What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningLauramidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Methylalanine
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingCocamide Methyl Mea
Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Keratin
Skin ConditioningHoney
HumectantHoney Extract
HumectantHydrolyzed Honey Protein
Skin ConditioningGluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Royal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientLevulinic Acid
PerfumingKeratin
Skin ConditioningConvallaria Majalis Extract
Skin ConditioningSilk
Hyaluronic Acid/Polyglutamic Acid Crosspolymer
AntioxidantC9-11 Alkyl Glucoside
CleansingPlatinum
AntimicrobialMyristyl Betaine
CleansingTea-Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingPolyquaternium-10
Polyquaternium-47
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Sodium Chloride
MaskingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingPentasodium Pentetate
Glycerin
HumectantSilver Oxide
AntimicrobialSodium Phosphate
BufferingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Bicarbonate
AbrasivePhytic Acid
PPG-7
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methylalanine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide Methyl Mea, Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Honey, Honey Extract, Hydrolyzed Honey Protein, Gluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate, Propolis Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Hydrolyzed Royal Jelly Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Levulinic Acid, Keratin, Convallaria Majalis Extract, Silk, Hyaluronic Acid/Polyglutamic Acid Crosspolymer, C9-11 Alkyl Glucoside, Platinum, Myristyl Betaine, Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate, Polyquaternium-10, Polyquaternium-47, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Pentasodium Pentetate, Glycerin, Silver Oxide, Sodium Phosphate, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Phytic Acid, PPG-7, Sodium Benzoate, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningLauramidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantCocamide Methyl Mea
Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPolyquaternium-10
Citric Acid
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Polyquaternium-47
Skin ConditioningMenthol
MaskingEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberHoney
HumectantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantRoyal Jelly
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientRubus Idaeus Seed Oil
EmollientShea Butter Glycereth-8 Esters
CleansingDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientZymomonas Ferment Extract
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialCI 60730
Cosmetic ColorantHoney Extract
HumectantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantPPG-7
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingHydrolyzed Honey Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Carboxymethyl Hyaluronate
HumectantCoco-Glucoside
CleansingRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-61
Skin ConditioningKeratin
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningCerebrosides
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Glycerin, Cocamide Methyl Mea, Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Sodium Benzoate, Polyquaternium-10, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-47, Menthol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Honey, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, CI 19140, Butylene Glycol, Royal Jelly, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Rubus Idaeus Seed Oil, Shea Butter Glycereth-8 Esters, Diisostearyl Malate, Zymomonas Ferment Extract, Alcohol, CI 60730, Honey Extract, CI 17200, PPG-7, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Hydroxide, Hydrolyzed Honey Protein, Hydrolyzed Collagen Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol, Sodium Carboxymethyl Hyaluronate, Coco-Glucoside, Royal Jelly Extract, Polyquaternium-61, Keratin, Propolis Extract, Cerebrosides, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
You may know this ingredient as argan oil. It has emollient and skin conditioning properties that help soften skin and reinforce the lipid barrier.
The fatty acid profile of argan oil is roughly 45-55% oleic acid, 28-36% linoleic acid, 10-15% palmitic acid, and 5-7% stearic acid. It also contains vitamin E, sterols, squalene, and polyphenols like ferulic acid.
Two clinical studies in postmenopausal women found that applying argan oil for 60 days significantly improved skin elasticity and moisturization (reduced transepidermal water loss and increased epidermal water content).
Since it is high in oleic and linoleic acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Both of these fall in the C11-C24 range that Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Argania Spinosa Kernel OilButylene 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 GlycolCitric 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 AcidWe don't have a description for Cocamide Methyl Mea yet.
Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin (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 GlycerinHoney comes from bees. It is mainly made up of the sugars fructose and glucose.
Besides sugar, honey also contains amino acids, peptides, Vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamins A, C, and E.
As a humectant, honey is great at hydrating the skin. Humectants draw moisture from the air and hold it to your skin.
Honey also has antioxidant and antioxidant properties. Fun fact: darker honey has more antioxidants than light honey.
The antibacterial property of honey may make it effective at helping to treat acne. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Many people wonder if honey is vegan. It is technically a byproduct from bees. This is because honey is created from the digestive enzymes in a bee's stomach.
Remember to be kind to bees :) They are important for many ecosystems and are endangered.
Learn more about HoneyThis ingredient comes from honey made by bees. It is hydrating, antibacterial, anti-aging, and skin soothing.
Honey also contains amino acids, peptides, Vitamins A, C, and E.
The humectant property of honey draws moisture from the air to your skin. This makes it great at helping to hydrate the skin.
Honey may help reduce the signs of aging due to its antioxidant properties. Fun fact: darker honey has more antioxidants than light honey. The antibacterial property of honey may make it effective at helping to treat acne by killing acne-causing bacteria.
Many people wonder if honey extract is vegan. It is technically a byproduct from bees. This is because honey is created from the digestive enzymes in a bee's stomach.
Remember to be kind to bees :) They are important for many ecosystems and are endangered.
Learn more about Honey ExtractWe don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Honey Protein yet.
Keratin is a protein naturally found in our hair and skin.
In haircare, it has been shown to seal broken cuticles. This can help prevent breakage and split ends.
We don't have a description for Lauramidopropyl Betaine 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 “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 ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polyquaternium-10 is an ammonium salt of hydroxyethylcellulose. It is a white and granular powder used as a film-former and anti-static agent.
This ingredient is commonly found in hair conditioning products. According to a manufacturer, its positive charge makes it great for absorbing hair proteins. The manufacturer also states this ingredient helps with curl retention.
For haircare friends: this ingredient is not a silicone.
Learn more about Polyquaternium-10We don't have a description for Polyquaternium-47 yet.
Potassium hydroxide is commonly known as caustic potash. It is used to fix the pH of a product or as a cleaning agent in soap. In cleansers, it is used for the saponification of oils.
Sapnification is the process of creating fatty acid metal salts from triglycerides and a strong base. During this process, Potassium Hydroxide is used up and is not present in the final product.
Using high concentrations of Potassium Hydroxide have shown to irritate the skin.
Learn more about Potassium HydroxideWe don't have a description for PPG-7 yet.
Propolis Extract is a natural ingredient derived from propolis (also known as bee glue). Bees make propolis by mixing their saliva and beeswax with resins collected from tree buds and plants.
This ingredient is packed with bioactive compounds like flavonoids, phenolic acids, and amino acids that give it antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Research shows it can help:
It also pairs nicely with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides.
Just so you know, Propolis Extract is recognized as a contact allergen. In patch tests done in the EU, roughly 1-6% of patients react to it. Be sure to steer clear of this ingredient if you have a known allergy to bee products.
Since it is an animal-derived product, this ingredient is not considered vegan. For vegan alternatives, check out Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate or Centella Asiatica Extract.
Learn more about Propolis ExtractRoyal Jelly Extract comes from a secretion made by worker honeybees. This secretion is white and described as creamy.
This compound has antibacterial, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies show Royal Jelly to contain amino acids, fatty acids, and a variety of vitamins, including Vitamin Bs. Many of these components are antioxidants, which help with anti-aging. The fatty acids in Royal Jelly make it a hydrating ingredient.
Several animal studies show Royal Jelly to boost collagen production and reduce inflammation.
The Vitamin Bs found in Royal Jelly include:
Royal Jelly is derived from honeybees. This means it is not vegan.
Learn more about Royal Jelly ExtractSodium 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 C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a surfactant that helps water and oil mix so that dirt, sweat, sebum, and sunscreen can rinse away easily. It's not technically a sulfate, but behaves similarly in formulas.
What it does:
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a strong cleansing surfactant and is much stronger than many mild cleansers. Because it works deeply, it can disrupt the skin's barrier. This can lead to dryness or irritation for those with sensitive skin.
Compared to gentler surfactants, it's effective but more likely to dry or irritate if not balanced with soothing ingredients.
CIR considers sodium α-olefin sulfonates (including C14-16) to be safe for use in rinse-off products when properly formulated. It is poorly absorbed through normal skin but absorption increases if the skin barrier is already damaged.
Learn more about Sodium C14-16 Olefin SulfonateChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideWater. 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