What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingIsopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Cetyl Esters
Emollient
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Linalool
Perfuming
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Coumarin
Perfuming
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Citral
Perfuming
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Xylitylglucoside
Humectant
Anhydroxylitol
Humectant
Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract
Antioxidant
Xylitol
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Isopropyl Myristate, Glycerin, Glycine Soja Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Cetyl Esters, Tartaric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Limonene, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Coumarin, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Citral, Benzyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract, Xylitol, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Cleansing
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingGlycol Distearate
Emollient
Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingGlycerin
Humectant
Parfum
Masking
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingDecyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Coco-Betaine
Cleansing
Citric Acid
Buffering
Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer
Amodimethicone
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolyquaternium-7
Polyquaternium-10
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Chloride
MaskingLimonene
Perfuming
PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningGlycine
Buffering
Polysorbate 21
Emulsifying
Trideceth-6
EmulsifyingLinalool
Perfuming
C12-13 Alketh-23
CleansingC12-13 Alketh-3
EmulsifyingCitral
Perfuming
Cetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Glycerin, Parfum, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Betaine, Citric Acid, Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, Amodimethicone, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-10, Carbomer, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Limonene, PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate, Propylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Glycine, Polysorbate 21, Trideceth-6, Linalool, C12-13 Alketh-23, C12-13 Alketh-3, Citral, Cetrimonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citral is the molecule responsible for the fresh lemon scent in lemon, lime, and lemongrass. It is a fragrance ingredient that can be created from plant essential oils or synthetically.
Though Citral has documented antimicrobial activity against acne bacteria (which is where the marketing claims about it being good for acne-prone skin originate), real formulas use it at fragrance-level concentrations under 1% so there's likely no skin benefit.
You should know this ingredient is a known EU fragrance allergen.
Animal studies classifies this ingredient as a weak-to-moderate skin sensitizer and clinical patch testing on eczema patients confirmed it to be both a contact allergen and irritant.
The term 'citral' is a collective term for two geometric isomers: geranial/Citral A and neral/Citral B.
The term '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.
Learn more about CitralCitric 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 AcidGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool 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 LinaloolParfum 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 ParfumSalicylic 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 AcidWater. 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
