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
Water
Skin ConditioningTea-Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingPalm Kernelamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingCocamide Methyl Mea
Surfactant
Glycol Distearate
Emollient
Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate
Cleansing
Cocamide Mea
Emulsifying
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
Parfum
Masking
Sodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Polyquaternium-10
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-7
Polyquaternium-49
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Disodium EDTA
Oryza Sativa Germ Oil
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Oryza Sativa Bran Oil
Emollient
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Masking
Caramel
Cosmetic ColorantPropanediol
Solvent
Camellia Japonica Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningBelamcanda Chinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Flower Extract
Perfuming
Sapindus Mukorossi Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningDianthus Longicalyx Seed Extract
Emulsion StabilisingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Tea-Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Palm Kernelamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide Methyl Mea, Glycol Distearate, Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate, Cocamide Mea, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Polyquaternium-10, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-49, Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Oryza Sativa Germ Oil, Butylene Glycol, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Caramel, Propanediol, Camellia Japonica Seed Extract, Belamcanda Chinensis Root Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Camellia Sinensis Flower Extract, Sapindus Mukorossi Peel Extract, Dianthus Longicalyx Seed Extract, Tocopherol
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 AlcoholButylene 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 GlycolWe don't have a description for Caramel yet.
Citric 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 AcidWe don't have a description for Cocamide Methyl Mea yet.
Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAParfum 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-10Sodium 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
