What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientLactobionic Acid
BufferingMandelic Acid
AntimicrobialDecyl Oleate
EmollientSalicylic Acid
MaskingCyclodextrin
AbsorbentGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientRetinol
Skin ConditioningSodium Cetearyl Sulfate
CleansingSodium Lauryl Sulfate
CleansingBHT
AntioxidantMethylchloroisothiazolinone
PreservativeMethylisothiazolinone
PreservativeC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCetyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCeteth-20 Phosphate
CleansingCeteth-10 Phosphate
CleansingDimethicone
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Glycerin
HumectantArtemia Extract
Skin ConditioningPhytic Acid
Arnica Montana Extract
Skin ConditioningCupressus Sempervirens Cone Extract
PerfumingPolygonum Multiflorum Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeTocopherol
AntioxidantRuscus Aculeatus Root Extract
AstringentGlycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingMorus Alba Extract
AstringentGinkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingHydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde
MaskingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingEugenol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingWater, Propylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Lactobionic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Decyl Oleate, Salicylic Acid, Cyclodextrin, Glycine Soja Oil, Retinol, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, BHT, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ceteth-20 Phosphate, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Dimethicone, PEG-100 Stearate, Glycerin, Artemia Extract, Phytic Acid, Arnica Montana Extract, Cupressus Sempervirens Cone Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol, Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Morus Alba Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Hydroxycitronellal, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Eugenol, Linalool, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
BufferingSilica
AbrasiveGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientPectin
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCarica Papaya Fruit
Skin ConditioningCeteareth-20
CleansingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDehydroxanthan Gum
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Salicylic Acid
MaskingLactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialSorbic Acid
PreservativeCinnamal
PerfumingMel
EmollientCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingEugenol
PerfumingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningBromelain
Skin ConditioningPapain
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil
MaskingAcetic Acid
BufferingPogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
MaskingPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingAniba Rosaeodora Wood Extract
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingCI 75810
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Lactic Acid, Silica, Glycine Soja Oil, Pectin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Carica Papaya Fruit, Ceteareth-20, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Salicylic Acid, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Alcohol Denat., Sorbic Acid, Cinnamal, Mel, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Eugenol, Potassium Sorbate, Limonene, Linalool, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Beta-Carotene, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Bromelain, Papain, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil, Acetic Acid, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, CI 75810
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholEugenol is naturally found in cloves, basil, and bay leaves. It is an aromatic oil used to add fragrance to a product. The scent of eugenol is described as "clove-like". Eugenol is a known EU allergen, meaning it causes contact allergies.
Studies show eugenol possesses antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Besides cosmetics, eugenol is also added as a flavor in teas and cakes.
Learn more about EugenolGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateGlycine Soja Oil comes from the soybean. Glycine Soja is native to eastern Asia.
Soybean oil is an emollient. It is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids including palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids.
As an emollient, the fatty acids in soybean oil helps keep your skin soft and hydrated. It does so by creating a film on top that traps moisture in.
Soybean oil is also rich in vitamin E, a potent antioxidant. Vitamin E is also anti-inflammatory and provides a soothing effect.
Studies show soy may help fade hyperpigmentation from UVB. It does so by disrupting the melanin process from UVB induced skin inflammation.
This ingredient may not be malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne, safe.
Soybeans are rich in proteins and are part of the legume family. Foods made with soybeans include tofu, soymilk, edamame, miso, and soy sauce.
Learn more about Glycine Soja OilLimonene 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 LinaloolPeg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.
PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
Phenoxyethanol 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 SorbateSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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