What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingSodium Citrate
BufferingMenthol
MaskingSalicylic Acid
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientHydrolyzed Pepper Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingLycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin ConditioningOak Root Extract
Skin ConditioningFragaria Ananassa Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMorus Alba Root Extract
BleachingPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicBorago Officinalis Extract
EmollientDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Butylene Glycol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Menthol, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Allantoin, Niacinamide, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Propylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Silk, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Pepper Fruit Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Oak Root Extract, Fragaria Ananassa Fruit Extract, Morus Alba Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Borago Officinalis Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Alcohol
AntimicrobialRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMethylpropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
MaskingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicButylene Glycol
HumectantCamellia Oleifera Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningCananga Odorata Flower Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDecyltetradeceth-25
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHelichrysum Italicum Flower Oil
MaskingIris Versicolor Extract
EmollientJasminum Officinale Oil
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingMenthol
MaskingNigella Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientOctanediol
Octyldodeceth-25
CleansingOriganum Vulgare Flower/Leaf/Stem Water
MaskingOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentPanthenol
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
MaskingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPunica Granatum Seed Oil
EmollientRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientRosa Centifolia Flower Oil
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingSalicylic Acid
MaskingSalvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingSesamum Indicum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingThymus Vulgaris Extract
PerfumingZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingAlcohol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water, Water, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Biotin, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Decyltetradeceth-25, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Helichrysum Italicum Flower Oil, Iris Versicolor Extract, Jasminum Officinale Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil, Menthol, Nigella Sativa Seed Oil, Octanediol, Octyldodeceth-25, Origanum Vulgare Flower/Leaf/Stem Water, Oryza Sativa Extract, Panthenol, Parfum, Pentylene Glycol, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Polysorbate 20, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Rosa Centifolia Flower Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Salicylic Acid, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Limonene, Linalool
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholButylene 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 GlycolMenthol 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 MentholPanthenol 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 âFRAGRANCEâ or âPARFUMâ 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 ParfumPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPolysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Salicylic 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, itâs 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 AcidWater. 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