What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingCocamide Mea
EmulsifyingSodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
CleansingGlycol Distearate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningSilk Amino Acids
HumectantKeratin Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Extract
AbrasiveChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingPropylene Glycol
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAmodimethicone
Cetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialTrideceth-12
EmulsifyingDimethiconol
EmollientDivinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer
C12-13 Pareth-23
CleansingC12-13 Pareth-3
EmulsifyingPolyquaternium-10
Sodium PCA
HumectantQuaternium-80
Polyquaternium-7
Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride
PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate
EmulsifyingPEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Acetate
BufferingIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventTetrasodium EDTA
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeParfum
MaskingCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingHydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingWater, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Cocamide Mea, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Glycol Distearate, Dimethicone, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Silk Amino Acids, Keratin Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, Amodimethicone, Cetrimonium Chloride, Trideceth-12, Dimethiconol, Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, C12-13 Pareth-23, C12-13 Pareth-3, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium PCA, Quaternium-80, Polyquaternium-7, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, CI 17200, CI 19140, Sodium Acetate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingAcrylates Crosspolymer-4
Emulsion StabilisingDisteareth-75 Ipdi
Cocamide Methyl Mea
SurfactantCoconut Acid
CleansingBis-Cetearyl Amodimethicone
Glycerin
HumectantParfum
MaskingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientArtocarpus Heterophyllus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientAmaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPorphyra Umbilicalis Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCaesalpinia Spinosa Gum
Skin ConditioningArgan Oil Glycereth-8 Esters
CleansingCitric Acid
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCoco-Glucoside
CleansingGlyceryl Oleate
EmollientSodium Isethionate
CleansingPropanediol
SolventGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Glycol Distearate
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCeteareth-25
CleansingCeteareth-7
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientFumaric Acid
BufferingGlycolic Acid
BufferingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingBHT
AntioxidantDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientHydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
EmollientLecithin
EmollientAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantSodium Benzoate
MaskingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeLinalool
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingWater, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Lauryl Glucoside, Acrylates Crosspolymer-4, Disteareth-75 Ipdi, Cocamide Methyl Mea, Coconut Acid, Bis-Cetearyl Amodimethicone, Glycerin, Parfum, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Artocarpus Heterophyllus Fruit Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Argan Oil Glycereth-8 Esters, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Sodium Isethionate, Propanediol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Glycol Distearate, Panthenol, Ceteareth-25, Ceteareth-7, Tocopherol, Lactobacillus Ferment, Caprylyl Glycol, Fumaric Acid, Glycolic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, BHT, Diisostearyl Malate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, Lecithin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone is a fragrance. It can be synthetically created or naturally occurring.
The scent of Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone is described as "flowery" but can also be "woody".
Naturally occurring Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone may be found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or the yeast used to make wine and bread.
The term '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.
Learn more about Alpha-Isomethyl IononeYou may know this ingredient as argan oil. It has emollient and skin conditioning properties that help soften skin and reinforce the lipid barrier.
The fatty acid profile of argan oil is roughly 45-55% oleic acid, 28-36% linoleic acid, 10-15% palmitic acid, and 5-7% stearic acid. It also contains vitamin E, sterols, squalene, and polyphenols like ferulic acid.
Two clinical studies in postmenopausal women found that applying argan oil for 60 days significantly improved skin elasticity and moisturization (reduced transepidermal water loss and increased epidermal water content).
Since it is high in oleic and linoleic acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Both of these fall in the C11-C24 range that Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Argania Spinosa Kernel OilCaprylyl 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, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinCitric 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 AcidGlycol Distearate is an emulsifier and emollient that adds a "pearly" appearance to formulations.
That lustrous look you see in many shampoos is due to this ingredient: when cooled, it crystallizes into small platelets that reflect light to give products that rich, shimmering look.
This ingredient is considered safe at present practices of use and concentration and repeated insult patch test with 50% Glycol Distearate on 125 subjects found no evidence of skin irritation, hypersensitivity, or acute toxicity.
Typical use concentrations range from 0.1-10%.
Because it's an ester of stearic acid, it falls into the range that Malassezia likes to metabolize. This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Glycol DistearateLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolPanthenol 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 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.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateThis is a botanical extract from the rosemary plant (the same one you cook with). In skincare, it mostly works as a skin conditioning agent.
Its activity comes from a handful of polyphenols, carnosic acid, carnosol, and rosmarinic acid. Almost 90% of the antioxidant activity of this ingredient can be attributed to canosol and carnosic acid.
These compounds protect your skin two ways:
1) They fight off free radicals, or the unstable molecules from things like sun and pollution that age and damage skin.
2) They help calm inflammation by switching off the chemical signals that tell skin to get red and irritated.
Lab studies also suggest that rosmarinic acid may help protect collagen and slow sugar-related damage to it.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review has concluded rosemary-derived ingredients to be safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing.
Rosemary can occasionally cause allergic contact dermatitis (due to carnosol), so be sure to patch test if you have reactive or fragrance-sensitive skin.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf ExtractSodium 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 BenzoateWater. 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