What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialGlycerin
HumectantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingHeptyl Glucoside
Polyquaternium-37
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingPiroctone Olamine
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Caffeine
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingFructose
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingUrea
BufferingCarica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
EmollientFicus Carica Fruit Extract
HumectantGarcinia Mangostana Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningMaltose
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Lactate
BufferingSodium PCA
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeGlucose
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingCoumarin
PerfumingWater, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Niacinamide, Heptyl Glucoside, Polyquaternium-37, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Parfum, Chlorphenesin, Panthenol, Saccharide Isomerate, Citric Acid, Piroctone Olamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Caffeine, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Fructose, Sodium Hydroxide, Urea, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Fruit Extract, Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Allantoin, Maltose, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Trehalose, Potassium Sorbate, Glucose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Coumarin
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingLactic Acid
BufferingSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantGlycine Soja Germ Extract
EmollientTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingBetula Alba Bark Extract
MaskingEpilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentZingiber Officinale Root Oil
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitronellol
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingEugenol
PerfumingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantCalcium Lactate
AstringentWater, Propanediol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Arginine, Lactic Acid, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycine Soja Germ Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Parfum, Sodium Hydroxide, Betula Alba Bark Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Gluconolactone, Linalool, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Oil, Limonene, Sodium Benzoate, Citronellol, Citral, Eugenol, Benzyl Alcohol, Geraniol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Calcium Lactate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinPanthenol 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 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 GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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 20Sodium 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 Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
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 HydroxideTrisodium 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