What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingCoco-Betaine
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantDecyl Glucoside
CleansingCocamide Mea
EmulsifyingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Methylpropanediol
SolventCynanchum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Niacinamide
SmoothingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingLeucine
Skin ConditioningTryptophan
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Methionine
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantAsparagine
MaskingAlanine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningGlutamic Acid
HumectantGlutamine
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingValine
MaskingPhenylalanine
MaskingAspartic Acid
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingSerine
MaskingCystine
MaskingRehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCornus Officinalis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAlisma Orientale Tuber Extract
Skin ConditioningPoria Cocos Sclerotium Extract
AstringentPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingHamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSalvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingMelissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Extract
CleansingLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
PerfumingGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingChlorophyllin-Copper Complex
AntioxidantBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingParfum
MaskingWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Coco-Betaine, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamide Mea, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Methylpropanediol, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Niacinamide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Arginine, Leucine, Tryptophan, Lysine, Isoleucine, Threonine, Methionine, Histidine, Asparagine, Alanine, Proline, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Valine, Phenylalanine, Aspartic Acid, Tyrosine, Serine, Cystine, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Alisma Orientale Tuber Extract, Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Linalool, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingCoco-Betaine
CleansingTaurine
BufferingCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingAmodimethicone
Laureth-5 Carboxylic Acid
CleansingPPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPolyquaternium-10
PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate
Propylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
MaskingAmyl Cinnamal
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingCreatine
Skin Conditioning2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Cinnamate
PerfumingSodium Acetate
BufferingIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingParfum
MaskingWater, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Coco-Betaine, Taurine, Cocamide Mipa, Sodium Chloride, Amodimethicone, Laureth-5 Carboxylic Acid, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Sodium Benzoate, Polyquaternium-10, PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate, Propylene Glycol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Salicylic Acid, Amyl Cinnamal, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Limonene, Creatine, 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol, Benzyl Cinnamate, Sodium Acetate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Parfum
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 AcidCoco-Betaine is the natural version of Cocamidopropyl Betaine. It is often derived from coconuts.
Coco-Betaine is a surfactant, meaning it helps remove dirt and oil from the skin.
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 LinaloolParfum 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 ParfumSalicylic 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 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water