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 ConditioningLauramidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Methylalanine
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantCocamide DEA
EmulsifyingLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingSodium Silicate
BufferingHydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein
Skin ConditioningGlucosyl Ceramide
Skin ConditioningSodium Tocopheryl Phosphate
AntioxidantSoluble Collagen
HumectantSoluble Keratin
Hydrolyzed Honey Protein
Skin ConditioningSea Water
HumectantVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientTea-Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingIsostearoyl Hydrolyzed Silk
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Citric Acid
BufferingAscophyllum Nodosum Extract
Skin ConditioningMyristyl Betaine
CleansingPolyquaternium-10
Polyquaternium-47
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingSorbitol
HumectantPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeMenthol
MaskingPPG-7
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Alcohol
AntimicrobialCI 60730
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Benzoate
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeIsostearic Acid
CleansingParfum
MaskingWater, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methylalanine, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Glycerin, Cocamide DEA, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Sodium Silicate, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Glucosyl Ceramide, Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate, Soluble Collagen, Soluble Keratin, Hydrolyzed Honey Protein, Sea Water, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate, Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Silk, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Citric Acid, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Myristyl Betaine, Polyquaternium-10, Polyquaternium-47, Lecithin, Sodium Chloride, Sorbitol, Potassium Hydroxide, Beta-Glucan, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Menthol, PPG-7, Disodium EDTA, Alcohol, CI 60730, CI 17200, Sodium Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Isostearic Acid, 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 AcidCocamide DEA is a coconut-derived cleansing agent that creates rich foam and helps to thicken the consistency of cleansing products.
This ingredient effectively removes dirt and oil while helping to stabilize formulations, making it a common addition to shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers.
It has become less popular in recent formulations due to potential irritation in sensitive skin types and concerns about trace amounts of diethanolamine (DEA), which can potentially form nitrosamines.
While still considered safe at regulated concentrations, many manufacturers now opt for gentler alternatives like cocamidopropyl betaine or other surfactants that offer similar benefits with fewer potential drawbacks.
Learn more about Cocamide DEADisodium 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 GlycerinWe don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Honey Protein yet.
We don't have a description for Lauramidopropyl Betaine yet.
Menthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholWe don't have a description for Myristyl 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 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 SorbateWe don't have a description for PPG-7 yet.
Sodium 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