What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Alaninate
Surfactant
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Cleansing
Coco-Glucoside
Cleansing
Lauryl Glucoside
CleansingPropanediol
Solvent
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Cleansing
Glycerin
Humectant
Acrylates Copolymer
Polyquaternium-80
CleansingBis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Chloride
MaskingParfum
Masking
Coconut Acid
Cleansing
Cocamide Mipa
Emulsifying
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
EmulsifyingPolyimide-1
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolyquaternium-7
Cetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Quinoa
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
ChelatingSarcosine
Skin Conditioning
Pisum Sativum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Extract
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingAlgin
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
ChelatingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingHelianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Coco-Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Propanediol, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Acrylates Copolymer, Polyquaternium-80, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Parfum, Coconut Acid, Cocamide Mipa, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Polyimide-1, Chlorphenesin, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Polyquaternium-7, Cetrimonium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sarcosine, Pisum Sativum Seed Extract, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Propylene Glycol, Sclerotium Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Sodium Hydroxide, Algin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Potassium Sorbate, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Citric Acid, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Citral, CI 19140, CI 15985
Tapioca Starch
Oryza Sativa Starch
AbsorbentParfum
Masking
Isodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
Emollient
Gluconolactone
Chelating
Trehalose
Humectant
Tannic Acid
AstringentSodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Carbonate
BufferingDimethicone
Emollient
Iron Oxides
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSilica Silylate
Emollient
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantCetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Tapioca Starch, Oryza Sativa Starch, Parfum, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Gluconolactone, Trehalose, Tannic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Carbonate, Dimethicone, Iron Oxides, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Silica Silylate, Calcium Gluconate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Limonene, Linalool, Citral
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.
Citral is the molecule responsible for the fresh lemon scent in lemon, lime, and lemongrass. It is a fragrance ingredient that can be created from plant essential oils or synthetically.
Though Citral has documented antimicrobial activity against acne bacteria (which is where the marketing claims about it being good for acne-prone skin originate), real formulas use it at fragrance-level concentrations under 1% so there's likely no skin benefit.
You should know this ingredient is a known EU fragrance allergen.
Animal studies classifies this ingredient as a weak-to-moderate skin sensitizer and clinical patch testing on eczema patients confirmed it to be both a contact allergen and irritant.
The term 'citral' is a collective term for two geometric isomers: geranial/Citral A and neral/Citral B.
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 CitralLimonene is the compound that gives citrus peel its smell.
In skincare, it shows up as a standalone fragrance ingredient or as a natural compound of citrus and other essential oils.
You'll typically see this ingredient used in very small amounts; anything above 0.001% in a leave-on product or 0.01% in a rinse-off has to be named on the label in the EU. The citrus oils that carry it sit around 0.5-1% in a finished formula.
Fresh limonene is a weak allergen; the real issue is that it slowly reacts with air and then breaks down from oxidation to create hydroperoxides (which are strong sensitizers). This is why suppliers are required to keep the peroxide value below 20 mmol.
Positive reactions in people being investigated for eczema vary:
It's worth skipping if you have a known fragrance allergy or a compromised barrier, but the risk is low for most people.
Older or long-opened products are also more likely to bother you than fresh ones due to oxidation.
Learn more about LimoneneParfum 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 Benzoate
