What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCellulose
AbsorbentAlcohol
AntimicrobialGarcinia Mangostana Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningTriethanolamine
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningMethylparaben
PreservativeCarica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingPyrus Malus Fruit Water
MaskingZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentPolyethylene
AbrasiveLactose
HumectantLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingOcimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract
TonicRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialFoeniculum Vulgare Fruit Extract
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingAlthaea Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCopernicia Cerifera Wax
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSqualane
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHydroxypropylcellulose
EmulsifyingCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Butylene Glycol, Cellulose, Alcohol, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Panthenol, Methylparaben, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Parfum, Pyrus Malus Fruit Water, Zea Mays Starch, Polyethylene, Lactose, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Foeniculum Vulgare Fruit Extract, Disodium EDTA, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Althaea Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, CI 77491, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, CI 77492, CI 77499, Squalane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxypropylcellulose, CI 17200
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantTea-Lauryl Sulfate
CleansingPolyethylene
AbrasiveSodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids
CleansingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Grandis Fruit Extract
AstringentJojoba Esters
EmollientMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer
Alcohol
AntimicrobialBenzophenone-4
UV AbsorberDecyl Glucoside
CleansingDisodium EDTA
Hydroxystearic Acid
CleansingMenthol
MaskingPEG-8
HumectantSodium Lauryl Sulfate
CleansingTrideceth-6
EmulsifyingTriethanolamine
BufferingDMDM Hydantoin
PreservativeMethylparaben
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Methylparaben
PreservativeCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 47005
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77289
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Butylene Glycol, Tea-Lauryl Sulfate, Polyethylene, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Coco-Glucoside, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract, Jojoba Esters, Mentha Piperita Oil, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer, Alcohol, Benzophenone-4, Decyl Glucoside, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxystearic Acid, Menthol, PEG-8, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Trideceth-6, Triethanolamine, DMDM Hydantoin, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Methylparaben, CI 42090, CI 47005, CI 77289, Parfum, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Linalool
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholButylene 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 GlycolDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAMethylparaben is a synthetic preservative and one of the most widely used in the world. It has a simple, but important job: prevent your products from going bad by stopping bacteria, yeast, and mold from growing.
Typical use levels are low, often 0.1-0.3%.
This is also one of the most heavily studied preservatives out there and major regulatory bodies have repeatedly given it the green light.
In 2023, the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) confirmed that this ingredient is safe up to 0.4% on its own, of up to 0.8% when mixed with other paraben esters.
Here's the science behind the noise behind parabens/hormones as well:
Methylparaben shows very weak estrogen-like activity in vitro tests (more than 1,000x weaker than your body's own estradiol). In vivo (live-organism) studies don't support a meaningful endocrine-disrupting effect either.
You get a stronger estrogenic effect from eating tofu, actually.
It's also a low sensitizer and allergic reactions are uncommon; they usually happen on damage or broken skin.
There is a caveat: France has proposed to formally re-examine its endocrine classification in 2025 so the regulatory conversation isn't fully closed as of yet.
But as it stands today, this ingredient is considered safe at permitted levels.
Learn more about MethylparabenPanthenol 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 ParfumPolyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.
It is also typically used within product formulations to help bind solid ingredients together and thicken oil-based ingredients. When added to balms and emulsions, it helps increase the melting point temperature.
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 AcetateTriethanolamine (TEA) is an emulsifier and pH adjuster. It is created using ethylene oxide and ammonia. This gives Triethanolamine a nitrogen core and a similar scent to ammonia.
As an emulsifier, it prevents ingredients from separating and enhances texture by adding volume to a product.
PH adjusters are common in cosmetic products. The pH of a product can affect the effectiveness of other ingredients. A product with a high pH may also irritate the skin.
If you are looking for the tea leaf ingredient, click here.
Learn more about TriethanolamineWater. 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