What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDihydroxyacetone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentErythrulose
TanningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAgastache Mexicana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Extract
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantCitrus Grandis Peel Oil
MaskingCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingMica
Cosmetic ColorantEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
PerfumingMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningSalvia Hispanica Seed Oil
MoisturisingSalvia Officinalis Oil
MaskingTropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventPropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantParfum
MaskingBenzophenone-4
UV AbsorberEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
BufferingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingLinalool
PerfumingMethoxyphenyl T-Butylphenyl Propanediol
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTriethylene Glycol
MaskingCI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dihydroxyacetone, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetearyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Isopropyl Myristate, PEG-100 Stearate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Erythrulose, CI 77891, Tocopheryl Acetate, Agastache Mexicana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Mica, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil, Panthenol, Persea Gratissima Oil, Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil, Salvia Officinalis Oil, Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Propanediol, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Parfum, Benzophenone-4, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lactic Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Linalool, Methoxyphenyl T-Butylphenyl Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Triethylene Glycol, CI 16035, CI 19140
Water
Skin ConditioningDihydroxyacetone
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantButane
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingSteareth-21
CleansingIsobutane
Propane
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventCeteareth-25
CleansingSodium C12-18 Alkyl Sulfate
CleansingSodium Lauryl Sulfate
CleansingParfum
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeErythrulose
TanningCocos Nucifera Water
MaskingTapioca Starch
Dimethicone
EmollientPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingSteareth-2
EmulsifyingSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantAcacia Concinna Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningBalanites Aegyptiaca Fruit Extract
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningMelanin
Skin ProtectingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGypsophila Paniculata Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
Disodium EDTA
Fructose
HumectantUrea
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingMaltose
MaskingSodium PCA
HumectantSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Lactate
BufferingTrehalose
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingSorbic Acid
PreservativeSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantGlucose
HumectantHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingCoumarin
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingEugenol
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingAnise Alcohol
PerfumingCI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dihydroxyacetone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caramel, Butane, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Steareth-21, Isobutane, Propane, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ceteareth-25, Sodium C12-18 Alkyl Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Erythrulose, Cocos Nucifera Water, Tapioca Starch, Dimethicone, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Steareth-2, Sodium Metabisulfite, Acacia Concinna Fruit Extract, Balanites Aegyptiaca Fruit Extract, Panthenol, Melanin, Pentylene Glycol, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Gypsophila Paniculata Root Extract, Tetrasodium EDTA, Disodium EDTA, Fructose, Urea, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Maltose, Sodium PCA, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Lactate, Trehalose, Allantoin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucose, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Coumarin, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Geraniol, Eugenol, Citral, Benzyl Alcohol, Hydroxycitronellal, Anise Alcohol, CI 16035, CI 19140, CI 42090
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetearyl 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 AlcoholCi 16035 is a synthetic dark-red dye. This dye is created from an acid called Allura red AC, an azo dye.
Azo dyes need to be purified thoroughly before use. This makes them more stable and longer lasting.
This dye is commonly used in foods, approved by both the FDA and EFSA.
Learn more about CI 16035CI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140Dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, is a simple sugar. It is frequently used in self-tanning products.
DHA binds to the amino acids in your dead skin cells to create a brown/orange color. Darkening begins to kick in a few hours after application and will continue to develop for up to 3 days. This ingredient can be drying.
Both the US and the EU have approved DHA in self-tanning products. In the EU, DHA is allowed at a maximum concentration of 10%. Most tanning products usually contain amounts between 3-5%.
If you are pregnant or have underlying medical conditions, it is best to speak with a dermatologist about using self-tanning products.
Learn more about DihydroxyacetoneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeWe don't have a description for Erythrulose yet.
Ethylhexylglycerin (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.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinLinalool 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 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.
Tocopheryl 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