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 an organic acid that shows up in cosmetics as a preservative. It helps keep a product from spoiling by holding back the growth of yeast, mold, and some bacteria.
This ingredient also functions as a fragrance ingredient that helps mask the unpleasant scent of other ingredients.
The way it works is worth understanding; benzoic acid works when the formula is acidic. It is able to sneak into a microbe's cell and mess up how it functions to stop it from growing in an acidic product.
However, the acid switches to an inactive form and stops working if a product isn't acidic enough (above ~5 pH). This is why you'll often see it in low pH products or teamed up with other preservatives to cover the gap.
Safety wise, it's one of the better studied preservatives out there.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded this ingredient to be safe for use in cosmetic formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
A large international review found this ingredient had no effects on the human body and had low irritation potential.
Just so you know, real world use is usually much lower than the 5% ceiling (usually 1% of less).
The EU caps it at 2.5% in rinse-off products, 1.7% in oral care, and 0.5% in leave-on products.
One thing worth mentioning (it's nothing to worry about): some people get a little stinging or flushing where they apply it. This isn't a true allergy; it's a temporary and harmless reaction. This is the same kind of mild tingle you might notice from sorbic acid.
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, 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 an emulsifier derived from castor oil.
As an emulsifying agent, it helps other ingredients like fragrances and fat-soluble vitamins dissolve cohesively.
Due to its large molecule size, it doesn't penetrate beyond the skin's surface.
This ingredient has a solid regulatory track record; the CIR Expert Panel first concluded it was safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 100% in 1997. A 2012 reassessment reaffirmed that finding. Safety studies have also found no irritation or evidence of toxicity.
A 2019 study did find this ingredient to grow Malassezia, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
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 is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
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