What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Isobutane
Propane
Sd Alcohol 40-B
AstringentAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentParfum
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientCrambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningCitrullus Lanatus Seed Oil
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventGlycerin
HumectantBambusa Arundinacea Juice
AbrasiveOryza Sativa Hull Powder
AbrasiveEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingCommiphora Myrrha Resin Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeLitchi Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLeontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningApium Graveolens Seed Extract
AntioxidantVegetable Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialCitric Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingIsobutane, Propane, Sd Alcohol 40-B, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Parfum, Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isopropyl Myristate, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Niacinamide, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Caffeine, Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil, Propylene Carbonate, Glycerin, Bambusa Arundinacea Juice, Oryza Sativa Hull Powder, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Biotin, Phenoxyethanol, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Apium Graveolens Seed Extract, Vegetable Amino Acids, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Citral
Hydrofluorocarbon 152a
Dimethyl Ether
SolventSd Alcohol 40-B
AstringentVp/Va Copolymer
Zeolite
AbsorbentParfum
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Triethyl Citrate
MaskingPEG/PPG-17/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAmp-Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
CleansingButylene Glycol
HumectantBenzophenone-4
UV AbsorberIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventActinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientHedychium Coronarium Root Extract
MaskingMangifera Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPassiflora Incarnata Extract
AstringentCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLeontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLitchi Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeStyrax Benzoin Resin Extract
MaskingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeBenzoic Acid
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingSorbic Acid
PreservativeLimonene
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingHydrofluorocarbon 152a, Dimethyl Ether, Sd Alcohol 40-B, Vp/Va Copolymer, Zeolite, Parfum, Glycerin, Water, Acetyl Triethyl Citrate, PEG/PPG-17/18 Dimethicone, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Amp-Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Butylene Glycol, Benzophenone-4, Isopropyl Alcohol, Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract, Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract, Passiflora Incarnata Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Styrax Benzoin Resin Extract, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Benzoic Acid, Citric Acid, Sorbic Acid, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, 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.
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 CitralCitric 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 (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 CinnamalThis ingredient comes from the edelweiss plant. It has skin conditioning properties.
Phytochemical studies show edelweiss contains compounds such as leontopodic acids, flavonoids, caffeic acids that have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Clinical research on leontopodium alpinum callus culture extract showed topical application in humans demonstrates improvements on wrinkles, skin elasticity, and dermal density. In vitro and cell-based studies support anti-inflammatory effects.
Learn more about Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf ExtractLimonene 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 LinaloolWe don't have a description for Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract yet.
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 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.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSD Alcohol 40-B is created by denaturing ethanol with tert-Butyl alcohol and denatonium benzoate. It is a solvent and astringent.
The 'SD' stands for 'specially denatured'. Denatured alcohol means the structure has been altered.
The 40-B is given by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. This is in accordance to the method of how the alcohol was denatured.
This ingredient is a solvent alcohol.
Learn more about Sd Alcohol 40-BSodium 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 BenzoateWater. 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