What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantHydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Oat Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Barley Protein
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingAmyl Cinnamal
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingCoumarin
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 80, Parfum, Cetrimonium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, CI 19140, CI 15985, Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein, Arginine, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Hydrolyzed Barley Protein, Limonene, Benzyl Salicylate, Amyl Cinnamal, Hexyl Cinnamal, Coumarin, Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate, Hydroxycitronellal, Geraniol
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialDimethicone
EmollientIsohexadecane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingParfum
MaskingPropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Benzophenone-4
UV AbsorberArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingLens Esculenta Seed Extract
Skin ProtectingHydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract
Skin ProtectingChenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCinnamyl Alcohol
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Parfum, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Benzophenone-4, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Sodium Gluconate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Lens Esculenta Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, CI 17200, CI 19140
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
CI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140Citric 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 AcidCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDisodium 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 EDTAHexyl Cinnamal is a fragrance ingredient with a similar scent to jasmine. It can be naturally found in chamomile essential oil.
This ingredient is a known EU allergen and may sensitize the skin. The EU requires this ingredient to be listed separately on an ingredients list.
Hexyl Cinnamal is not water soluble but is soluble in oils.
Learn more about Hexyl CinnamalThis 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.
Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
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 LimoneneLinalool 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 LinaloolParfum 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 ParfumSodium 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