What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningLauramidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Methylalanine
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantCocamide DEA
EmulsifyingHoney
HumectantHydrolyzed Honey Protein
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientShea Butter Glycereth-8 Esters
CleansingHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantIsostearoyl Hydrolyzed Silk
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Wool Cuticle Protein
Skin ConditioningGamma-Docosalactone
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCerebrosides
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningKeratin
Skin ConditioningZein
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingMyristyl Betaine
CleansingTea-Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingPolyquaternium-47
Skin ConditioningPPG-7
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Polyquaternium-10
Sodium Chloride
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingIsostearic Acid
CleansingDiethyl Sebacate
EmollientMenthol
MaskingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methylalanine, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Glycerin, Cocamide DEA, Honey, Hydrolyzed Honey Protein, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Shea Butter Glycereth-8 Esters, Hydrolyzed Silk, Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Wool Cuticle Protein, Gamma-Docosalactone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cerebrosides, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Panthenol, Keratin, Zein, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Myristyl Betaine, Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate, Polyquaternium-47, PPG-7, Disodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Isostearic Acid, Diethyl Sebacate, Menthol, Potassium Hydroxide, CI 19140, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientTriethylhexanoin
MaskingSorbitol
HumectantHoney
HumectantHydrolyzed Honey Protein
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantIsostearoyl Hydrolyzed Silk
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Wool Cuticle Protein
Skin ConditioningGamma-Docosalactone
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCerebrosides
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningKeratin
Skin ConditioningZein
Skin ConditioningPyrus Communis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingEicosapentaenoic Acid
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingDiethyl Sebacate
EmollientCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantIsostearic Acid
CleansingAminopropyl Dimethicone
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Triethylhexanoin, Sorbitol, Honey, Hydrolyzed Honey Protein, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Hydrolyzed Silk, Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Wool Cuticle Protein, Gamma-Docosalactone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cerebrosides, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Panthenol, Keratin, Zein, Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Diethyl Sebacate, CI 19140, Isostearic Acid, Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
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 GlycolThis ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.
Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).
Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterWe don't have a description for Cerebrosides yet.
CI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140Citric 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 Diethyl Sebacate yet.
Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolWe don't have a description for Gamma-Docosalactone yet.
Glycerin (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 HoneyWe don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Honey Protein yet.
You can find hydrolyzed silk in both haircare and skincare products. According to a manufacturer, it can help improve skin and hair hydration.
This ingredient is created by adding acid or enzymes to 'hydrolyze' silk protein.
Due to the origins of this ingredient, it is not vegan. Silk is an animal product from silkworms.
Depending on the source, this ingredient can be considered cruelty-free. It is created from left-over cocoons of silkworms. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about where their hydrolyzed silk comes from.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed SilkWe don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Wool Cuticle Protein yet.
Isostearic acid is a saturated fatty acid. Its structure makes it a great surfactant.
Surfactants help decrease the surface tension between two liquids. This property also makes it an effective emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent waters and oils from separating in a product.
Isostearic Acid is created from oleic acid.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Isostearic AcidWe don't have a description for Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Silk 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.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolParfum 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.
Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumWe don't have a description for Zein yet.