What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingLaureth-5 Carboxylic Acid
CleansingParfum
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingNiacinamide
SmoothingDiaminopyrimidine Oxide
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingAcetyl Cedrene
PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate
SurfactantSalicylic Acid
MaskingPolyquaternium-67
Limonene
PerfumingBenzoic Acid
MaskingLinalyl Acetate
MaskingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingPinene
MaskingPropylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingCarvone
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingCitrus Aurantium Peel Oil
Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes
MaskingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Laureth-5 Carboxylic Acid, Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Niacinamide, Diaminopyrimidine Oxide, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Acetyl Cedrene, PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate, Salicylic Acid, Polyquaternium-67, Limonene, Benzoic Acid, Linalyl Acetate, Benzyl Alcohol, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Linalool, Pinene, Propylene Glycol, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Carvone, Citric Acid, Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, Hexylene Glycol, Hexyl Cinnamal
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingC13-15 Alkane
SolventPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantLactic Acid
BufferingBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePanthenol
Skin ConditioningAcetic Acid
BufferingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantLinoleamidopropyl Dimethylamine Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Oleate
EmulsifyingHydroxyethyl Diethylenetriamine Dioleamide/Palmitamide
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantHydrolyzed Corn Protein
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSodium Phosphate
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingJuniperus Virginiana Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingPinus Palustris Oil
MaskingPropanediol
SolventArginine
MaskingGlycine Soja Germ Extract
EmollientTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentSodium Benzoate
MaskingGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningCalcium Gluconate
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C13-15 Alkane, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Behentrimonium Chloride, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Acetic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Linoleamidopropyl Dimethylamine Dimer Dilinoleate, Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate, Hydroxyethyl Diethylenetriamine Dioleamide/Palmitamide, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Betaine, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Sodium Chloride, Disodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Pinus Palustris Oil, Propanediol, Arginine, Glycine Soja Germ Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Gluconolactone, Calcium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene
Reviews
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 AcidLimonene 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 LimoneneParfum 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 ParfumSodium 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 BenzoateChances 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.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSodium 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water