What's inside
What's inside
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Sulfonated Keratin
Skin ProtectingAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Polysilicone-9
Hydrolyzed Keratin
Humectant
Benzophenone-4
UV Absorber
Steartrimonium Chloride
Preservative
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Malic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingParfum
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Methylparaben
Preservative
Propylparaben
Preservative
Linalool
Perfuming
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Water
Skin ConditioningSucrose
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHoney Extract
Humectant
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Lactobacillus/Arundinaria Gigantea Leaf Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Hydrolyzed Quinoa
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Linalool
Perfuming
Essential Oils
Alcohol, Water, Sucrose, Glycerin, Acacia Senegal Gum, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract, Honey Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Lactobacillus/Arundinaria Gigantea Leaf Ferment Filtrate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Linalool, Essential Oils
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 AlcoholBenzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.
Benzyl Alcohol has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties help lengthen the shelf life of products. Benzyl Alcohol is a solvent and helps dissolve other ingredients. It can also improve the texture and spreadability.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is an astringent alcohol.
Using high concentrations of these alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
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.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Learn more about Benzyl AlcoholLinalool 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 Linalool
