What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Cleansing
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingLauryl Betaine
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Trihydroxystearin
Skin Conditioning
Polyquaternium-10
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dicaprylyl Ether
Emollient
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Salicylate
Preservative
Mentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Menthol
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Illicium Verum Fruit/Seed Oil
Masking
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Dextrin
AbsorbentJuniperus Virginiana Oil
Masking
Tetrasodium EDTA
Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil
Masking
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Ocimum Basilicum Oil
Masking
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
Masking
Viola Odorata Leaf Extract
MaskingLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicWater, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Lauryl Betaine, Glyceryl Stearate, Trihydroxystearin, Polyquaternium-10, Caffeine, Cetyl Alcohol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Salicylate, Mentha Piperita Oil, Menthol, Citric Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Illicium Verum Fruit/Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Dextrin, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Tetrasodium EDTA, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Ocimum Basilicum Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Viola Odorata Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phytosphingosine, Biotin
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingLauramidopropyl Betaine
CleansingLauryl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingSorbitol
Humectant
Parfum
Masking
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycine Soja Germ Extract
EmollientOryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Sea Salt
Abrasive
Aspergillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningTrifolium Pratense Flower Extract
AstringentCaffeine
Skin Conditioning
Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Xylitylglucoside
Humectant
Xylitol
Humectant
Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Coco-Glucoside
Cleansing
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicAcetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Skin Protecting
Menthol
Masking
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Cleansing
Sodium Chloride
MaskingAnhydroxylitol
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingDextran
Lauramide Mipa
SurfactantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Trihydroxystearin
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Polyquaternium-22
Decyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Polyquaternium-10
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Sorbitol, Parfum, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Glycine Soja Germ Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Sea Salt, Aspergillus Ferment, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Caffeine, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Xylitol, Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Coco-Glucoside, Dipropylene Glycol, Panthenol, Biotin, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Menthol, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Chloride, Anhydroxylitol, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Dextran, Lauramide Mipa, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopherol, Trihydroxystearin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyquaternium-22, Decyl Glucoside, Polyquaternium-10, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Phytate, Maltodextrin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, 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.
Biotin is a B vitamin that is naturally produced by our bodies. It is also called Vitamin H.
Our bodies use biotin in the metabolism process. It also helps our bodies use enzymes and move nutrients around. A biotin deficiency can lead to brittle hair and nails.
More research is needed on applying biotin topically. However, taking biotin orally has been shown to help nourish the skin, hair, and nails. They play a role in forming skin-hydrating fatty acids.
Biotin is water-soluble. It can be found in foods such as fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, and meat. Vitamin H stands for "haar" and "haut". These are the German words for hair and skin.
Learn more about BiotinCaffeine is a naturally occurring plant compound found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa pods, and guarana.
As an antioxidant, caffeine protects your skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and envionrmnetal stressors.
Early research also shows that caffeine can help calm redness, soothe irritated skin, and support hair growth by stimulating microcirculation in the scalp.
You might have seen eye creams marketing caffeine as a depuffing ingredient. This is because it is a vasoconstrictor meaning it can temporarily constrict blood vessels, though clinical evidence for this specific use is still limited.
Most skincare products contain this ingredient at concentrations between 1-6%. It is able to penetrate skin easily regardless of skin type or thickness.
Just so you know, a very small number of case reports describe caffeine-induced allergy. This ingredient is generally well-tolerated, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for the majority of people.
Learn more about CaffeineCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that it is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid.
In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Just patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitric 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 AcidThis ingredient is a cleansing agent, surfactant, and foam booster. It considered an alternative to traditional sulfates (Sulfosuccinate) and is allowed in "sulfate-free" products.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is mild and can be used in baby and bath options.
Menthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholPolyquaternium-10 is an ammonium salt of hydroxyethylcellulose. It is a white and granular powder used as a film-former and anti-static agent.
This ingredient is commonly found in hair conditioning products. According to a manufacturer, its positive charge makes it great for absorbing hair proteins. The manufacturer also states this ingredient helps with curl retention.
For haircare friends: this ingredient is not a silicone.
Learn more about Polyquaternium-10Sodium 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 cocoyl isethionate is a natural ingredient from coconut oil. It is an ultra gentle cleanser that gives a nice foam without drying the skin or impacting the skin barrier.
The amount of foam created depends on the amount of sodium cocoyl isethionate used in the product.
This ingredient also helps improve the spreadability of a product.
This ingredient hasn’t been shown in studies to feed fungal acne yeast.
Learn more about Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolTrihydroxystearin is what you get when you fully hydrogenate castor oil into a waxy, fine powder.
It's mostly a behind-the-scenes texture enhancer that's especially good at "thixotropic" thing where the product stays thick but applies nicely.
Because of its structure, it also acts as a mild skin conditioning emollient that helps soften skin while preventing moisture loss.
Safety studies show it to be safe and non-irritation in clinical tests. It's typically used in concentrations up to 5%.
Since its an ester of a C18 fatty acid, it falls into the C11-24 range that Malassezia can potentially feed on. This makes it not fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about TrihydroxystearinWater. 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
