What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialWater
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventDipropylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingGlycereth-26
HumectantMenthol
MaskingSalicylic Acid
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantC12-14 Pareth-12
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingSodium Naphthalenesulfonate
SurfactantC12-13 Pareth-9
EmulsifyingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Viridis Extract
MaskingMentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract
TonicCornus Officinalis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningRehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAlisma Orientale Tuber Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingPoria Cocos Sclerotium Extract
AstringentGlycerin
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Benzoate
MaskingRosa Davurica Bud Extract
AntioxidantBambusa Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningChenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningDiospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingPorphyridium Cruentum Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingPinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Alcohol Denat., Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caffeine, Methylpropanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Glycereth-26, Menthol, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Allantoin, Trehalose, C12-14 Pareth-12, Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate, Sodium Naphthalenesulfonate, C12-13 Pareth-9, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Mentha Viridis Extract, Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Alisma Orientale Tuber Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Rosa Davurica Bud Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingGlycol Distearate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCoco-Betaine
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantSelenium Sulfide
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCI 47005
Cosmetic ColorantCitric Acid
BufferingMenthol
Masking2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol
Skin ConditioningPPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantParfum
Masking
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Glycerin (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 GlycerinMenthol 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 MentholParfum 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 AcidSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateWater. 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