What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Prunus Domestica Seed Extract
EmollientMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningSanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract
CleansingGentiana Lutea Root Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Canina Fruit Extract
Astringent
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSymphytum Officinale Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningZiziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Humulus Lupulus Extract
AntimicrobialFoeniculum Vulgare Fruit Extract
EmollientSophora Angustifolia Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCentaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
Astringent
Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningCrataegus Oxyacantha Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningArctium Lappa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract
AstringentAngelica Archangelica Root Extract
Masking
Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract
MoisturisingInula Helenium Extract
MaskingCarbenia Benedicta Extract
Skin ConditioningSalvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingRosa Centifolia Flower Extract
Astringent
Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract
MaskingRosa Damascena Flower Extract
Masking
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Artemisia Absinthium Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
Cleansing
Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
TonicCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract
MaskingSambucus Nigra Flower Extract
RefreshingMalva Sylvestris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCymbopogon Schoenanthus Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Equisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentMelilotus Officinalis Extract
AstringentAspalathus Linearis Extract
Skin ConditioningSaponaria Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCrataegus Cuneata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAlpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLuffa Cylindrica Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Polyquaternium-10
Hydrolyzed Keratin
Humectant
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Lupinus Albus Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Oenothera Biennis Oil
Emollient
Mangifera Indica Seed Oil
Emollient
Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter
Skin Conditioning
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Emollient
Sodium Chloride
MaskingMenthol
Masking
Salicylic Acid
Masking
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Cocamide Methyl Mea
Surfactant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Lauryl Betaine
CleansingAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Caramel
Cosmetic ColorantGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Prunus Domestica Seed Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract, Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Humulus Lupulus Extract, Foeniculum Vulgare Fruit Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Crataegus Oxyacantha Fruit Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Angelica Archangelica Root Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract, Inula Helenium Extract, Carbenia Benedicta Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Artemisia Absinthium Extract, Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Leaf/Stem Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Melilotus Officinalis Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Saponaria Officinalis Leaf Extract, Crataegus Cuneata Fruit Extract, Alpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Polyquaternium-10, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Lupinus Albus Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Mangifera Indica Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Sodium Chloride, Menthol, Salicylic Acid, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Cocamide Methyl Mea, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Betaine, Alcohol, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Caramel, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Coco-Sulfate
Cleansing
Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate
CleansingDecyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil
Masking
Mentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Avena Sativa Bran
Abrasive
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Chenopodium Quinoa Seed
Abrasive
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Babassu Oil Polyglyceryl-4 Esters
Surfactant
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Coco-Glucoside
Cleansing
Glyceryl Oleate
Emollient
Inulin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Phytate
Sodium Sulfate
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Decyl Glucoside, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Avena Sativa Bran, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed, Tocopheryl Acetate, Babassu Oil Polyglyceryl-4 Esters, Beta-Glucan, Bisabolol, Citric Acid, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Inulin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Sulfate, Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Limonene
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
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.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract comes from the common Marigold plant part of the Asteraceae family. This ingredient is a skin conditioner.
Marigolds contain flavonoids. Flavonoids are a group of substances found naturally in plants. They possess antioxidant and inflammation properties.
This ingredient soothes skin inflammation by inhibiting inhibiting a part of the inflammation process.
Marigolds have been used in traditional medicine throughout Asia and Europe.
Learn more about Calendula Officinalis Flower ExtractCitric 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 also known as tea tree oil. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Tea tree oil is a complex lipophilic (fat-loving) oil that contains around 100 compounds with terpinen-4-ol being the most abundant (~40%).
Terpinen-4-ol is responsible for tea tree oil's broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and makes it a well-researched option for acne.
Clinical studies support 5% tea tree oil as an effective topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. A study with 124 patients compared 5% tea tree oil gel to 5% benzoyl peroxide and both reduced acne (though tea tree oil worked more slowly).
Besides acne, it is also seen in anti-dandruff shampoos and scalp treatments for it's antimicrobial and anti-seborrheic properties.
Safety-wise, the allergic potential of low concentrations on healthy skin is considered low. However, oxidized (old or improperly stored) tea tree oil is a stronger sensitizer.
Irritation can also occur if using the undiluted oil on skin; it's best to use this ingredient as part of a carefully crafted cosmetic formula. This is because regulations require tea tree oil in cosmetics to be stabilized to prevent degradation.
This ingredient has been deemed safe up to 2% in shampoo, 1% in cleansers, and 0.1% in face cream by the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).
There is some lab evidence that tea tree oil is antifungal against Malassezia, but it is a supportive option at best and not a replacement for proven antifungal treatments.
Learn more about Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf OilRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil is an essential oil also known as rosemary essential oil. In skincare, it is a skin conditioning agent and also acts as a natural fragrance that gives products a fresh/herby smell.
The oil is a mix of over 100 volatile compounds with 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, camphor, and verbenone usually leading the pack.
Lab studies credit this oil with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity. Some research even show rosemary compounds calming acne-related inflammation.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has concluded rosemary-derived ingredients to be safe when formulated to be nonsensitizing.
Since this is a fragrant essential oil, the main concern is for fragrance-sensitive folks.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf OilSodium 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 BenzoateChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideWater. 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
