What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantUndecane
EmollientPropanediol
SolventCoconut Alkanes
EmollientSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientTridecane
PerfumingC18-21 Alkane
SolventHydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantIsoamyl Laurate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingCaprylyl Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Glyceryl Glucoside
HumectantOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasivePolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientTrehalose
HumectantUrea
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Bran Extract
AbrasiveSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingLecithin
EmollientPullulan
Sodium Phytate
Serine
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningTerminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
AntioxidantT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingGlyceryl Polyacrylate
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAlgin
MaskingSilica
AbrasiveTocopherol
AntioxidantAlcohol
AntimicrobialPotassium Phosphate
BufferingParfum
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingEugenol
PerfumingMethyl 2-Octynoate
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Undecane, Propanediol, Coconut Alkanes, Saccharide Isomerate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Tridecane, C18-21 Alkane, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Isoamyl Laurate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Niacinamide, Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate, Phenoxyethanol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Glyceryl Glucoside, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Polysorbate 80, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Panthenol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Trehalose, Urea, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Avena Sativa Bran Extract, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin, Pullulan, Sodium Phytate, Serine, Pentylene Glycol, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, T-Butyl Alcohol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Disodium Phosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Algin, Silica, Tocopherol, Alcohol, Potassium Phosphate, Parfum, Linalool, Limonene, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Citral, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol, Eugenol, Methyl 2-Octynoate
Water
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingTuna Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAlgae Extract
EmollientSalicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingMaris Sal
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Algin
Glycine Soja Oil
EmollientPullulan
Hydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantSilica
AbrasiveParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingSodium Phytate
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77289
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Glycerin, Propanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Tuna Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Algae Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Caffeine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sclerotium Gum, Maris Sal, Trehalose, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Hydrolyzed Algin, Glycine Soja Oil, Pullulan, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Silica, Parfum, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Sodium Phytate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77289
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 AcidCitronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolDicaprylyl Carbonate comes from carbonic acid and caprylyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It is an emollient and gives skin a velvet feel. The sources of Dicaprylyl Carbonate may be synthetic or from animals.
As an emollient, Dicaprylyl Carbonate creates a film on the skin. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Geraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolGlycerin 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 GlycerinLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.
This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.
As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.
This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Some other names for this ingredient include soy lecithin and deoiled soy lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinLimonene 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 LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolParfum 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.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolPullulan is a low viscosity polysaccharide (a long chain carbohydrate) with binding and film forming properties when dissolved in water. It is used to create a "silicone-like" or silky feel in cosmetics without adding viscosity.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient's ability to easily dissolves makes it a great carrier for active ingredients.
Due to it being edible and tasteless, you'll likely find this ingredient in breath freshener strips. This ingredient is produced from the starch of the fungus, Aureobasidium pullulans.
Pullulan is stable over a broad-range of pH.
Learn more about PullulanSclerotium Gum is a polysaccharide gum made by the fungus, Sclerotium rolfssii. It is similar to xanthan gum.
In cosmetics, Sclerotium Gum is used to thicken the texture and to help stabilize other ingredients.
As an emulsifier, Sclerotium Gum helps prevent ingredients from separating, such as water and oil.
Learn more about Sclerotium GumSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water. This helps stabilize the ingredients and the product.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolTrehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseWater. 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 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 Gum