What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMyristyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Bis-Hydroxy/Methoxy Amodimethicone
Cetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Polyquaternium-70
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantHydrolyzed Keratin
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Benzophenone-4
UV Absorber
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Myristyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Bis-Hydroxy/Methoxy Amodimethicone, Cetrimonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Sodium PCA, Polyquaternium-70, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Panthenol, Parfum, Benzophenone-4, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Amodimethicone
Trimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone
Polyquaternium-11
Polyquaternium-16
Parfum
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
C11-15 Pareth-5
EmulsifyingC11-15 Pareth-9
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Acetic Acid
BufferingDecylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate
UV AbsorberAcid Violet 43
Limonene
Perfuming
Coumarin
Perfuming
Wine Extract
Antioxidant
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Potassium Metabisulfite
Preservative
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Amodimethicone, Trimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone, Polyquaternium-11, Polyquaternium-16, Parfum, Citric Acid, C11-15 Pareth-5, C11-15 Pareth-9, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Acetic Acid, Decylene Glycol, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Acid Violet 43, Limonene, Coumarin, Wine Extract, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Metabisulfite
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 AcidCyclopentasiloxane, 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 CyclopentasiloxaneEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolParfum 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.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolWater. 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
