What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Alcohol
AntimicrobialMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeSteartrimonium Chloride
PreservativeMethyl Diisopropyl Propionamide
MaskingCapsicum Annuum Fruit Extract
AntimicrobialMangifera Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMenthol
MaskingKeratin Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientSalicylic Acid
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantCornus Officinalis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningRehmannia Chinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAlisma Orientale Tuber Extract
Skin ConditioningDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingPoria Cocos Sclerotium Extract
AstringentGlycine
BufferingGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantAspartic Acid
MaskingLeucine
Skin ConditioningAlanine
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingPhenylalanine
MaskingValine
MaskingThreonine
Proline
Skin ConditioningIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantMethionine
Skin ConditioningCystine
MaskingParfum
MaskingAlcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Dipropylene Glycol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Chloride, Steartrimonium Chloride, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract, Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract, Menthol, Keratin Amino Acids, Panthenol, Water, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Salicylic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, Alisma Orientale Tuber Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract, Glycine, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Valine, Threonine, Proline, Isoleucine, Histidine, Methionine, Cystine, Parfum
Butylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningSteartrimonium Chloride
PreservativeAlcohol
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingSaccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin ConditioningYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningInulin
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Arvensis Leaf Extract
MaskingPhellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningVinegar
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Branch/Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingChamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialArtemisia Annua Extract
MaskingAzadirachta Indica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAnthemis Nobilis Flower Water
MaskingMelissa Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Water
Skin ConditioningAlthaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingAlchemilla Vulgaris Extract
AstringentArginine
MaskingAspartic Acid
MaskingGlycine
BufferingAlanine
MaskingSerine
MaskingValine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantPhenylalanine
MaskingZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingGanoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientPanax Ginseng Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG-Crosspolymer
Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantPolylysine
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingNiacinamide
SmoothingCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Benzoate
MaskingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingSodium PCA
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingPCA
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDextrin
AbsorbentButylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Myristyl Alcohol, Water, Steartrimonium Chloride, Alcohol, Parfum, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Yeast Extract, Beta-Glucan, Inulin, Maltodextrin, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Vinegar, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Branch/Flower/Leaf Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Artemisia Annua Extract, Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Melissa Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Water, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Caffeine, Biotin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Leaf/Stem Extract, PEG-Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Polylysine, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, PCA, Methylpropanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dextrin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Alanine is an amino acid and is already found in the human body. Our skin uses alanine to build collagen, elastin, and keratin.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.
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.
Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.
Learn more about AlcoholArginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.
As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.
Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineAspartic Acid is an amino acid that our bodies produce naturally. It is an antioxidant.
Our body uses Aspartic Acid to help build collagen and elastin. It also plays a role in hydrating skin.
Butylene 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 GlycolThis ingredient is a preservative, antimicrobial, and emulsifier. It is often used in cosmetics for its ability to cleanse, condition, and reduce static.
Cetrimonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt, meaning it has a water-soluble structure.
Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolThis ingredient is an amino acid that helps build proteins and moisturizes skin. It is already present in our skin as our bodies produce them naturally.
Glycine already plays a role in helping keep our skin moisturized as amino acids transport moisture throughout our skin.
As collagen is made up of glycine and other amino acids, it is believed glycine may help our skin produce more collagen.
Learn more about GlycineHistidine is a semi-essential amino acid used by our bodies to create protein. It has humectant and skin conditioning properties.
Our bodies use histidine to create filaggrin - filaggrin is a structural protein that the skin uses in maintaining skin barrier.
One study found histidine and carnosine to be a dynamic duo for your skin:
Oral histidine has also been found to help with filaggrin-deficit skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis.
Why is it considered a semi-essential amino acid? This is because adults are able to create it but children must get it from their diet.
Learn more about HistidineIsoleucine is an amino acid that helps reinforce our skin barrier. This amino acid plays a role in creating protein for the body.
Fun fact: Isoleucine is found in meat, fish, dairy, legumes, and nuts.
Myristyl Alcohol is type of fatty alcohol. It is a white, waxy solid and insoluble in water.
As an emollient, it hydrates the skin by trapping moisture in.
Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent alcohols.
Learn more about Myristyl AlcoholPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract comes Peony plant. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Emerging studies also show peony root may help reduce hyperpigmentation.
Ancient Chinese medicine has used peony root to treat dark spots, but studies are looking into this claim more.
Learn more about Paeonia Suffruticosa Root ExtractPanthenol 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 ParfumPhenylalanine is an amino acid. It is a skin soothing and hydrating ingredient. Amino acids play a crucial role in wound healing and skin hydration.
This ingredient is also used to help even out skin tone due to its ability to disrupt the melanin production process.
Two structures of phenylalanine exist: L-phenylalanine and D-phenylalanine. L-phenylalanine is essential, this means our bodies cannot produce it naturally and we must get it from foods. Our bodies convert D-phenylalanine to neurotransmitters, and D-phenylalanine is found in our bodies naturally.
Some foods that contain L-phenylalanine include eggs, soybeans, beef, milk.
Learn more about PhenylalanineProline is an amino-acid. It helps moisturize the skin and plays an important role in creating proteins.
Our skin uses proline as one of the building blocks for producing collagen.
In medicine, proline is used as an osmoprotectant. This means it helps prevent oxidative degradation in other drugs.
Our bodies are able to produce proline naturally, but certain conditions may inhibit this production. In that case, proline can be obtained from eating egg whites, soy protein, dairy products, asparagus, mushrooms, and seaweed.
Learn more about ProlineSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSerine is an amino acid naturally found in our body. Our bodies use amino acids to create protein.
Amino-acids help give keep our skin hydrated. They play an important role in the skin barrier, which keeps the skin plump and firm.
Serine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning we don't need to obtain it from eating foods.
Learn more about SerineSteartrimonium Chloride is a preservative.
Threonine is an amino-acid. It helps hydrate the skin and has antioxidant benefits.
Our skin uses threonine for creating collagen and elastin. Humans are not able to create threonine and must get it through eating foods such as fish, lentils, poultry, sesame seeds, and more.
Valine is an essential amino acid. It is used by our bodies for tissue repair and muscle growth.
An essential amino acid is one in which our bodies cannot naturally produce so we must get them through diet. Foods such as eggs, dairy, red meat, and fish contain valine.
This ingredient can either be derived from an animal product or be synthetically created.
Learn more about ValineWater. 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