What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Parfum
MaskingRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Protein
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Seed Extract
HumectantMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientHydrogenated Apricot Kernel Oil
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantKeratin Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningLinum Usitatissimum Seed Flour
AbrasiveWine Extract
AntioxidantAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveButylene Glycol
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Chloride
MaskingPropylene Glycol
HumectantMethylethanolamine
BufferingLinalool
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingHydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde
MaskingCadinene
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialParfum, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Protein, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract, Methyl Gluceth-20, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Apricot Kernel Oil, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Keratin Amino Acids, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Flour, Wine Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Propylene Glycol, Methylethanolamine, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Cadinene, Benzyl Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientEthyl Canolate
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientParfum
MaskingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingDimethiconol
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Protein
Skin ConditioningKeratin Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningLinum Usitatissimum Seed Flour
AbrasiveButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPropylene Glycol
HumectantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingHydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Behentrimonium Chloride, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Ethyl Canolate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Parfum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Tocopheryl Acetate, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Dimethiconol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Protein, Keratin Amino Acids, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Flour, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Helianthus Annuus Seed, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Propylene Glycol, Beta-Glucan, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Citric Acid, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Linalool
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is the filtered, stabilized liquid pressed from the inner gel of the aloe vera leaf.
In cosmetics, it shows up as either soothing active or a water-replacement base. It is roughly 98-99% water and the last 1-2% is an interesting mix of polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
The polysaccharides do most of the work: they bind water at the skin surface for a light, non-greasy hydration boost. And one of the polysaccharides, glycomannan, is linked to fibroblast stimulation + collagen synthesis. This is also why aloe has such a long track record in wound and burn healing.
This ingredient is also calming with anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity, making it a great pick for sensitive, irritated, or post-sun skin.
Realistic expectations matter though; the solid evidence is mostly limited to hydration, soothing, and wound support. Deeper claims about anti-aging or sun protection are not well backed, and science reviews note it does not prevent radiation-induced skin injury.
Because it plays well with almost everything, it's commonly used as a base alongside other actives like niacinamide or vitamin C.
Typical usage concentrations range from 0.5% (where hydration benefits already show up) all the way to 90%+ (where it replaces water as the main base).
The safety for this ingredient is well-establish as well. Overall, this is a great supporting ingredient for those who want a boost in hydration.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceButylene 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 GlycolCitric 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 AcidDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeHexyl 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 CinnamalHydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde is a synthetic fragrance. The more common name for this ingredient is Lyral.
The scent of lyral is described as sweet and floral-like.
Lyral is a known EU allergen and causes contact dermatitis when applied to the skin.
Learn more about Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene CarboxaldehydeWe don't have a description for Keratin Amino Acids yet.
Linalool 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 LinaloolLinum Usitatissimum Seed Flour is an exfoliant.
Methyl Gluceth-20 is a humectant. Humectants help draw moisture from the air to your skin.
It is created by combining polyethylene glycol with glucose.
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 ParfumPropylene Glycol is a synthetic, colorless, odorless liquid that has been a staple in cosmetics for decades. It is a skin conditioning agent, humectant, and solvent.
As a humectant, it draw water to the skin to reduce flaking and restore suppleness. It's also a solvent that helps dissolve other actives and keeps formulas stable across temperature changes.
The CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be nontoxic and clinical studies show no sensitization at cosmetic use concentrations.
True allergic reactions are quite rare: a 15-year retrospective study of 6,751 patients found only 0.31% had a positive reaction (and less than half were considered clinically relevant).
It seemed that when sensitization does occur, it's most commonly linked to topical medication (like corticosteroids) and not cosmetics. Allergic contact dermatitis also appears largely limited to individuals with underlying skin conditions.
Overall, propylene glycol is a well-studied ingredient that most people can tolerate without issue.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolWe don't have a description for Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Protein yet.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) is a water-soluble form of Vitamin C. It is the salt of ascorbic acid.
This ingredient is commonly used in skincare because it's more formulation-stable while still offering the same benefits as pure ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is notorious for breaking down when exposed to sunlight and oxygen whereas SAP has been shown to be more stable.
Studies show SAP has anti-acne and antioxidant benefits. One study found 5% of SAP lotion to be an effective ingredient for treating acne vulgaris. This is because research shows that SAP may help control acne by reducing acne-causing bacteria and slowing the oxidation of skin oils caused by UV exposure.
In addition to acne, vitamin C is important for skin structure. Lab studies suggest SAP may support collagen production in skin cells, making it a great ingredient in anti-aging routines.
Vitamin C has many benefits: it helps reduce redness, improve skin texture, fade the appearance of dark spots, and brighten the skin.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateTocopheryl Acetate is a stable, shelf-friendly form of vitamin E.
Formulators love it because plain vitamin E oxidizes quickly once it hits air. This acetate version stays stable and resists going off, helping to extend a product's shelf life.
It's actually inactive on its own and works like a slow-release "storage" form; the enzymes in your skin called esterases gradually convert it into active vitamin E over time.
One in vivo study showed 5% of the acetate in the living layer of the epidermis converted to vitamin E after 5 days of application. This study also found the skin gained protection against UV damage even though the conversion was slow and small.
Once converted, vitamin E acts as a skin's main fat-soluble antioxidant that fights free radicals to protect skin from damage.
Topical vitamin E generally boosts the skin's photoprotection, and it reduced UV-damage in animal models.
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.
Overall, it has a pretty solid safety profile and has been found to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic. Allergic reactions may happen but stay rare due to how widely the ingredient gets used.
The concentration will vary depending on the formula; industry data shows 0.1% in baby lotions, 3% in lipsticks, and 5% in foot powders. You can also find this ingredient at 100% in a pure vitamin E oil.
Most leave-on skincare keeps it at the lower end, often between 0.5-1%.
Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate