAlbizia Julibrissin Bark Extract
MaskingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Hydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPolyvinyl Alcohol
Biosaccharide Gum-2
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningYeast Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Propanediol, Alcohol, Gluconolactone, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Mel, Diglycerin, Mel Extract, Royal Jelly, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Lauroyl Lysine, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glyceryl Stearate, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Parfum, Glycolic Acid, Sorbitol, Chlorphenesin, Carbomer, Citric Acid, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Lactic Acid, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Algin, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Citrate, Hydrolyzed Soy Flour, Malva Sylvestris Extract, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Adenosine, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Biosaccharide Gum-2, Caprylyl Glycol, Caramel, Cellulose Gum, Potassium Sorbate, CI 77492, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Yeast Ferment Extract, Silica, CI 77491
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineAlcohol 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 AlcoholWe don't have a description for Biosaccharide Gum-2 yet.
This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491Ci 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Citric 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 AcidGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinWe don't have a description for Mel yet.
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 ParfumPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a texture enhancer and pH adjuster.
It is be used to thicken water-based products and create a gel-texture with a velvet feel.
One manufacturer claims this ingredient to have a pH range of 2-8 and to be biodegradable.
Learn more about Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePropanediol 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 PropanediolRoyal Jelly Extract is a secretion made by worker honeybees. This secretion is white and described as creamy.
This compound has antibacterial, anti-aging, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The antibacterial property makes Royal Jelly helpful in wound-healing.
Antioxidants help protect our skin against free radical molecules. These molecules may damage our skin's DNA. Two antioxidant compounds found in royal jelly are ferulic acid and quercetin.
Compounds found in royal jelly include: sulfur, calcium, zinc, iron, and B vitamins.
Royal Jelly is derived from honeybees. This means it is not vegan.
Learn more about Royal JellySodium 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 BenzoateSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful.
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water