What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingCoco-Betaine
CleansingLauryl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingQuillaja Saponaria Bark Extract
CleansingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water
MaskingCamellia Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCeratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract
MaskingDiospyros Kaki Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Germ Extract
EmollientArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientLauramide Mipa
Trihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingDiethoxyethyl Succinate
SolventGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningMenthol
MaskingSoyamidopropylamine Oxide
CleansingButylene Glycol
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingTromethamine
BufferingPolyquaternium-22
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningMenthyl Lactate
MaskingSodium Phytate
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate
Emulsion StabilisingGlycerin
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventTocopherol
AntioxidantCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientZinc Pyrithione
AntiseborrhoeicParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Coco-Glucoside, Coco-Betaine, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Alcohol Denat., Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita Oil, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Ceratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract, Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract, Glycine Soja Germ Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Hydrolyzed Silk, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Lauramide Mipa, Trihydroxystearin, Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Menthol, Soyamidopropylamine Oxide, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Tromethamine, Polyquaternium-22, Panthenol, Menthyl Lactate, Sodium Phytate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Tocopherol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Zinc Pyrithione, Parfum, Limonene, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Citronellol
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingAmmonium Lauryl Sulfate
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantCocamide Mea
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingLauryl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningPPG-3 Caprylyl Ether
SolventAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientMenthol
MaskingGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Salicylate
PreservativeCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientTetrasodium EDTA
Butylene Glycol
HumectantMalt Extract
Skin ProtectingDisodium EDTA
Linalool
PerfumingPEG-45m
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientMentha Arvensis Leaf Extract
MaskingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGeraniol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPinus Densiflora Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativePanax Ginseng Extract
AntioxidantPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentImperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentSesamum Indicum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingTribulus Terrestris Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
HumectantPEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate
EmulsifyingPPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide
EmulsifyingPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Glycerin, Cocamide Mea, Parfum, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Caffeine, PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether, Alcohol Denat., Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Menthol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Sodium Salicylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Trihydroxystearin, Sodium Citrate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Tetrasodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Malt Extract, Disodium EDTA, Linalool, PEG-45m, Glyceryl Stearate, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Benzoate, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Caprylyl Glycol, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Panax Ginseng Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Silica, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Oryza Sativa Extract, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Tribulus Terrestris Fruit Extract, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
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
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
The "denat" part just means "denatured"; common denaturants include Denatonium Benzoate, t-butyl alcohol, and Diethyl Phthalate. This step makes the alcohol undrinkable (and lets brand skip taxes related to beverage alcohol).
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue to constrict pores and dry out your skin.
However, alcohol denat. is not all that bad.
Due to its low molecular weight, alcohol denat. tends to evaporate quickly. One study on pig skin found half of applied alcohol evaporated in 10 seconds and less than 3% stayed on skin.
This also helps other ingredients become better absorbed upon application.
Studies are conflicted about whether this ingredient causes skin dehydration. One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased skin dryness and irritation. Another study found irritation only occurs if your skin is already damaged.
Small amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated by oily skin or people who live in humid environments.
The rule of thumb is this ingredient will probably not affect your skin much if it is near the end of an ingredients list.
One thing to note:
People with ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2) deficiency may experience skin irritation from continued alcohol use. About 8% of the world's population have this deficiency.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has determined denatured alcohols to be safe for use in concentrations between 0.05% and 12% (depending on which denaturant is used).
Also...
This ingredient has antimicrobial and solvent properties.
The antimicrobial property helps preserve products and increase their shelf life. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients.
Look for formulas that contain glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or panthenol if you want to offset any drying effect.
This ingredient will trip away your skin's natural oils/lipids that help it lock in moisture. This can worsen dryness, trigger eczema flare-ups, and aggravate rosacea.
Be sure to patch test any product with this ingredient if you have dry or sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea.
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.Benzyl Salicylate is a solvent and fragrance additive. It is an ester of benzyl alcohol and salicylic acid. This ingredient can be naturally found in some plants and plant extracts.
In fragrances, Benzyl Salicylate may be a solvent or a fragrance component. In synthetic musk scents, it is used as a solvent. For floral fragrances such as lilac and jasmine, it is used as a fragrance component. The natural scent of Benzyl Salicylate is described as "lightly-sweet, slightly balsamic".
While Benzyl Salicylate has been associated with contact dermatitis and allergies, emerging studies show it may not be caused by this ingredient alone.
However, this ingredient is often used with fragrances and other components that may cause allergies. It is still listed as a known allergen in the EU. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Another study from 2021 shows Benzyl Salicylate may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Learn more about Benzyl SalicylateButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitric 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 AcidThis ingredient is a cleansing agent, surfactant, and foam booster. It considered an alternative to traditional sulfates (Sulfosuccinate) and is allowed in "sulfate-free" products.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is mild and can be used in baby and bath options.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinThis ingredient is derived from guar gum. It is a skin conditioning agent that creates a thin, breathable film to reduce water loss during cleansing.
This leaves the skin feeling soft rather than stripped and also contributes to a creamier lather.
Due to the large molecule size, this ingredient is unlikely to penetrate skin.
Learn more about Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideLauryl Hydroxysultaine is a mild surfactant or cleansing ingredient that helps lift away dirt/oil, boost foam, and thicken the formula. It plays nicely with other surfactants and stays stable across a wide pH range.
Linalool 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 LinaloolMenthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholParfum 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 ParfumTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolThis ingredient comes from Hydroxystearic Acid, a fatty acid, and glycerin. It is used to thicken oils.
Due to its fatty acid content, it is a natural emollient.
Creating trihydroxystearin involves using a chemical reaction between hydrogen and castor oil.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about TrihydroxystearinWater. 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