What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentGlycerin
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSilica
AbrasiveKaolin
AbrasiveLactose
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingParfum
MaskingCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Citric Acid, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Silica, Kaolin, Lactose, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, CI 77007
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingCeresin
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-8 Isostearate
EmulsifyingMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasiveQuaternium-18 Bentonite
Parfum
MaskingCharcoal Powder
AbrasiveLactose
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCellulose
AbsorbentHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
BufferingMontmorillonite
AbsorbentSea Salt
AbrasiveSea Water
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantPeat Water
Skin ConditioningTaurine
BufferingChlorella Vulgaris/Lupinus Albus Protein Ferment
Skin ConditioningAcanthopanax Senticosus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCetyl Ethylhexanoate, Octyldodecanol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Silica, Ozokerite, Ceresin, PEG-8 Isostearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Synthetic Wax, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Water, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Quaternium-18 Bentonite, Parfum, Charcoal Powder, Lactose, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Citric Acid, Montmorillonite, Sea Salt, Sea Water, Glycerin, Acacia Senegal Gum, Butylene Glycol, Peat Water, Taurine, Chlorella Vulgaris/Lupinus Albus Protein Ferment, Acanthopanax Senticosus Root Extract, Potassium Sorbate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric 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 AcidGlycerin 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 GlycerinThis ingredient is a semi-synthetic polymer created from cellulose. In case you need a refresher, cellulose is the main component of plant cell walls.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose has many uses:
- emulsifier
- create a gel-like texture
- boost foam
We don't have a description for Lactose yet.
Microcrystalline Cellulose is another name for refined wood pulp. It is used as an emulsifier and mattifying ingredient. As an emulsifier, it helps keep ingredients together.
Parfum 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 ParfumSilica, 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 SilicaTocopheryl 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 Water