What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningLauramidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingCocamide Methyl Mea
Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate
CleansingParfum
MaskingPolyquaternium-10
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Honey
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantRoyal Jelly
Hydrolyzed Milk Protein
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientHydrolyzed Honey Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantHoney Extract
HumectantCoco-Glucoside
CleansingPPG-7
Skin ConditioningRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingSaponaria Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Carboxymethyl Hyaluronate
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingGlycosphingolipids
EmollientCI 20470
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantKeratin
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-61
Skin ConditioningPCA Ethyl Cocoyl Arginate
MoisturisingTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, 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 C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingCocamide Mea
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPPG-3 Caprylyl Ether
SolventPolyquaternium-10
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingHydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Disodium EDTA
Hydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantAspergillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingGlycerin
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningLinum Usitatissimum Seed Extract
PerfumingSalvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantAvena Sativa Protein Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Corn Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingMonarda Didyma Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningFreesia Refracta Extract
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingXylitol
HumectantCaprylic Acid
CleansingSilk Amino Acids
HumectantEthyl Hexanediol
SolventCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide Mea, Parfum, Coco-Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether, Polyquaternium-10, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Silk, Aspergillus Ferment, Arginine, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Extract, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Avena Sativa Protein Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Monarda Didyma Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Freesia Refracta Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Xylitol, Caprylic Acid, Silk Amino Acids, Ethyl Hexanediol, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol
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 AcidCoco-Glucoside is a surfactant, or a cleansing ingredient. It is made from glucose and coconut oil.
Surfactants help gather dirt, oil, and other pollutants from your skin to be rinsed away.
This ingredient is considered gentle and non-comedogenic. However, it may still be irritating for some.
Learn more about Coco-GlucosideDisodium 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 GlycerinHydrolyzed Keratin is derived from keratin. Keratin is a large protein that is naturally found in our hair and skin.
Studies show keratin is able to seal broken hair cuticles, helping to prevent split ends and breakage.
As a humectant, hydrolyzed keratin helps draw moisture from the air to your hair and skin. This helps keep your skin and hair hydrated.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed KeratinParfum 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 ParfumPolyquaternium-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 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