What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingTrideceth-9
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingPolyimide-1
Hydrolyzed Corn Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeTrametes Versicolor Extract
Parfum
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantUrtica Dioica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningTriticum Vulgare Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialRubus Chamaemorus Fruit Extract
AntioxidantPisum Sativum Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCoumarin
PerfumingAmyl Cinnamal
PerfumingAnise Alcohol
PerfumingWater, Alcohol Denat., Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Glycerin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trideceth-9, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Polyimide-1, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Trametes Versicolor Extract, Parfum, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Propylene Glycol, Urtica Dioica Leaf Extract, Triticum Vulgare Bran Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Rubus Chamaemorus Fruit Extract, Pisum Sativum Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Coumarin, Amyl Cinnamal, Anise Alcohol
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantCorn Starch Modified
AbsorbentArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientCitrullus Lanatus Seed Oil
EmollientRibes Nigrum Seed Oil
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPvp
Emulsion StabilisingCocos Nucifera Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingSqualane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantC9-12 Alkane
SolventCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeCaesalpinia Spinosa Gum
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingTocopherol
AntioxidantLaureth-2
CleansingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingAlpha-Terpinene
PerfumingDimethyl Phenylethyl Carbinyl Acetate
PerfumingTetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes
MaskingCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Peel Oil
Pinene
MaskingRose Ketone-4
PerfumingVanillin
MaskingWater, Propanediol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Corn Starch Modified, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil, Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil, Panthenol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Pvp, Cocos Nucifera Seed Butter, Niacinamide, Squalane, Glycerin, C9-12 Alkane, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Behentrimonium Chloride, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Tocopherol, Laureth-2, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Alpha-Terpinene, Dimethyl Phenylethyl Carbinyl Acetate, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil, Pinene, Rose Ketone-4, Vanillin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric 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 AcidEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
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 GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract comes from sunflower seeds.
Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E. Studies show sunflowers contain antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed ExtractPanthenol 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.
Potassium 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 SorbateSodium 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