What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventParfum
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingStearic Acid
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientCucurbita Pepo Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract
AntimicrobialVanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingZea Mays Oil
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPolysorbate 40
EmulsifyingNylon-12
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialEugenol
PerfumingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Cinnamal
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCoumarin
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantCholecalciferol
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingWater, Isopropyl Palmitate, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Parfum, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Dimethicone, Sorbitan Stearate, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Cucurbita Pepo Seed Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Zea Mays Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Cetyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 40, Nylon-12, Carbomer, Chlorphenesin, Eugenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aminomethyl Propanol, Benzyl Benzoate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Cinnamal, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Coumarin, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, Cholecalciferol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingCannabidiol - Synthetically Produced
AntioxidantCannabis Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantKappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
MaskingSea Water
HumectantAstrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
EmollientCopaifera Officinalis Resin
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPassiflora Edulis Seed Oil
EmollientEuterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil
Skin ConditioningPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningRosa Canina Seed Extract
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialMalus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Fruit Cell Extract
Skin ConditioningChenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingInulin
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingMagnesium Aspartate
Skin ConditioningZinc Gluconate
Skin ConditioningCopper Gluconate
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingSodium Benzoate
MaskingFructose
HumectantSucrose
HumectantGeraniol
PerfumingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeGlucose
HumectantIsomalt
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientWater, Methylpropanediol, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Cannabidiol - Synthetically Produced, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Glycerin, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Sea Water, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Copaifera Officinalis Resin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Rosa Canina Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Cell Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Glycolipids, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Panthenol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Inulin, Linalool, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Limonene, Sodium Benzoate, Fructose, Sucrose, Geraniol, Potassium Sorbate, Glucose, Isomalt, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene 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 GlycolCannabis Sativa Seed Oil is the fixed oil expressed from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. This is also known as hemp oil.
Hemp oil is an emollient and nourishes the skin. It contains many fatty acids such as linoleic acid, amino acids, phospholipids, and vitamin E.
The difference between hemp and cannabis is their psychoactive component. Hemp has low amounts of THC.
Learn more about Cannabis Sativa Seed OilCitric 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 is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolGlycerin (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 GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolPhenoxyethanol 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 BenzoateTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolTrisodium 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water