What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
EmollientPropanediol
SolventSqualane
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantOctyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingSesamum Indicum Seed Oil
EmollientMedicago Sativa Seed Powder
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seedcake
AbrasivePrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal
AbrasiveEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
PerfumingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningCopper Gluconate
Skin ConditioningCalcium Gluconate
HumectantMagnesium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningZinc Gluconate
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Succinate
AntioxidantNiacin
SmoothingSesamum Indicum Seed Powder
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract
CleansingNylon-12
Sucrose
HumectantSalicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rice Extract
Skin ConditioningMaris Sal
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingCrithmum Maritimum Extract
Skin ConditioningChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningPadina Pavonica Thallus Extract
Skin ConditioningMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin ConditioningSpirulina Platensis Powder
Skin ProtectingPlankton Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Algin
Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantGlucose Oxidase
StabilisingLactoperoxidase
StabilisingAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantDipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingIsohexadecane
EmollientLecithin
EmollientPotassium Stearate
CleansingHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientKaolin
AbrasivePolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialDisodium EDTA
BHT
AntioxidantLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Algae Extract, Propanediol, Squalane, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Medicago Sativa Seed Powder, Helianthus Annuus Seedcake, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Sodium Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Magnesium Gluconate, Zinc Gluconate, Tocopheryl Succinate, Niacin, Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder, Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract, Nylon-12, Sucrose, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, Maris Sal, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Padina Pavonica Thallus Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Spirulina Platensis Powder, Plankton Extract, Hydrolyzed Algin, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Glycerin, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucose Oxidase, Lactoperoxidase, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Caffeine, Glucose, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Behenyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Isohexadecane, Lecithin, Potassium Stearate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Kaolin, Polysorbate 80, Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Alcohol Denat., Disodium EDTA, BHT, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Geraniol, Benzyl Salicylate, Benzyl Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningHeptyl Undecylenate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventTheobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingStearic Acid
CleansingElaeis Guineensis Oil
EmollientAlgae Extract
EmollientChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningMaris Sal
Skin ConditioningLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingHydrolyzed Algin
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantDimethicone
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientSodium PCA
HumectantPEG-100 Stearate
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingParfum
MaskingFarnesol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGeraniol
PerfumingSodium Citrate
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Heptyl Undecylenate, Glycerin, Propanediol, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Stearic Acid, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Algae Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Caffeine, Maris Sal, Lauroyl Lysine, Salicylic Acid, Hydrolyzed Algin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium PCA, PEG-100 Stearate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Behenyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum, Farnesol, Linalool, Citronellol, Citral, Limonene, Benzyl Benzoate, Geraniol, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Algae Extract is a confusing name. This is because algae is an informal term for a group of 30,000 aquatic organisms that can photosynthesize.
The term 'algae extract' can refer to any one, or a blend of, the 30,000 types.
Algae is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Algae can also help with soothing and hydrating skin.
Many different types of algae have different benefits.
Learn more about Algae ExtractBehenyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol (these are different from the drying, solvent alcohols).
Fatty Alcohols have hydrating properties and are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils; behenyl alcohol is derived from the fats of vegetable oils.
Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.
In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.
Learn more about Behenyl AlcoholBenzyl Benzoate is usually created from the condensation of benzoic acid and benzyl alcohol. It is used as a preservative, solvent, and has a floral/balsamic scent in large amounts.
As a preservative, Benzyl Benzoate works against bacteria and fungus. It is often used to treat scabies and lice in medicine.
Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
Due to its fragrance, Benzyl Benzoate can be sensitizing and may cause contact dermatitis. It is a known EU allergen. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Benzyl Benzoate can be naturally found in cranberries and peaches.
Learn more about Benzyl BenzoateCaffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and is rich in antioxidants.
While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.
Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.
Learn more about CaffeineThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideChlorella Vulgaris Extract comes from a green microalga. It is hydrating and contains antioxidants.
Studies also show Chlorella Vulgaris may help in rebuilding collagen and elastin. This ingredient is made up of lipids, carbohydrates, and chlorophyll.
Fun fact: This ingredient is commonly used as food additive in Japan.
Learn more about Chlorella Vulgaris ExtractCitral is a fragrance and used to add a lemon-like scent to products. It is both naturally found in plants and created synthetically. In plants, it is commonly occurring in lemon myrtle, lemongrass, lemon tea-tree, lemon verbena, and other citruses.
The EU mandates Citral be listed separately as a fragrance. It is a known allergen and may cause contact dermatitis. Citral can also used as a masking ingredient.
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.
The term 'citral' is a collective term for two geometric isomers: geranial/Citral A and neral/Citral B.
Learn more about CitralCitronellol 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 CitronellolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolGlycerin 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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Algin yet.
Limonene 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 LinaloolWe don't have a description for Maris Sal 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.
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 PropanediolWe don't have a description for Salicornia Herbacea Extract yet.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum