What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingBabassuamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Skin ConditioningSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetyl Stearate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventSunfloweroyl Methylglucamide
CleansingJojoba Esters
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningMaltooligosyl Glucoside
Skin ConditioningPPG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether Distearate
EmollientChitosan
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingSodium Grapeseedamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Threoninate
CleansingOctafluoropentyl Methacrylate
Polyquaternium-47
Skin ConditioningMethylthiopropylamido Acetyl Methionine
Skin ProtectingBis-(Isostearoyl/Oleoyl Isopropyl) Dimonium Methosulfate
Skin ConditioningDisodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingLauryl/Myristyl Polyricinoleate
EmollientHydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantGlyceryl Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientPolyquaternium-22
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Methylpropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingPEG-75 Shea Butter Glycerides
EmulsifyingPolyglycerin-3
HumectantPEG-120 Methyl Glucose Trioleate
CleansingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantLimonene
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingWater, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Babassuamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Stearate, Propanediol, Sunfloweroyl Methylglucamide, Jojoba Esters, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Maltooligosyl Glucoside, PPG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether Distearate, Chitosan, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Grapeseedamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Sodium Cocoyl Threoninate, Octafluoropentyl Methacrylate, Polyquaternium-47, Methylthiopropylamido Acetyl Methionine, Bis-(Isostearoyl/Oleoyl Isopropyl) Dimonium Methosulfate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Lauryl/Myristyl Polyricinoleate, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate, Polyquaternium-22, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, PEG-75 Shea Butter Glycerides, Polyglycerin-3, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Trioleate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Parfum, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyacetophenone, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Citronellol
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingCocamide Mea
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPPG-3 Caprylyl Ether
SolventPolyquaternium-10
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingHydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Disodium EDTA
Hydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantAspergillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingGlycerin
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningLinum Usitatissimum Seed Extract
PerfumingSalvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantAvena Sativa Protein Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Corn Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingMonarda Didyma Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningFreesia Refracta Extract
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingXylitol
HumectantCaprylic Acid
CleansingSilk Amino Acids
HumectantEthyl Hexanediol
SolventCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide Mea, Parfum, Coco-Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether, Polyquaternium-10, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Silk, Aspergillus Ferment, Arginine, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Extract, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Avena Sativa Protein Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Monarda Didyma Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Freesia Refracta Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Xylitol, Caprylic Acid, Silk Amino Acids, Ethyl Hexanediol, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol
Alternatives
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 AcidCitronellol 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 CitronellolEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilHexyl Cinnamal is a fragrance ingredient with a similar scent to jasmine. It can be naturally found in chamomile essential oil.
This ingredient is a known EU allergen and may sensitize the skin. The EU requires this ingredient to be listed separately on an ingredients list.
Hexyl Cinnamal is not water soluble but is soluble in oils.
Learn more about Hexyl CinnamalLimonene 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 LimoneneParfum 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 ParfumThis is a botanical extract from the rosemary plant (the same one you cook with). In skincare, it mostly works as a skin conditioning agent.
Its activity comes from a handful of polyphenols, carnosic acid, carnosol, and rosmarinic acid. Almost 90% of the antioxidant activity of this ingredient can be attributed to canosol and carnosic acid.
These compounds protect your skin two ways:
1) They fight off free radicals, or the unstable molecules from things like sun and pollution that age and damage skin.
2) They help calm inflammation by switching off the chemical signals that tell skin to get red and irritated.
Lab studies also suggest that rosmarinic acid may help protect collagen and slow sugar-related damage to it.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review has concluded rosemary-derived ingredients to be safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing.
Rosemary can occasionally cause allergic contact dermatitis (due to carnosol), so be sure to patch test if you have reactive or fragrance-sensitive skin.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf ExtractWater. 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