What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingCocamide Methyl Mea
Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingSteardimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin
Skin ConditioningQuaternium-33
Propylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantPicea Mariana Bark Extract
AntioxidantPolyquaternium-10
Hydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantHydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientSclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
HumectantButter Extract
EmollientCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ag
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingCholesterol
EmollientSodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingQuaternium-18
Glycerin
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventCitric Acid
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide Methyl Mea, Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate, Steardimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Quaternium-33, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Picea Mariana Bark Extract, Polyquaternium-10, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Butter Extract, Ceramide Ng, Ceramide Ag, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil, Sodium Chloride, Cholesterol, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Quaternium-18, Glycerin, Alcohol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingCocamide Methyl Mea
Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingSteardimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGamma-Docosalactone
Skin ConditioningQuaternium-33
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantAlanine
MaskingHydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Honey Protein
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
HumectantKeratin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein
Skin ConditioningPrunus Domestica Seed Extract
EmollientMalus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningCollagen
MoisturisingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Rhododendron Ferrugineum Leaf Cell Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningIsomalt
HumectantPolyquaternium-10
Hydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantCetearamidoethyl Diethonium Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientIsostearoyl Hydrolyzed Keratin
CleansingPouteria Sapota Seed Oil
EmollientSclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
HumectantTheobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Seed Oil
EmollientGlycine Soja Sterols
EmollientCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientCeramide Ag
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningBis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate
EmollientCarapa Guaianensis Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningAdansonia Digitata Seed Oil
EmollientOpuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingArgania Spinosa Sprout Cell Extract
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingMyristamine Oxide
CleansingPotassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Keratin
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientQuaternium-18
Behentrimonium Chloride
PreservativePEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingLactic Acid
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide Methyl Mea, Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate, Steardimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Propanediol, Gamma-Docosalactone, Quaternium-33, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Alanine, Hydroxyproline, Hydrolyzed Honey Protein, Sodium PCA, Keratin, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Prunus Domestica Seed Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Collagen, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Ceramide AP, Isomalt, Polyquaternium-10, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Cetearamidoethyl Diethonium Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Isononyl Isononanoate, Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Pouteria Sapota Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Mangifera Indica Seed Oil, Glycine Soja Sterols, Ceramide Ng, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Ceramide Ag, Ceramide NP, Ceramide EOP, Bis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate, Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil, Sodium Chloride, Argania Spinosa Sprout Cell Extract, Cholesterol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Myristamine Oxide, Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Lecithin, Quaternium-18, Behentrimonium Chloride, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Tocopherol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Caramel
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
You may know this ingredient as argan oil. Argan Oil has antioxidant, hydrating, and soothing properties.
Studies have shown argan oil can help fight again radical damage from the sun. This makes it effective at preventing hyperpigmentation.
Large amounts of vitamin E found in argan oil helps the skin retain water. Argan oil also contains fatty acids such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. It is also a good source of lipids.
Another benefit of argan oil is skin-soothing. It can help reduce inflammation-related skin symptoms.
Argan Oil is effective at regulating sebum production in pores. This can make it effective at treating hormonal acne.
Traditionally, argan oil was used for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, argan oil contains fatty acids that may make it not fungal-acne safe.
Argan Trees are native to Morocco.
Learn more about Argania Spinosa Kernel OilButylene 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 GlycolCeramide AG is a type of Ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramide AG is the N-acylated sphingolipid consisting of Sphinganine having the D-erythro structure linked to an alpha-hydroxy saturated or unsaturated fatty acid.
Learn more about Ceramide AgCeramide AP is formally known as Ceramide 6.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.
They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide NP
Ceramide EOP
Ceramide EOP is formally known as Ceramide 1 and Ceramide 1 A.
EOP stands for a linked Ester fatty acid, a linked Omega hydroxy fatty acid, and the Phytosphingosine base.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin. They bind dead skin cells together to create a barrier. The ceramides in our skin have the ability to hold water to keep our skin hydrated.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A strong skin barrier helps with:
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Learn more about Ceramide EOPCeramide NG is a type of Ceramide. The NG stands for a sphinganine base.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Ceramide NP
Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide and formally known as ceramide 3.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolCitric 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.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, a compound with two amino groups.
This ingredient is a surfactant and cleanser. It helps gather the dirt, pollutants, and other impurities in your skin to be washed away. It also helps thicken a product and make the texture more creamy.
Being created from coconut oil means Cocamidopropyl Betaine is hydrating for the skin.
While Cocamidopropyl Betaine was believed to be an allergen, a study from 2012 disproved this. It found two compounds in unpure Cocamidopropyl Betaine to be the irritants: aminoamide and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. High-grade and pure Cocamidopropyl Betaine did not induce allergic reactions during this study.
Learn more about Cocamidopropyl BetaineDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHydrolyzed Keratin is derived from keratin. Keratin is a large protein that is naturally found in our hair and skin.
Studies show keratin is able to seal broken hair cuticles, helping to prevent split ends and breakage.
As a humectant, hydrolyzed keratin helps draw moisture from the air to your hair and skin. This helps keep your skin and hair hydrated.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed KeratinThis oil comes from the seed of the prickly pear cactus. Due to its ability to be easily absorbed, it does not leave a greasy feeling behind.
The main parts of this oil are fatty acids - linoleic, oleic, and palmitic. Other than that, the seeds also contains antioxidants such as vitamin E that help soothe the skin.
Due to its fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed OilParfum 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 ParfumPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Polyquaternium-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-10Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolWe don't have a description for Quaternium-18 yet.
We don't have a description for Quaternium-33 yet.
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of the Marula plant. In South Africa, Marula is called "an elephant's favorite treat".
Marula seed oil is a non-fragrant oil. It is rich in fatty acids, such as oleic, linoleic, palmitic, stearic, and more. These fatty acids help hydrate the skin.
Other components of marula seed oil include vitamin E and antioxidants such as flavonoids.
Due to the fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sclerocarya Birrea Seed 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 BenzoateSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a cleansing agent made from a mixture of long chain sulfonate salts. It can also help produce foam.
This ingredient may be drying. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Chances 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.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideWe don't have a description for Sodium Cocoamphoacetate yet.
This gentle cleansing and foaming ingredient is known for leaving a smooth feeling in skin and hair. It is made using coconut oil.
According to the manufacturer, it is soluble in water and has resistance to hard water, acid, and alkali.
Due to its coconut base, it may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Sodium Methyl Cocoyl TaurateWe don't have a description for Steardimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin yet.
We don't have a description for Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate yet.
Water. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water