What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Menthol
Masking
Camphor
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Coptis Japonica Extract
AntimicrobialCurcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Limus Extract
Skin ConditioningMolasses Extract
Skin ConditioningSea Water
HumectantLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Soluble Collagen
Humectant
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
O-Cymen-5-Ol, Menthol, Camphor, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Alcohol, Water, Butylene Glycol, Coptis Japonica Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Limus Extract, Molasses Extract, Sea Water, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Soluble Collagen, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Disodium Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethylhydroxy Dihydroflavone
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Menthol
Masking
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Lecithin
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicTocopherol
Antioxidant
Parfum
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Pinene
Masking
Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
Masking
Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes
Masking
Alcohol Denat., Water, Dimethylhydroxy Dihydroflavone, Panthenol, Menthol, Caffeine, Glycerin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Alcohol, Lecithin, Citric Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Biotin, Tocopherol, Parfum, Limonene, Linalool, Pinene, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes
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 AlcoholMenthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholPanthenol 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 ParfumTocopheryl 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 AcetateWater. 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
