What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHydrofluorocarbon 152a
Dimethyl Ether
SolventVp/Va Copolymer
Pvp
Emulsion StabilisingHydrolyzed Pea Protein
EmollientHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningBambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
HumectantMagnesium PCA
HumectantZinc PCA
HumectantManganese PCA
HumectantDimethicone PEG-8 Meadowfoamate
EmollientPisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningCopaifera Officinalis Resin
MaskingAcacia Farnesiana Extract
Skin ConditioningMyrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCereus Grandiflorus Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialEthylhexyl Olivate
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingPPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPEG-60 Almond Glycerides
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Quaternium-95
UV AbsorberPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantPropanediol
SolventGlucosamine Hcl
Tocopherol
AntioxidantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialBenzoic Acid
MaskingSorbic Acid
PreservativeLaurtrimonium Chloride
EmulsifyingSodium Bisulfate
BufferingParfum
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingWater, Hydrofluorocarbon 152a, Dimethyl Ether, Vp/Va Copolymer, Pvp, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract, Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Magnesium PCA, Zinc PCA, Manganese PCA, Dimethicone PEG-8 Meadowfoamate, Pisum Sativum Extract, Copaifera Officinalis Resin, Acacia Farnesiana Extract, Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, Cereus Grandiflorus Flower Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Squalane, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Quaternium-95, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Propanediol, Glucosamine Hcl, Tocopherol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Laurtrimonium Chloride, Sodium Bisulfate, Parfum, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Water
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingPolyquaternium-46
Vp/Va Copolymer
Cetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialPEG-8
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingBenzoic Acid
MaskingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantPhenylpropanol
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPropanediol
SolventCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientBenzophenone-4
UV AbsorberCitric Acid
BufferingLimonene
PerfumingCoumarin
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingWater, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyquaternium-46, Vp/Va Copolymer, Cetrimonium Chloride, PEG-8, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Sodium Gluconate, Parfum, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopherol, Phenylpropanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Benzophenone-4, Citric Acid, Limonene, Coumarin, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Salicylate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.
The antimicrobial property of Benzoic Acid helps elongate a product's shelf life. Its main role is to reduce fungi growth and is not found to be effective at fighting bacteria. Therefore Benzoic Acid is always added along with other preservatives.
In its pure form, Benzoic Acid looks like a white crystalline solid. It has slight solubility in water.
The name of Benzoic Acid comes from gum benzoin, which used to be the sole source of deriving this ingredient. Benzoic Acid is the most simple aromatic carboxylic acid.
Benzoic Acid is naturally occuring in strawberries, mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. It has a slight scent but is not considered to be a fragrance.
Learn more about Benzoic AcidCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolLimonene 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 LimonenePanthenol 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 ParfumPeg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is derived from castor oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG). It is used as a emollient and emulsifier.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps make the other ingredients more soluble; it is often used to solubilize fragrances. This increases spreadability and elongates shelf life in a product.
Emollients help soothe and soften the skin. They do this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
This ingredient may or may not be vegan, depending on the source.
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil may not be fungal-acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any questions or concerns.
Learn more about PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolVP/VA Copolymer is a synthetic polymer made by joining two smaller molecules (vinylpyrrolidone and vinyl acetate) into a larger chain.
It is mainly used as a film-former and fixing agent. When a product dries, it creates a thin and flexible layer on the skin, hair, or nails. This film helps hold hairstyles into place, adds a smooth feel to skin, and traps moisture to reduce dryness.
Irritation is rare at normal concentrations and it doesn't penetrate deeply into skin.
Learn more about Vp/Va CopolymerWater. 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