What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventAlcohol
AntimicrobialCitric Acid
BufferingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingTriethyl Citrate
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningFerulic Acid
AntimicrobialSodium Citrate
BufferingDimethicone
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Citronellol
PerfumingInga Edulis Leaf Extract
AntioxidantEuterpe Oleracea Seed Extract
AntioxidantSilica
AbrasiveTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCasearia Sylvestris Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Carbonate
BufferingGeraniol
PerfumingConobea Scoparioides Leaf Oil
MaskingMalonic Acid
BufferingVanillin
MaskingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantSodium Chloride
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Ascorbic Acid, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Propanediol, Alcohol, Citric Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Tocopherol, Parfum, Panthenol, Sodium Hydroxide, Triethyl Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Citronellol, Inga Edulis Leaf Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Seed Extract, Silica, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Casearia Sylvestris Leaf Extract, Sodium Carbonate, Geraniol, Conobea Scoparioides Leaf Oil, Malonic Acid, Vanillin, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPotassium Methoxysalicylate
BleachingDimethicone
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientTriethylhexanoin
MaskingDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTalc
AbrasiveBatyl Alcohol
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePEG-6
HumectantPEG-32
HumectantBehenic Acid
CleansingPEG-60 Glyceryl Isostearate
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningSodium Metaphosphate
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningPhytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveSodium Citrate
BufferingAlumina
AbrasivePotassium Hydroxide
BufferingSuccinoglycan
Skin ConditioningPEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAlcohol
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingLinalool
PerfumingTocopherol
AntioxidantCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingAngelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningCrataegus Monogyna Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingCellulose
AbsorbentPancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingRehmannia Chinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningZiziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrola Incarnata Extract
Skin ConditioningPotentilla Erecta Root Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Potassium Methoxysalicylate, Dimethicone, Behenyl Alcohol, Triethylhexanoin, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Talc, Batyl Alcohol, Diisostearyl Malate, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-6, PEG-32, Behenic Acid, PEG-60 Glyceryl Isostearate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Sodium Metaphosphate, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Silica, Sodium Citrate, Alumina, Potassium Hydroxide, Succinoglycan, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Xanthan Gum, CI 77891, Alcohol, Parfum, Caffeine, Sodium Metabisulfite, Citric Acid, Linalool, Tocopherol, Citronellol, Geraniol, Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract, Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract, Limonene, Cellulose, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Prunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract, Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Pyrola Incarnata Extract, Potentilla Erecta Root Extract
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 AlcoholCitric 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 AcidCitronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeDisodium 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 EDTAGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinParfum 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.
Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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