What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantOctocrylene
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberSilica
AbrasiveHomosalate
Skin ConditioningStyrene
PerfumingAcrylates Copolymer
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-10 Stearate
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG-8 Laurate
EmulsifyingEugenol
PerfumingOphiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingPoloxamer 338
EmulsifyingTalc
AbrasiveLimonene
PerfumingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Jasminum Officinale Extract
MaskingRosa Gallica Flower Extract
AstringentButylene Glycol
HumectantCitronellol
PerfumingParfum
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Alcohol Denat., Pentylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Silica, Homosalate, Styrene, Acrylates Copolymer, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, PEG-10 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, CI 14700, Phenoxyethanol, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Extract, PEG-8 Laurate, Eugenol, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Poloxamer 338, Talc, Limonene, Xanthan Gum, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Disodium EDTA, Jasminum Officinale Extract, Rosa Gallica Flower Extract, Butylene Glycol, Citronellol, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Oil
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantZea Mays Oil
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingHydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingPaeonia Suffruticosa Extract
Skin ConditioningEugenol
PerfumingTriticum Vulgare Germ Oil
EmollientTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingPolycaprolactone
StabilisingPoloxamer 188
EmulsifyingDimethiconol
EmollientAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingLimonene
PerfumingBenzylalcohol Dha
Isohexadecane
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
Solvent2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingAcrylamide
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSesamum Indicum Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Rosa Gallica Callus Extract
AntioxidantOctyldodecanol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCitronellol
PerfumingParfum
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Dimethicone, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Silica, CI 14700, Zea Mays Oil, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, Phenoxyethanol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Paeonia Suffruticosa Extract, Eugenol, Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Chlorphenesin, Polysorbate 80, Polycaprolactone, Poloxamer 188, Dimethiconol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Limonene, Benzylalcohol Dha, Isohexadecane, Propylene Carbonate, 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Acrylamide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ceramide NP, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Sesamum Indicum Oil Unsaponifiables, Disodium EDTA, Rosa Gallica Callus Extract, Octyldodecanol, Butylene Glycol, Citronellol, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone is a fragrance. It can be synthetically created or naturally occurring.
The scent of Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone is described as "flowery" but can also be "woody".
Naturally occurring Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone may be found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or the yeast used to make wine and bread.
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 Alpha-Isomethyl IononeAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is a polymer made from ammonium salts. It works as a thickener, emulsifier, and texture enhancer that gives gel-creams a silky, lightweight feel.
This ingredient is versatile and low-maintenance so manufacturers love working with it.
Typical usage levels in cosmetics are usually low and in the range of 0.015 - 2.3%.
Learn more about Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl TaurateButylene 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 GlycolCi 14700, also known as Red No. 4, is a synthetic red dye derived from petroleum. It is water soluble.
Citronellol 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. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEugenol is naturally found in cloves, basil, and bay leaves. It is an aromatic oil used to add fragrance to a product. The scent of eugenol is described as "clove-like". Eugenol is a known EU allergen, meaning it causes contact allergies.
Studies show eugenol possesses antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Besides cosmetics, eugenol is also added as a flavor in teas and cakes.
Learn more about EugenolGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinLimonene 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 LimoneneMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract comes from the seeds of the Moringa oleifera plant.
Moringa seeds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin hydrating properties. These seeds are rich in oils, proteins, monounsaturated fats, and tocopherols.
As an emollient, moringa seed oil helps trap moisture in the skin by creating a film on top. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Many compounds in moringa seed oil are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. These compounds include Vitamin E. , catechins, ferulic acid, and more.
Another compound found in Moringa seed oil is oleic acid.
Moringa trees are native to the Himalayan mountains.
Learn more about Moringa Oleifera Seed ExtractWe don't have a description for Paeonia Suffruticosa Extract 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.
Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaWater. 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