What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyquaternium-37
Cetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialDimethiconol
EmollientPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Sterols
EmollientRubus Arcticus Fruit Extract
AntioxidantCamellia Oleifera Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningRhodiola Rosea Root Extract
EmollientVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentSchisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAnnona Muricata Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingBenzoic Acid
MaskingSorbic Acid
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingCoumarin
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-37, Cetrimonium Chloride, Dimethiconol, Phospholipids, Glycine Soja Oil, Glycolipids, Glycine Soja Sterols, Rubus Arcticus Fruit Extract, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Annona Muricata Leaf/Stem Extract, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Parfum, Limonene, Benzyl Benzoate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Coumarin
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningDimethiconol
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-37
Amodimethicone
Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecyl PCA
EmollientSodium PCA
HumectantSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialGlycylglycine
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Isopropyl Alcohol
SolventTrideceth-12
EmulsifyingC11-15 Pareth-7
EmulsifyingLaureth-9
EmulsifyingGlycoproteins
Skin ConditioningAcetic Acid
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingParfum
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trisiloxane, Dimethiconol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyquaternium-37, Amodimethicone, Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil, Octyldodecyl PCA, Sodium PCA, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Glycylglycine, Panthenol, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Isopropyl Alcohol, Trideceth-12, C11-15 Pareth-7, Laureth-9, Glycoproteins, Acetic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Geraniol, Limonene
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 a preservative, antimicrobial, and emulsifier. It is often used in cosmetics for its ability to cleanse, condition, and reduce static.
Cetrimonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt, meaning it has a water-soluble structure.
Cyclopentasiloxane, 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 CyclopentasiloxaneDimethiconol is a silicone that resembles the popular dimethicone. Like other silicones, it is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient helps to create a silky texture and improve spreadability. Due to its high molecular weight and thickness, it is often combined with cyclopentasiloxane.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateGlycerin (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 GlycerinHexyl 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 CinnamalLimonene 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 ParfumPhenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconeWe don't have a description for Polyquaternium-37 yet.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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