What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientIsodecyl Oleate
EmollientIsopentyldiol
HumectantDioctyldodecyl Dodecanedioate
EmollientSodium Phytate
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Leaf Extract
PerfumingHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningJojoba Esters
EmollientLinoleamidopropyl Dimethylamine Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningC10-18 Triglycerides
EmollientRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingGlyceryl Ricinoleate
EmollientCyclodextrin
AbsorbentPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCeteth-20
CleansingSteareth-20
CleansingPEG-75 Stearate
SurfactantPolyglycerin-3
HumectantHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaesalpinia Spinosa Gum
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingGluconic Acid
Hydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantSodium Benzoate
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingWater, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Isodecyl Oleate, Isopentyldiol, Dioctyldodecyl Dodecanedioate, Sodium Phytate, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Jojoba Esters, Linoleamidopropyl Dimethylamine Dimer Dilinoleate, C10-18 Triglycerides, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Glyceryl Ricinoleate, Cyclodextrin, Propanediol, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, PEG-75 Stearate, Polyglycerin-3, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Parfum, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Gluconic Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Benzoate, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Citral, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantPolyquaternium-37
C13-15 Alkane
SolventBis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventPolyester-11
Skin ConditioningSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningTriheptanoin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningStearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyimide-1
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSarcosine
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Quinoa
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingDilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer
Pisum Sativum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Hexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantEthyl Lauroyl Arginate Hcl
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingCastor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingHelianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAmaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningJojoba Esters
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningPolyglycerin-3
HumectantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Polyquaternium-37, C13-15 Alkane, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Lecithin, Isopropyl Alcohol, Polyester-11, Sclerotium Gum, Chlorphenesin, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Triheptanoin, Panthenol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyimide-1, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Niacinamide, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sarcosine, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Citric Acid, Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer, Pisum Sativum Seed Extract, Propylene Glycol, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate Hcl, Arginine, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Jojoba Esters, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Polyglycerin-3, CI 19140, CI 15985
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. It is a primary fatty alcohol with a chain length above 12 carbons. A study from 2019 show Malassezia can feed on fatty alcohols in this range, so it may trigger fungal acne in those prone to it.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholCitric 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.
Rosacea skin has a lower threshold for acids generally, with 62.5% of rosacea subjects in one study reacting to lactic acid in a sting test. This is why we mark citric acid as a potential rosacea trigger.
However, this ingredient shows up as a pH adjuster or chelator at roughly 0.1-1% in many products. These low levels are unlikely to be an issue for rosacea skin and becomes a potential trigger at exfoliating concentrations (20%). Because everybody's skin is unique, we recommend a patch test if you are unsure.
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycerin (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 Wax is created from the common sunflower.
Sunflower seed wax is made up of long chain non-glyceride esters, a small amount of fatty alcohols, and fatty acids.
This ingredient is often used to enhance the texture of products. The fatty acid properties also help hydrate the skin.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed WaxHexyl 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 CinnamalJojoba Esters is a wax created from Jojoba oil. It is an emollient and film-forming ingredient. In bead form, it is an exfoliator.
This ingredient has high oxidative stability, meaning it doesn't break down when exposed to oxygen.
Its similarity to our skin's natural oils makes it a great emollient. Emollients help soften and soothe our skin by creating a barrier on top. This barrier helps trap moisture in, keeping skin hydrated.
It is created using either the hydrogenation or transesterification processes on jojoba oil.
Learn more about Jojoba EstersLimonene 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 ParfumPolyglycerin-3 is a 3-unit glycerin polymer.
Like glycerin, this ingredient is a humectant. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing water to it.
Having moisturized skin helps improve the skin barrier. Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Learn more about Polyglycerin-3Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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