What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingCoco-Betaine
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantDecyl Glucoside
CleansingCocamide Mea
EmulsifyingMethylpropanediol
SolventVincetoxicum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Niacinamide
SmoothingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingLeucine
Skin ConditioningTryptophan
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Methionine
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantAsparagine
MaskingAlanine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningGlutamic Acid
HumectantGlutamine
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingPhenylalanine
MaskingAspartic Acid
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingSerine
MaskingCystine
MaskingRehmannia Chinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCornus Officinalis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAlisma Orientale Tuber Extract
Skin ConditioningPoria Cocos Sclerotium Extract
AstringentPaeonia Suffruticosa Extract
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSalvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingMelissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Extract
CleansingLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
PerfumingGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingParfum
MaskingWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Coco-Betaine, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamide Mea, Methylpropanediol, Vincetoxicum Atratum Extract, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Niacinamide, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Arginine, Leucine, Tryptophan, Lysine, Isoleucine, Threonine, Methionine, Histidine, Asparagine, Alanine, Proline, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Valine, Phenylalanine, Aspartic Acid, Tyrosine, Serine, Cystine, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Alisma Orientale Tuber Extract, Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Linalool, Geraniol, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingAcrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer
Parfum
MaskingSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCapryloyl/Caproyl Methyl Glucamide
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSorbeth-230 Tetraoleate
EmulsifyingPEG-9 Cocoate
EmulsifyingGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningBis-Cetearyl Amodimethicone
Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Silicone Quaternium-22
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingPropylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl Triethylmonium Dimethicone PEG-8 Succinate
Chlorphenesin
AntimicrobialC12-16 Alketh-9
EmulsifyingLaureth-3
EmulsifyingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingQuaternium-95
UV AbsorberDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Caprate
EmulsifyingSodium Sulfate
Tetrasodium EDTA
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Sorbitan Laurate
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPropanediol
SolventSodium PCA
HumectantSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingCeteareth-25
CleansingCeteareth-7
EmulsifyingBenzoic Acid
MaskingCitrullus Lanatus Seed Oil
EmollientPalmitamidopropyltrimonium Chloride
Citric Acid
BufferingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Sulfite
PreservativeAcer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Quinoa
Skin ConditioningLitchi Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
BufferingHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
BufferingArginine
MaskingLeontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Coco Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
CleansingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingAspartic Acid
MaskingPCA
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantTin Oxide
AbrasiveAcacia Seyal Gum Extract
HumectantPisum Sativum Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantGlycine
BufferingAlanine
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Serine
MaskingValine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Histidine
HumectantPhenylalanine
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicNiacinamide
SmoothingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, Parfum, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Phenoxyethanol, Capryloyl/Caproyl Methyl Glucamide, Polysorbate 20, Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate, PEG-9 Cocoate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Bis-Cetearyl Amodimethicone, Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Silicone Quaternium-22, Potassium Hydroxide, Propylene Glycol, Cetyl Triethylmonium Dimethicone PEG-8 Succinate, Chlorphenesin, C12-16 Alketh-9, Laureth-3, Decyl Glucoside, Quaternium-95, Dipropylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate, Sodium Sulfate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Sorbitan Laurate, Sodium Hydroxide, Propanediol, Sodium PCA, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Ceteareth-25, Ceteareth-7, Benzoic Acid, Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil, Palmitamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Sulfite, Acer Saccharum Extract, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Glycolic Acid, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Sodium Coco Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Hexylene Glycol, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Butylene Glycol, Tin Oxide, Acacia Seyal Gum Extract, Pisum Sativum Sprout Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Ascorbic Acid, Panthenol, Potassium Sorbate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Glycine, Alanine, Disodium EDTA, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Biotin, Niacinamide, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, CI 77891
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alanine is an amino acid and is already found in the human body. Our skin uses alanine to build collagen, elastin, and keratin.
Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.
As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.
Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineAspartic Acid is an amino acid that our bodies produce naturally. It is an antioxidant.
Our body uses Aspartic Acid to help build collagen and elastin. It also plays a role in hydrating skin.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene 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 AcidDecyl Glucoside is a glucose-based surfactant and emulsion stabilizer. It is created by reacting glucose with the fatty acids from plants.
Surfactants help clean the skin by trapping oil, sebum, and dirt to be washed away. As an emulsion stabilizer, it stabilizes the ingredients in a product by preventing them from separating.
This ingredient is biodegradable and non-toxic. This ingredient is commonly found in baby shampoos.
Decyl Glucoside is sometimes used to stabilize the UV filter Tinosorb.
Learn more about Decyl GlucosideDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
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 GlycerinThis ingredient is derived from guar gum.
It is a conditioning ingredient, meaning it helps soften skin and hair.
Histidine is a semi-essential amino acid used by our bodies to create protein. It has humectant and skin conditioning properties.
Our bodies use histidine to create filaggrin - filaggrin is a structural protein that the skin uses in maintaining skin barrier.
One study found histidine and carnosine to be a dynamic duo for your skin:
Oral histidine has also been found to help with filaggrin-deficit skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis.
Why is it considered a semi-essential amino acid? This is because adults are able to create it but children must get it from their diet.
Learn more about HistidineIsoleucine is an amino acid that helps reinforce our skin barrier. This amino acid plays a role in creating protein for the body.
Fun fact: Isoleucine is found in meat, fish, dairy, legumes, and nuts.
Linalool 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 LinaloolNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolParfum 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 ParfumPhenylalanine is an amino acid. It is a skin soothing and hydrating ingredient. Amino acids play a crucial role in wound healing and skin hydration.
This ingredient is also used to help even out skin tone due to its ability to disrupt the melanin production process.
Two structures of phenylalanine exist: L-phenylalanine and D-phenylalanine. L-phenylalanine is essential, this means our bodies cannot produce it naturally and we must get it from foods. Our bodies convert D-phenylalanine to neurotransmitters, and D-phenylalanine is found in our bodies naturally.
Some foods that contain L-phenylalanine include eggs, soybeans, beef, milk.
Learn more about PhenylalanineProline is an amino-acid. It helps moisturize the skin and plays an important role in creating proteins.
Our skin uses proline as one of the building blocks for producing collagen.
In medicine, proline is used as an osmoprotectant. This means it helps prevent oxidative degradation in other drugs.
Our bodies are able to produce proline naturally, but certain conditions may inhibit this production. In that case, proline can be obtained from eating egg whites, soy protein, dairy products, asparagus, mushrooms, and seaweed.
Learn more about ProlineSalicylic 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 AcidSerine is an amino acid naturally found in our body. Our bodies use amino acids to create protein.
Amino-acids help give keep our skin hydrated. They play an important role in the skin barrier, which keeps the skin plump and firm.
Serine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning we don't need to obtain it from eating foods.
Learn more about SerineSodium 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.
Threonine is an amino-acid. It helps hydrate the skin and has antioxidant benefits.
Our skin uses threonine for creating collagen and elastin. Humans are not able to create threonine and must get it through eating foods such as fish, lentils, poultry, sesame seeds, and more.
Valine is an essential amino acid. It is used by our bodies for tissue repair and muscle growth.
An essential amino acid is one in which our bodies cannot naturally produce so we must get them through diet. Foods such as eggs, dairy, red meat, and fish contain valine.
This ingredient can either be derived from an animal product or be synthetically created.
Learn more about ValineWater. 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