What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Cocamide Mea
EmulsifyingGlycerin
Humectant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Glycol Distearate
Emollient
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Parfum
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Chloride
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Coco-Betaine
CleansingHydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Polyquaternium-7
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamide Mea, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Hexylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Parfum, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate, Propylene Glycol, Coco-Betaine, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Carbomer, Salicylic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Polyquaternium-7, Linalool, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Lauryl Betaine
CleansingCocamide Methyl Mea
Asparagopsis Armata Extract
Skin ProtectingPropanediol
Solvent
Gamma-Docosalactone
Skin ConditioningQuaternium-33
PEG-32
HumectantPEG-6
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlucosyl Hesperidin
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningGlycerylamidoethyl Methacrylate/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sorbitol
Humectant
Prunus Domestica Seed Extract
EmollientAscophyllum Nodosum Extract
Skin ConditioningPisum Sativum Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningKeratin
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningIsomalt
HumectantPolyquaternium-10
Polyquaternium-7
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Keratin
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Silk
Humectant
PCA Ethyl Cocoyl Arginate
MoisturisingHydrolyzed Silk Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicPouteria Sapota Seed Oil
Emollient
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningSclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Humectant
Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter
Skin Conditioning
Mangifera Indica Seed Oil
Emollient
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Glycine Soja Sterols
Emollient
Ceramide Ng
Skin Conditioning
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Ceramide Ag
Humectant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Oil
Emollient
Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Emollient
Sodium Chloride
Masking
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Salicylic Acid
Masking
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingPotassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Keratin
Skin ConditioningQuaternium-18
Behentrimonium Chloride
Preservative
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Glycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Caramel
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Lauryl Betaine, Cocamide Methyl Mea, Asparagopsis Armata Extract, Propanediol, Gamma-Docosalactone, Quaternium-33, PEG-32, PEG-6, Dipropylene Glycol, Glucosyl Hesperidin, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Glycerylamidoethyl Methacrylate/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitol, Prunus Domestica Seed Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Pisum Sativum Sprout Extract, Keratin, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract, Isomalt, Polyquaternium-10, Polyquaternium-7, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Silk, PCA Ethyl Cocoyl Arginate, Hydrolyzed Silk Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol, Biotin, Pouteria Sapota Seed Oil, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Mangifera Indica Seed Oil, Ubiquinone, Glycine Soja Sterols, Ceramide Ng, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Ceramide Ag, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Oil, Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Sodium Chloride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cholesterol, Salicylic Acid, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate, Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Quaternium-18, Behentrimonium Chloride, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Caramel
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric 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 AcidGlycerin 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 GlycerinParfum 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 ParfumPolyquaternium-7 is a light to clear colored liquid. It is commonly found in haircare products for its film-forming and anti-static properties.
According to a manufacturer, it is a non-paraben and specially developed for negatively charged surfactant systems. This makes it a great hairstyle holder and helps to improve wet hair detangling without adding buildup.
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 GlycolSalicylic 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 BenzoateSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a cleansing agent made from a mixture of long chain sulfonate salts. It can also help produce foam.
This ingredient may be drying. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideWater. 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
