What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Glycerin
Humectant
Sorbitol
Humectant
Lauryl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
Parfum
Masking
Menthol
Masking
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Polyquaternium-10
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingLinalool
Perfuming
Sodium Salicylate
Preservative
PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether
SolventMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Tetrasodium EDTA
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water
MaskingLimonene
Perfuming
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Thuja Orientalis Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Bacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningAcorus Calamus Root Extract
Perfuming
Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Parfum, Menthol, Sodium Chloride, Polyquaternium-10, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Linalool, Sodium Salicylate, PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Tetrasodium EDTA, Dehydroacetic Acid, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water, Limonene, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Thuja Orientalis Seed Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Bacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Acorus Calamus Root Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Alcohol Denat., Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate
CleansingTea-Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingCocamide Mea
EmulsifyingPolyquaternium-10
PPG-3 Myristyl Ether
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Pentasodium Pentetate
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Niacinamide
Smoothing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Aspartic Acid
Masking
Arginine
Masking
Alanine
MaskingAsparagine
MaskingCystine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
Humectant
Glycine
Buffering
Glutamine
Skin ConditioningHistidine
Humectant
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningLeucine
Skin ConditioningLysine
Skin ConditioningMethionine
Skin ConditioningOrnithine
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
Masking
Proline
Skin ConditioningSerine
Masking
Taurine
BufferingThreonine
Tryptophan
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingValine
MaskingHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract
MaskingMenthol
Masking
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPorphyridium Cruentum Extract
Skin ConditioningFolic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Menadione
MaskingPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Thiamine Hcl
MaskingBioflavonoids
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
Emollient
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate, Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamide Mea, Polyquaternium-10, PPG-3 Myristyl Ether, Caprylyl Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Parfum, Pentasodium Pentetate, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aspartic Acid, Arginine, Alanine, Asparagine, Cystine, Glutamic Acid, Glycine, Glutamine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Ornithine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Taurine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Valine, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Butylene Glycol, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Menthol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Biotin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lactobacillus Ferment, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract, Folic Acid, Menadione, Pyridoxine, Riboflavin, Retinol, Thiamine Hcl, Bioflavonoids, Cyanocobalamin, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
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 AcidEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Menthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholParfum 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-10Chances 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.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
