What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Propylene Glycol
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantBis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingHydrogenated Soybean Oil
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingTetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSoluble Proteoglycan
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Chloride
Ergothioneine
AntioxidantPropylene Glycol, Water, Ascorbic Acid, Bis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone, Glycerin, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Tocopherol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Parfum, Sodium Benzoate, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Butylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Soluble Proteoglycan, Magnesium Chloride, Ergothioneine
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
Masking3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialBHA
AntioxidantBHT
AntioxidantCitral
PerfumingCitronellyl Methylcrotonate
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientLinalool
PerfumingParfum
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeRetinol
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Cholate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTranexamic Acid
AstringentTriethanolamine
BufferingWater, Propylene Glycol, Propanediol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Alcohol, BHA, BHT, Citral, Citronellyl Methylcrotonate, Limonene, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lecithin, Linalool, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Sorbate, Retinol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Cholate, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tranexamic Acid, Triethanolamine
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Parfum 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 ParfumPeg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is derived from castor oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG). It is used as a emollient and emulsifier.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps make the other ingredients more soluble; it is often used to solubilize fragrances. This increases spreadability and elongates shelf life in a product.
Emollients help soothe and soften the skin. They do this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
This ingredient may or may not be vegan, depending on the source.
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil may not be fungal-acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any questions or concerns.
Learn more about PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilPhenoxyethanol 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 SorbatePropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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