What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningLauramidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
Cocamide Methyl Mea
Surfactant
Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate
CleansingParfum
Masking
Polyquaternium-10
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Disodium EDTA
Honey
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
CI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Royal Jelly
Hydrolyzed Milk Protein
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientHydrolyzed Honey Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Keratin
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Honey Extract
Humectant
Coco-Glucoside
Cleansing
PPG-7
Skin ConditioningRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Chloride
MaskingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingSaponaria Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Carboxymethyl Hyaluronate
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Glycosphingolipids
EmollientCI 20470
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantKeratin
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Polyquaternium-61
Skin ConditioningPCA Ethyl Cocoyl Arginate
Moisturising
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamide Methyl Mea, Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate, Parfum, Polyquaternium-10, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Honey, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, CI 15985, Butylene Glycol, Royal Jelly, Hydrolyzed Milk Protein, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Diisostearyl Malate, Hydrolyzed Honey Protein, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Glycerin, Honey Extract, Coco-Glucoside, PPG-7, Royal Jelly Extract, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Hydroxide, Saponaria Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol, Sodium Carboxymethyl Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glycosphingolipids, CI 20470, CI 17200, Keratin, Propolis Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Polyquaternium-61, PCA Ethyl Cocoyl Arginate, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycol Distearate
Emollient
Cocamide Mea
Emulsifying
Sorbitol
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Sodium Chloride
MaskingPCA
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-64
Hydrolyzed Silk Gland Powder
HumectantRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Cassia Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Sodium Methyl Lauroyl Taurate
CleansingSodium Edtmp
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Paraben
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycol Distearate, Cocamide Mea, Sorbitol, Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, PCA, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Polyquaternium-64, Hydrolyzed Silk Gland Powder, Royal Jelly Extract, Citric Acid, Cassia Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Methyl Lauroyl Taurate, Sodium Edtmp, Butylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Paraben, Parfum
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 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 AcidParfum 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.
Royal 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 BenzoateChances 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 ChlorideSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is a gentle, coconut-derived cleansing surfactant. It's most commonly found in "sulfate-free" cleansers.
As a taurate, it belongs to a class of anionic surfactants prized for being efficient at cleansing without harshness, good performance in hard water, stability across a wide pH range, and easily biodegradable.
It is able to lift away oil and grime and make a nice lather without stripping your skin, so it's a good pick for sensitive skin.
Safety-wise, it has a good record. The CIR Expert Panel has concluded this ingredient to be safe in cosmetics and concentrations go up to 11% in leave-on products or 13% in rinse-off products.
Despite being derived from coconut oil, this ingredient is fungal acne safe. It's a water-soluble surfactant with no fatty oils or esters left intact on skin for the Malassezia yeast to feed.
Learn more about Sodium Methyl Cocoyl TaurateWater. 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
