What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Isododecane
EmollientPropanediol
Solvent
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Acetyl Zingerone
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf
Perfuming
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Cellulose
AbsorbentAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Glycerin
Humectant
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCitrus Grandis Peel Oil
Masking
Sucrose Stearate
EmollientTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Citric Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Citral
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Isododecane, Propanediol, Acetyl Glucosamine, Squalane, Tocopherol, Acetyl Zingerone, Camellia Sinensis Leaf, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cellulose, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Sucrose Stearate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Cellulose Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Citral, Linalool, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Honey Extract
Humectant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract
Skin ConditioningFerulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Mume Fruit Extract
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Callicarpa Japonica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningZiziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Capillaris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentMorus Alba Root Extract
BleachingPPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
EmulsifyingLysine Carboxymethyl Cysteinate
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Citric Acid
Buffering
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Citrate
BufferingIsostearic Acid
Cleansing
Parfum
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Citral
Perfuming
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil
Citrus Limon Peel Oil
Masking
Eucalyptus Globulus Oil
Juniperus Virginiana Oil
Masking
Lavandula Oil/Extract
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Linalyl Acetate
Masking
Pinene
Masking
Water, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Honey Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Ferulic Acid, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Callicarpa Japonica Fruit Extract, Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Morus Alba Root Extract, PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Lysine Carboxymethyl Cysteinate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate, Citric Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Sodium Citrate, Isostearic Acid, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Citral, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Oil, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Lavandula Oil/Extract, Limonene, Linalool, Linalyl Acetate, Pinene
Reviews
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.
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 preservatives
Citral is a fragrance and used to add a lemon-like scent to products. It is both naturally found in plants and created synthetically. In plants, it is commonly occurring in lemon myrtle, lemongrass, lemon tea-tree, lemon verbena, and other citruses.
The EU mandates Citral be listed separately as a fragrance. It is a known allergen and may cause contact dermatitis. Citral can also used as a masking ingredient.
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.
The term 'citral' is a collective term for two geometric isomers: geranial/Citral A and neral/Citral B.
Learn more about CitralCitric 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 AcidEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
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 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 LinaloolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propanediol 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 Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum
