What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantDeceth-3
EmulsifyingLaureth-12
EmulsifyingEthanolamine
BufferingOleth-30
CleansingLauric Acid
CleansingPolyquaternium-6
Glycol Distearate
EmollientToluene-2,5-Diamine
Hexadimethrine Chloride
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic Colorant2,4-Diaminophenoxyethanol Hcl
M-Aminophenol
Ascorbic Acid
AntioxidantMica
Cosmetic ColorantThiolactic Acid
AntioxidantThioglycerin
2-Methylresorcinol
N,N-Bis(2-Hydroxyethyl)-P-Phenylenediamine Sulfate
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingResorcinol
AntioxidantEDTA
Parfum
MaskingHydrogen Peroxide
AntimicrobialSodium Salicylate
PreservativeTrideceth-2 Carboxamide Mea
Phosphoric Acid
BufferingCeteareth-25
CleansingTetrasodium Etidronate
Emulsion StabilisingTetrasodium Pyrophosphate
BufferingBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeElaeis Guineensis Oil
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeStearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventOctyldodecanol
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingWater, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Deceth-3, Laureth-12, Ethanolamine, Oleth-30, Lauric Acid, Polyquaternium-6, Glycol Distearate, Toluene-2,5-Diamine, Hexadimethrine Chloride, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, CI 77491, CI 77891, 2,4-Diaminophenoxyethanol Hcl, M-Aminophenol, Ascorbic Acid, Mica, Thiolactic Acid, Thioglycerin, 2-Methylresorcinol, N,N-Bis(2-Hydroxyethyl)-P-Phenylenediamine Sulfate, Carbomer, Resorcinol, EDTA, Parfum, Hydrogen Peroxide, Sodium Salicylate, Trideceth-2 Carboxamide Mea, Phosphoric Acid, Ceteareth-25, Tetrasodium Etidronate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Behentrimonium Chloride, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Glycerin, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Isopropyl Alcohol, Octyldodecanol, Citric Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientHydrogen Peroxide
AntimicrobialCeteareth-33
CleansingPhosphoric Acid
BufferingOxyquinoline Sulfate
AntimicrobialEthanolamine
BufferingPropylene Glycol
HumectantCeteareth-25
CleansingCeteth-2
EmulsifyingPEG-2 Rapeseedamine
Toluene-2,5-Diamine Sulfate
PEG-4 Rapeseedamide
Oxidized Corn Oil
Skin Conditioning2-Methylresorcinol
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Sulfite
PreservativeCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingPropanediol
SolventFrangula Alnus Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingMaltodextrin
Absorbent4-Chlororesorcinol
Rubia Tinctorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-22
Ascorbic Acid
AntioxidantSodium Hydrosulfite
Tetrasodium EDTA
Haematoxylum Campechianum Wood Extract
Cosmetic Colorant2-Amino-4-Hydroxyethylaminoanisole Sulfate
Genista Tinctoria Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningCoreopsis Tinctoria Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningM-Aminophenol
Ziziphus Joazeiro Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningGardenia Taitensis Flower
Skin ConditioningOctadecyl Di-T-Butyl-4-Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantP-Aminophenol
Phenyl Methyl Pyrazolone
Tocopherol
AntioxidantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativePongamia Glabra Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningEthyl Macadamiate
Skin ConditioningCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialHydrolyzed Pea Protein
EmollientPolyquaternium-53
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingCitric Acid
BufferingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Phosphate
BufferingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingHelianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingMalic Acid
BufferingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingWater, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogen Peroxide, Ceteareth-33, Phosphoric Acid, Oxyquinoline Sulfate, Ethanolamine, Propylene Glycol, Ceteareth-25, Ceteth-2, PEG-2 Rapeseedamine, Toluene-2,5-Diamine Sulfate, PEG-4 Rapeseedamide, Oxidized Corn Oil, 2-Methylresorcinol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sodium Sulfite, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Propanediol, Frangula Alnus Bark Extract, Parfum, Maltodextrin, 4-Chlororesorcinol, Rubia Tinctorum Root Extract, Polyquaternium-22, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hydrosulfite, Tetrasodium EDTA, Haematoxylum Campechianum Wood Extract, 2-Amino-4-Hydroxyethylaminoanisole Sulfate, Genista Tinctoria Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Coreopsis Tinctoria Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, M-Aminophenol, Ziziphus Joazeiro Bark Extract, Gardenia Taitensis Flower, Octadecyl Di-T-Butyl-4-Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, P-Aminophenol, Phenyl Methyl Pyrazolone, Tocopherol, Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil, Ethyl Macadamiate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Chlorphenesin, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Polyquaternium-53, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Glycerin, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Disodium Phosphate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Malic Acid, Limonene, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
We don't have a description for 2-Methylresorcinol yet.
Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.
Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.
Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!
Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.
Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.
The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.
Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidThis ingredient is a preservative and often used for it's anti-static properties. You'll most likely see this ingredient in hair conditioners.
It does not cause irritation or sensitization in leave-on products at 1-5%.
Ceteareth-25 comes from Cetearyl Alcohol. (And Cetearyl Alcohol is created from cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol.
This ingredient is a fatty alcohol used as an emulsifier and surfactant. As an emulsifier, it helps oil mix with water.
Like cetearyl alcohol, Ceteareth-25 can help thicken and create a gel-like consistency.
Learn more about Ceteareth-25Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidCocos Nucifera Oil is obtained from the kernels of the coconut fruit. In other words, this is coconut oil.
Coconut Oil is rich in fatty acids with lauric acid making up the majority of these. It also contains linoleic acid. Due to this high fatty acid content, coconut oil helps trap moisture and soften skin.
Despite being antibacterial, coconut oil may not be great for acne-prone skin. It is comedogenic and may clog pores. This ingredient may not be safe for malassezia or fungal acne.
Note: Coconut Oil should not replace your sunscreen for UV protection. Studies show it only blocks about 20% of UV.
This oil is non-volatile and has a light scent.
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 Cocos Nucifera OilWe don't have a description for Ethanolamine yet.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinWe don't have a description for Hydrogen Peroxide yet.
Hydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.
This ingredient helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating. It can also help thicken the texture of a product.
This ingredient can also be found in pill medicines to help our bodies digest other ingredients.
Learn more about HydroxyethylcelluloseWe don't have a description for M-Aminophenol yet.
Parfum 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.
Phosphoric acid is used to adjust the pH of products.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolWater. 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