What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingLauryl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingLauryl Betaine
CleansingMalt Extract
Skin ProtectingQuillaja Saponaria Bark Extract
CleansingOenothera Biennis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantGlycine Soja Germ Extract
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientLauramide Mipa
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMenthol
MaskingPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin ConditioningSoyamidopropylamine Oxide
CleansingPolyquaternium-10
Polyquaternium-22
Citric Acid
BufferingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingGlycerin
HumectantDi-C12-13 Alkyl Malate
EmollientSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Phytate
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant4-Terpineol
MaskingCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Coco-Glucoside, Lauryl Betaine, Malt Extract, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Oenothera Biennis Leaf Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Hydrolyzed Silk, Glycine Soja Germ Extract, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Lauramide Mipa, Ethylhexylglycerin, Menthol, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Soyamidopropylamine Oxide, Polyquaternium-10, Polyquaternium-22, Citric Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Sodium Citrate, Glycerin, Di-C12-13 Alkyl Malate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Phytate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopherol, 4-Terpineol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Alcohol Denat., Potassium Sorbate, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantLauryl Betaine
CleansingCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingPolyquaternium-10
Hydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Sea Water
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningUndaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Olivate
Hizikia Fusiforme Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicEcklonia Cava Extract
Skin ConditioningCodium Fragile Extract
Skin ConditioningSargassum Fulvellum Extract
Skin ConditioningGelidium Cartilagineum Extract
Skin ProtectingHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Pea Protein
EmollientHydrolyzed Hazelnut Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Barley Protein
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantGlycine
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningGlutamic Acid
HumectantArginine
MaskingPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Glycerin, Lauryl Betaine, Cocamide Mipa, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Polyquaternium-10, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Sea Water, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Gluconolactone, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Biotin, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Codium Fragile Extract, Sargassum Fulvellum Extract, Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Hydrolyzed Hazelnut Protein, Hydrolyzed Barley Protein, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycine, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Glutamic Acid, Arginine, Potassium Hyaluronate, Parfum, Limonene, Linalool
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
Butylene 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 GlycolCapryloyl Salicylic Acid comes from salicylic acid, the famous acne-fighting BHA.
It usually goes by a more common name of LHA, or lipohydroxy acid.
Like salicylic acid, this ingredient is a chemical exfoliant that can help break down the oil in your pores and reduce inflammation.
Though studies for LHA do show it to be less effective than salicylic acid. To be fair, salicylic acid is the reigning monarch of acne treatments.
However, a study from 2009 found LHA to be comparable to BPO, making it a good alternative for people with sensitive skin. Another study of 14 patients found a significant decrease in comedones after using LHA.
Another pro of LHA? It is less irritating than salicylic acid due to its large molecule size.
Large molecules cannot penetrate skin as well, so they are gentler on the skin. LHA is much less penetrative than salicylic acid.
An in-vitro study (not done on a living organism) found only 6% of LHA penetrated past the statum corneum compared to 58% of salicylic acid. An in-vivo (done on a living organism) analysis revealed ~17% of LHA was still present in the top layer of skin after 4 days, versus ~9% of salicylic acid.
Interestingly, a study from 2008 found LHA comparable to another famous acid, glycolic acid.
This study found about 10% of LHA is as effective as 20-50% of glycolic acid in treating hyperpigmentation and fine-lines.
Hydroxy acids have been found to stimulate skin protein, lipids, and thermal thickening. This may have anti-aging benefits.
Learn more about Capryloyl Salicylic AcidCaprylyl 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.
Glycerin (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 GlycerinLauryl Betaine is a cleansing ingredient. You'll most likely see it in face washes, body washes, and shampoos. It's a type of surfactant that helps water mix with oil so dirt, sweat, and sunscreen can rinse off easily.
Chemically, lauryl betaine is an amphoteric surfactant so it carries both a positive and negative charge. This helps it create a creamy foam while being less harsh than stronger detergent-type cleansers.
According to CIR, this ingredient is generally considered safe when used in cosmetics. However, like all surfactants, it can be irritating when used in high amounts of in formulas that aren't well balanced.
Learn more about Lauryl BetainePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolParfum 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 ParfumPolyquaternium-10 is an ammonium salt of hydroxyethylcellulose. It is a white and granular powder used as a film-former and anti-static agent.
This ingredient is commonly found in hair conditioning products. According to a manufacturer, its positive charge makes it great for absorbing hair proteins. The manufacturer also states this ingredient helps with curl retention.
For haircare friends: this ingredient is not a silicone.
Learn more about Polyquaternium-10Water. 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