What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-11
Cetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantPanthenyl Ethyl Ether
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone PEG-8 Meadowfoamate
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningPEG-75 Lanolin
EmollientHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantSorbic Acid
PreservativePolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingTetrasodium EDTA
Citric Acid
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Sulfite
PreservativeTocopherol
AntioxidantGeraniol
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Polyquaternium-11, Cetrimonium Chloride, Parfum, Dipropylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Caprylyl Glycol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Panthenol, Dimethicone PEG-8 Meadowfoamate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, PEG-75 Lanolin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Sorbic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Butylene Glycol, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Sulfite, Tocopherol, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningPropane
Vp/Va Copolymer
Polyquaternium-11
Butane
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingIsobutane
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativePanthenol
Skin ConditioningPEG-60 Almond Glycerides
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingPEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPolyquaternium-7
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeDisodium EDTA
Caviar Extract
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantEmblica Officinalis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingSaccharomyces/Zinc Ferment
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Copper Ferment
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment
Saccharomyces/Iron Ferment
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Silicon Ferment
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialAlaria Esculenta Extract
Skin ProtectingMethyl Alcohol
SolventDextran
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Skin ProtectingTrifolium Pratense Flower Extract
AstringentTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Propane, Vp/Va Copolymer, Polyquaternium-11, Butane, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Isobutane, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Polysorbate 80, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Citral, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Polyquaternium-7, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Caviar Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Emblica Officinalis Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment, Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment, Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment, Saccharomyces/Iron Ferment, Saccharomyces/Silicon Ferment, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Alaria Esculenta Extract, Methyl Alcohol, Dextran, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Tocopherol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, a compound with two amino groups.
This ingredient is a surfactant and cleanser. It helps gather the dirt, pollutants, and other impurities in your skin to be washed away. It also helps thicken a product and make the texture more creamy.
Being created from coconut oil means Cocamidopropyl Betaine is hydrating for the skin.
While Cocamidopropyl Betaine was believed to be an allergen, a study from 2012 disproved this. It found two compounds in unpure Cocamidopropyl Betaine to be the irritants: aminoamide and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. High-grade and pure Cocamidopropyl Betaine did not induce allergic reactions during this study.
Learn more about Cocamidopropyl BetaineEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGeraniol 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 GeraniolHexyl Cinnamal is a fragrance ingredient with a similar scent to jasmine. It can be naturally found in chamomile essential oil.
This ingredient is a known EU allergen and may sensitize the skin. The EU requires this ingredient to be listed separately on an ingredients list.
Hexyl Cinnamal is not water soluble but is soluble in oils.
Learn more about Hexyl CinnamalLimonene 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 LinaloolPanthenol 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.
We don't have a description for Polyquaternium-11 yet.
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 SorbateTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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 Water