What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Phytic Acid
Cocoglycerides
Emollient
Silicon
Abrasive
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingC9-12 Alkane
SolventMandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Parfum
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
4-Butylresorcinol
Antioxidant
Polysilicone-11
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sclareolide
Masking
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
Masking
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
T-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingWater, Propanediol, Gluconolactone, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Alcohol Denat., Phytic Acid, Cocoglycerides, Silicon, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, C9-12 Alkane, Mandelic Acid, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Parfum, Tocopherol, Salicylic Acid, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, 4-Butylresorcinol, Polysilicone-11, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sclareolide, Sodium Metabisulfite, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, T-Butyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycereth-26
Humectant
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin Conditioning
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingSaccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Tetrasodium Tetracarboxymethyl Naringeninchalcone
Skin Conditioning
Polylysine
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlycerin
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingParfum
Masking
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Saccharide Isomerate, Tranexamic Acid, Zinc PCA, Tetrasodium Tetracarboxymethyl Naringeninchalcone, Polylysine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Parfum
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 AcidParfum 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 ParfumSaccharide Isomerate comes from sugars found in corn. It is a skin hydrator.
The structure of this ingredient can be altered to be more similar to the carbohydrates found in our skin. This ability to mimic our skin gives it hydrating properties.
Specifically, saccharide Isomerate is a humectant. Humectants draw moisture from the air to our skin.
Research shows Saccharide Isomerate to be an effective moisturizer.
Learn more about Saccharide IsomerateSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateSodium 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 HydroxideTranexamic Acid is best used for treating hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and melasma. It can also help build a stronger skin barrier.
Once applied, Tranexamic Acid starts decreasing inflammation from UV exposure. Tranexamic Acid also prevents our skin cells from meeting the pigment production cells.
Its brightening property makes it great at reducing the appearance of acne scars and marks.
Fun fact: Tranexamic Acid is also a medication used to reduce heavy bleeding.
This acid is derived from lysine, an amino acid.
Learn more about Tranexamic AcidWater. 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
