What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingCocamidopropylamine Oxide
CleansingGlycol Distearate
EmollientSpirulina Platensis Extract
Skin ProtectingCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientBrassica Oleracea Italica Seed Oil
EmollientCaryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil
EmollientHippophae Rhamnoides Seed Oil
Skin ProtectingSchinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil
EmollientSodium PCA
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingPolyquaternium-7
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantCalcium Gluconate
HumectantCocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingSodium Lactate
BufferingCystoseira Compressa Extract
Zea Mays Starch
AbsorbentLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialAlanine
MaskingArginine
MaskingAspartic Acid
MaskingGlycine
BufferingHistidine
HumectantIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningPCA
HumectantPhenylalanine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingThreonine
Valine
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeLimonene
PerfumingWater, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropylamine Oxide, Glycol Distearate, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Brassica Oleracea Italica Seed Oil, Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Seed Oil, Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil, Sodium PCA, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Citric Acid, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Polyquaternium-7, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Calcium Gluconate, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Sodium Lactate, Cystoseira Compressa Extract, Zea Mays Starch, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Alanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, PCA, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Valine, Potassium Sorbate, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Dehydroacetic Acid, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingSodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingGlycol Distearate
EmollientPPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingSodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
Emulsion StabilisingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingParfum
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate
Propylene Glycol
HumectantCoco-Betaine
CleansingPEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
MaskingPEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantBenzoic Acid
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingBenzophenone-4
UV AbsorberCitronellol
PerfumingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
PerfumingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Chloride, Glycol Distearate, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, Decyl Glucoside, Parfum, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Carbomer, PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate, Propylene Glycol, Coco-Betaine, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Salicylic Acid, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Benzoic Acid, Tocopherol, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Limonene, Benzophenone-4, Citronellol, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, CI 17200, Potassium Sorbate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric 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 AcidGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinGlycol Distearate serves as a pearlizing or opacifying agent in cosmetic products.
It's often included in cleansers and haircare products to give them a lustrous or shimmering appearance.
It is derived from stearic acid, a natural fatty acid commonly found in vegetable oils and animal fats.
Glycol Distearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Glycol DistearateLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneParfum 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.
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 SorbateSodium 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 BenzoateWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water