What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeCetyl Alcohol
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialMethylpropanediol
SolventBehentrimonium Methosulfate
SurfactantStearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingStearyl Alcohol
EmollientPPG-3 Caprylyl Ether
SolventPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventMenthol
MaskingSalicylic Acid
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantOryza Sativa Seed Protein
AntioxidantHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
HumectantCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientSaccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin ConditioningMilk Protein
Skin ConditioningWhey Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantSilkworm Cocoon Extract
HumectantMilk Protein Extract
Hydrolyzed Silk
HumectantHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Elastin
EmollientHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Protein
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicElastin Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningSilk Powder
Skin ConditioningSilk Amino Acids
HumectantKeratin Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingSerine
MaskingAsparagine
MaskingLeucine
Skin ConditioningAspartic Acid
MaskingGlutamine
Skin ConditioningAlanine
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingArginine
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingPhenylalanine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningCysteine
AntioxidantHistidine
HumectantMethionine
Skin ConditioningTryptophan
MaskingOrnithine
Skin ConditioningCarnitine
CleansingAvena Sativa Protein Extract
Skin ConditioningTriticum Vulgare Protein
BufferingPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Oat Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Lupine Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Pea Protein
EmollientHydrolyzed Sesame Protein
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Climbazole
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetrimonium Chloride, Methylpropanediol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Stearyl Alcohol, PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Isopropyl Alcohol, Menthol, Salicylic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Butylene Glycol, Oryza Sativa Seed Protein, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Caffeine, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Milk Protein, Whey Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Silkworm Cocoon Extract, Milk Protein Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Oryza Sativa Bran Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein, Biotin, Elastin Amino Acids, Silk Powder, Silk Amino Acids, Keratin Amino Acids, Glycine, Serine, Asparagine, Leucine, Aspartic Acid, Glutamine, Alanine, Lysine, Valine, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Cysteine, Histidine, Methionine, Tryptophan, Ornithine, Carnitine, Avena Sativa Protein Extract, Triticum Vulgare Protein, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Protein, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Hydrolyzed Sesame Protein, Disodium EDTA, Climbazole, Parfum, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantStearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeSteartrimonium Chloride
PreservativePropylene Glycol
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningStearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventZinc Pyrithione
AntiseborrhoeicCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSalicylic Acid
MaskingPolyquaternium-10
Menthol
MaskingGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingSodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate
Emulsion StabilisingMilk Protein Extract
Butylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Chloride
MaskingMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Viridis Extract
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningLeonurus Sibiricus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
SoothingNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract
TonicGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningNigella Sativa Seed Extract
PerfumingOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentRibes Nigrum Fruit Extract
AstringentRubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract
AstringentSesamum Indicum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSalvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Corn Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningNonapeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Oligopeptide
CleansingPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantAcetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingWater, Dipropylene Glycol, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Steartrimonium Chloride, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Isopropyl Alcohol, Zinc Pyrithione, Caprylyl Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Polyquaternium-10, Menthol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Arginine, Sodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate, Milk Protein Extract, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Mentha Viridis Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Leonurus Sibiricus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Nigella Sativa Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Ribes Nigrum Fruit Extract, Rubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Biotin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Copper Tripeptide-1, Hexapeptide-9, Nonapeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Parfum
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
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineThis ingredient is a preservative and often used for it's anti-static properties. You'll most likely see this ingredient in hair conditioners.
It does not cause irritation or sensitization in leave-on products at 1-5%.
Biotin is a B vitamin that is naturally produced by our bodies. It is also called Vitamin H.
Our bodies use biotin in the metabolism process. It also helps our bodies use enzymes and move nutrients around. A biotin deficiency can lead to brittle hair and nails.
More research is needed on applying biotin topically. However, taking biotin orally has been shown to help nourish the skin, hair, and nails. They play a role in forming skin-hydrating fatty acids.
Biotin is water-soluble. It can be found in foods such as fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, and meat. Vitamin H stands for "haar" and "haut". These are the German words for hair and skin.
Learn more about BiotinButylene 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 GlycolCetyl 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 AlcoholEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinHouttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.
The components found in Heart Leaf give it antioxidant, hydrating, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Heart Leaf is rich in flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, and more. It also contains polysaccharides, the most common type of carbs in food.
Flavonoids have been shown to be effective antioxidants. They help neutralize free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are unstable molecules that may damage our skin cells and DNA. The flavonoids in Heart Leaf also help soothe the skin.
Polysaccharides are naturally found in our skin. They play a role in hydrating and repairing the top layer of skin. The polysaccharides in Heart Leaf help moisturize our skin.
Studies show decanoyl acetaldehyde, a component of Heart Leaf oil, is effective at killing bacteria.
The name 'Fish Mint' comes from the herb's natural fishy smell. Is is native to southeast Asia and used throughout the continent for traditional cooking and medicine.
Learn more about Houttuynia Cordata ExtractHydrolyzed Soy Protein is a water-soluble blend of peptides and amino acids made by breaking down the protein from soybeans into smaller proteins.
It's the most widely used hydrolyzed vegetable protein in cosmetics and it acts mainly as a skin and hair conditioning agent.
The smaller fragments are water-loving so it forms a thin, moisture-retentive film on skin that helps reduce water loss and leaves things feeling softer and smoother.
You'll often see it credited with "firming" or "anti-aging" benefits as well; this claim traces back to lab research like Tokudome et al. (2012). This study added low-molecular-weight soybean peptides to cultured human skin fibroblasts and saw increased type I collagen gene expression + collagen content.
The caveat is that this is in-vitro and oral-peptide research so the only solid, well-established role for the topical ingredient is skin conditioning.
Typical use concentrations go up to 3.5% in mascara but this ingredient is typically used at low levels well under 1%.
It has a reassuring safety profile as well; it's not a skin irritant in testing up to 20% and has limited skin penetration due to its large size and water-loving nature.
Anyone with a known soy allergy should definitely patch test or skip this ingredient. There's also a single case of a soy-containing product aggravating rosacea via protein contact dermatitis, but this is very rare.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Soy ProteinThis ingredient is a plant-derived protein made by breaking down wheat proteins into smaller amino acids and peptides. It has skin and hair conditioning properties.
People with known wheat allergy or a history of immediate reactions should be cautious with leave-on products containing hydrolyzed wheat proteins.
Isopropyl Alcohol is more commonly known as rubbing alcohol. It is most commonly used as a solvent, meaning it helps other ingredients dissolve.
This ingredient is an astringent alcohol. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin as they high amounts may strip away your skin's natural oils.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Learn more about Isopropyl AlcoholMenthol 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 MentholWe don't have a description for Milk Protein Extract yet.
Panthenol 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 ParfumSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidWe don't have a description for Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine yet.
Stearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Fatty alcohols are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent (ethanol) alcohols.
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 Stearyl AlcoholWater. 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