What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-40 Stearate
EmulsifyingParaffinum Liquidum
EmollientMyristyl Myristate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientSorbitan Tristearate
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIsohexadecane
EmollientCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingAcrylonitrile/Methyl Methacrylate/Vinylidene Chloride Copolymer
Mannitol
HumectantMethylparaben
PreservativeAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialStearyl Alcohol
EmollientMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
CI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantHydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract
Skin ProtectingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingIsobutane
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingIris Florentina Root Extract
MaskingVigna Aconitifolia Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCyclodextrin
AbsorbentSodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingFaex Extract
Skin ConditioningHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingTin Oxide
AbrasiveBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingDisodium Succinate
MaskingWater, Squalane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-40 Stearate, Paraffinum Liquidum, Myristyl Myristate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Octyldodecanol, Sorbitan Tristearate, Butylene Glycol, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77891, Isohexadecane, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Acrylonitrile/Methyl Methacrylate/Vinylidene Chloride Copolymer, Mannitol, Methylparaben, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Parfum, Chlorphenesin, Stearyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Mica, Polysorbate 80, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Disodium EDTA, CI 77163, CI 77491, Hydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract, Sorbitan Oleate, Isobutane, Sodium Hydroxide, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Vigna Aconitifolia Seed Extract, Cyclodextrin, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Faex Extract, Hexyl Cinnamal, Tin Oxide, Benzyl Alcohol, Hydroxycitronellal, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Citronellol, Limonene, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Disodium Succinate
Water
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV AbsorberHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPEG-20
HumectantPetrolatum
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientHydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePropylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantZea Mays Oil
EmulsifyingPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPassiflora Edulis Seed Oil
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Oil
EmollientCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyacrylamide
PEG-100 Stearate
Glyceryl Stearate
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingC13-14 Isoparaffin
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Dimethiconol
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningLaureth-7
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantJasminum Officinale Extract
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingOryza Sativa
Limonene
PerfumingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantHydrolyzed Linseed Extract
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingMalus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningCitronellol
PerfumingCoumarin
PerfumingCI 19140
Cosmetic Colorant2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol
Skin ConditioningCitral
PerfumingCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingWater, Octocrylene, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Octyldodecanol, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-20, Petrolatum, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Zea Mays Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Cetearyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyacrylamide, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Xanthan Gum, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Disodium EDTA, Dimethiconol, Pentylene Glycol, Laureth-7, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Jasminum Officinale Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Oryza Sativa, Limonene, Adenosine, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Linseed Extract, Linalool, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Citronellol, Coumarin, CI 19140, 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol, Citral, CI 14700, Parfum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCapryloyl Salicylic Acid comes from salicylic acid, the famous acne-fighting BHA.
It usually goes by a more common name of LHA, or lipohydroxy acid.
Like salicylic acid, this ingredient is a chemical exfoliant that can help break down the oil in your pores and reduce inflammation.
Though studies for LHA do show it to be less effective than salicylic acid. To be fair, salicylic acid is the reigning monarch of acne treatments.
However, a study from 2009 found LHA to be comparable to BPO, making it a good alternative for people with sensitive skin. Another study of 14 patients found a significant decrease in comedones after using LHA.
Another pro of LHA? It is less irritating than salicylic acid due to its large molecule size.
Large molecules cannot penetrate skin as well, so they are gentler on the skin. LHA is much less penetrative than salicylic acid.
An in-vitro study (not done on a living organism) found only 6% of LHA penetrated past the statum corneum compared to 58% of salicylic acid. An in-vivo (done on a living organism) analysis revealed ~17% of LHA was still present in the top layer of skin after 4 days, versus ~9% of salicylic acid.
Interestingly, a study from 2008 found LHA comparable to another famous acid, glycolic acid.
This study found about 10% of LHA is as effective as 20-50% of glycolic acid in treating hyperpigmentation and fine-lines.
Hydroxy acids have been found to stimulate skin protein, lipids, and thermal thickening. This may have anti-aging benefits.
Learn more about Capryloyl Salicylic AcidCetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholCitronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateLimonene 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 LinaloolOctyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol. It is primarily used to enhance the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, Octyldodecanol helps prevent the oils and waters from separating. It also prevents ingredients from creating foam when shaken.
Octyldodecanol is created by reducing fatty acid to an alcohol.
Due to its high molecular weight, it does not get absorbed into the skin.
Learn more about OctyldodecanolParfum 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 ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Sodium 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 HydroxideWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water