What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantGlycereth-25 PCA Isostearate
EmulsifyingGlycereth-26
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingRumex Acetosella Extract
Skin ConditioningLeonurus Sibiricus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
SoothingNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingWater, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate, Glycereth-26, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Rumex Acetosella Extract, Leonurus Sibiricus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Citronellol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantBetaine
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPEG-20
HumectantPotassium Methoxysalicylate
BleachingPiperidinepropionic Acid
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantErythritol
HumectantPEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningPEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningPhytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningLauryl Betaine
Cleansing2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPrunus Speciosa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Acutiloba Root Extract
Skin ConditioningChaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialIsodonis Japonicus Leaf/Stalk Extract
MaskingRosa Multiflora Fruit Extract
MaskingBupleurum Falcatum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Persica Leaf Extract
EmollientHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantIsostearic Acid
CleansingIsohexadecane
EmollientPEG-60 Glyceryl Isostearate
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingAlcohol
AntimicrobialPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingTrisodium EDTA
Sodium Metaphosphate
BufferingLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialTocopherol
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingParfum
MaskingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Betaine, Dimethicone, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-20, Potassium Methoxysalicylate, Piperidinepropionic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Erythritol, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Lauryl Betaine, 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Prunus Speciosa Leaf Extract, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Chaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Isodonis Japonicus Leaf/Stalk Extract, Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract, Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract, Prunus Persica Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Carbomer, Butylene Glycol, Isostearic Acid, Isohexadecane, PEG-60 Glyceryl Isostearate, Potassium Hydroxide, Alcohol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Polysorbate 80, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Oleate, Trisodium EDTA, Sodium Metaphosphate, Linalool, Limonene, Sodium Metabisulfite, Citronellol, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Benzoate, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, CI 77491, CI 77492
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
Butylene 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 GlycolCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractCitronellol 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 CitronellolDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolGlycerin 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 GlycerinLimonene 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 ParfumPotassium hydroxide is commonly known as caustic potash. It is used to fix the pH of a product or as a cleaning agent in soap. In cleansers, it is used for the saponification of oils.
Sapnification is the process of creating fatty acid metal salts from triglycerides and a strong base. During this process, Potassium Hydroxide is used up and is not present in the final product.
Using high concentrations of Potassium Hydroxide have shown to irritate the skin.
Learn more about Potassium HydroxideTocopheryl 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum