What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialEthylhexyl Stearate
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientTapioca Starch
Royal Jelly
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientCellulose
AbsorbentSoybean Glycerides
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSteareth-21
CleansingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Mel
EmollientBis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantButyrospermum Parkii Butter Unsaponifiables
Skin ConditioningSorbitol
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientMel Extract
MoisturisingSteareth-2
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningPolyglycerin-4
HumectantWater, Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Tapioca Starch, Royal Jelly, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Cellulose, Soybean Glycerides, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Steareth-21, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Mel, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Stearyl Alcohol, CI 77891, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Unsaponifiables, Sorbitol, Cetyl Alcohol, Mel Extract, Steareth-2, Parfum, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Polyglycerin-4
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
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
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.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholButylene 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, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolChlorphenesin 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 ChlorphenesinCoco-Caprylate/Caprate is a lightweight ester created from coconut oil fatty acids, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is an emollient that helps soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). What sets it apart from heavier emollients is its ultralight, non-greasy feel.
Once applied, this ingredient dries down quickly and leaves a dry, silky finish behind. This also helps improve spreadability and texture.
This ingredient has an excellent safety-record and is non-irritating.
Typical concentrations for cosmetics range from 0.5-62%.
Research on Malassezia growth found no growth on fatty acid esters with chain lengths shorter than 12 carbons (it prefers C11-24).
Since Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is built on C8 and C10 fatty acids, it is out of the range that Malassezia metabolizes, and therefore safe for fungal acne.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateGlycerin (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 GlycerinWe don't have a description for Mel yet.
We don't have a description for Mel Extract 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 âFRAGRANCEâ or âPARFUMâ 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 GlycolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
Itâs 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 JellySorbitol is a sugar alcohol. It is a hydrating and moisturizing agent created from the reduction process of glucose.
Most sorbitol is usually made from potato starch. It is also found in fruits such as apples and pears.
As a humectant, Sorbitol helps draw water to the skin. This helps keep the skin hydrated. Sorbitol also helps create a thicker texture in products. You might find sorbitol in your toothpaste and other gels.
It is a non-irritating ingredient that is great for those with dry skin.
Sorbitol is a prebiotic. It helps promote the growth of healthy bacteria on your skin. The bacteria on your skin form a microbiome. This microbiome helps protect your skin from infection and harmful bacteria.
Learn more about SorbitolWater. 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