What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
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
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientHeptyl Undecylenate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveAlcohol
AntimicrobialPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingMelilotus Officinalis Extract
AstringentSalicylic Acid
MaskingLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingHamamelis Virginiana Extract
AntiseborrhoeicZinc Sulfate
AntimicrobialAlgae Extract
EmollientCaffeine
Skin ConditioningLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingTocopherol
AntioxidantPullulan
Trehalose
HumectantPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingLecithin
EmollientParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingPhytic Acid
Sodium Phytate
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeIron Oxides
Water, Propanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Heptyl Undecylenate, Silica, Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Melilotus Officinalis Extract, Salicylic Acid, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Zinc Sulfate, Algae Extract, Caffeine, Lauroyl Lysine, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Sclerotium Gum, Tocopherol, Pullulan, Trehalose, Pyridoxine Hcl, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Lecithin, Parfum, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Citral, Phytic Acid, Sodium Phytate, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides
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 GlycolGlycerin (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 GlycerinThis ingredient comes from a fatty acid (lauric acid) and amino acid (lysine). It is used to add a silky feel to cosmetics.
According to a manufacturer, its fatty acid base leaves a silky feeling on the skin. It also has emollient properties because of this. Emollients help soften skin by preventing water from evaporating.
Lauroyl lysine is barely soluble in water.
Learn more about Lauroyl LysineParfum 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 ParfumPropanediol 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 PropanediolSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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