What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningLauramidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Taurate
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantCocamide DEA
EmulsifyingTea-Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate
CleansingTea-Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingParfum
MaskingPolyquaternium-10
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingMyristyl Betaine
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Polyquaternium-47
Skin ConditioningMenthol
MaskingCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantHoney
HumectantArginine
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientShea Butter Glycereth-8 Esters
CleansingButylene Glycol
HumectantGluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningPPG-7
Skin ConditioningAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingHoney Extract
HumectantCoco-Glucoside
CleansingKeratin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Honey Protein
Skin ConditioningRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Officinalis Flower Extract
TonicPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
PreservativeMethylisothiazolinone
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeMagnesium Nitrate
Magnesium Chloride
Water, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Lauroyl Taurate, Glycerin, Cocamide DEA, Tea-Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate, Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate, Parfum, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Benzoate, Myristyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-47, Menthol, Caramel, Honey, Arginine, Panthenol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Shea Butter Glycereth-8 Esters, Butylene Glycol, Gluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate, PPG-7, Acacia Senegal Gum, Honey Extract, Coco-Glucoside, Keratin, Hydrolyzed Honey Protein, Royal Jelly Extract, Paeonia Officinalis Flower Extract, Propolis Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Potassium Sorbate, Magnesium Nitrate, Magnesium Chloride
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingCocamide Methyl Mea
Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
HumectantPropanediol
SolventGamma-Docosalactone
Skin ConditioningQuaternium-33
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantPrunus Domestica Seed Extract
EmollientPunica Granatum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientPrunus Lannesiana Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialKeratin
Skin ConditioningCitrus Nobilis Peel Extract
MaskingPisum Sativum Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningSasa Veitchii Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Centifolia Flower Extract
AstringentRosa Damascena Flower Extract
MaskingCitrus Junos Seed Extract
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein
Skin ConditioningRosa Hybrid Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPrunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningIsomalt
HumectantPolyquaternium-10
Hydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantHydrolyzed Silk Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Keratin
Skin ConditioningPouteria Sapota Seed Oil
EmollientSclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
HumectantTheobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Seed Oil
EmollientGlycine Soja Sterols
EmollientCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientCeramide Ag
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Vitis-Idaea Seed Oil
AntioxidantCarapa Guaianensis Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningAdansonia Digitata Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingCholesterol
EmollientSodium Lauriminodipropionate
CleansingArgania Spinosa Callus Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingO-Cymen-5-Ol
AntimicrobialXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingPotassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Keratin
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientQuaternium-18
Behentrimonium Chloride
PreservativePropylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialCitric Acid
BufferingMalic Acid
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide Methyl Mea, Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Propanediol, Gamma-Docosalactone, Quaternium-33, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Prunus Domestica Seed Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Prunus Lannesiana Flower Extract, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Keratin, Citrus Nobilis Peel Extract, Pisum Sativum Sprout Extract, Sasa Veitchii Leaf Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Citrus Junos Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Rosa Hybrid Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Prunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract, Isomalt, Polyquaternium-10, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Silk Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Keratin, Pouteria Sapota Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Mangifera Indica Seed Oil, Glycine Soja Sterols, Ceramide Ng, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Ceramide Ag, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea Seed Oil, Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Sodium Chloride, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauriminodipropionate, Argania Spinosa Callus Culture Extract, Salicylic Acid, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Lecithin, Quaternium-18, Behentrimonium Chloride, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Tocopherol, Ascorbic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Reviews
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 AcidDisodium 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 GlycerinKeratin 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.
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-10Sodium 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 SulfonateWe don't have a description for Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate yet.
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