Hair Mask
Hair Mask
American United States
American United States

What's inside

What's inside

Key Ingredients

No key ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Show highlights for:

Water

Skin Conditioning

Isododecane

Emollient

Cetearyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 1 Fatty Alcohol IconCoconut Derived IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cetyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 2 Fatty Alcohol IconCoconut Derived IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate

Emollient

Hydrogenated Polydecene

Emollient

Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine

Emulsifying

Behentrimonium Chloride

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Cetyl Esters

Emollient
1 / 1 Fatty Alcohol IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Isohexadecane

Emollient

Parfum

Masking
Synthetic Fragrance IconFragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Emollient
0 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Quaternium-91

Polysorbate 60

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cetrimonium Chloride

Antimicrobial
Preservative Icon

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Cetrimonium Methosulfate

Antimicrobial

Chlorphenesin

Antimicrobial
Preservative Icon

Isopropyl Alcohol

Solvent
0 / 0 Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Dipropylene Glycol

Humectant

Polysilicone-19

Silicon Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Tetrasodium EDTA

Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride

Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate

Emollient

Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Octyldodecanol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Octocrylene

UV Absorber
UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay cause irritation IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Cystine Bis-Pg-Propyl Silanetriol

Skin Conditioning

Hydrolyzed Keratin

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Irvingia Gabonensis Kernel Butter

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Kaempferia Galanga Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides

Emollient
Coconut Derived IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane

UV Absorber
UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter Icon

Hydrolyzed Soy Protein

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Propylene Glycol

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol

Skin Conditioning

Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract

Skin Conditioning

Keratin

Skin Conditioning

Leontopodium Alpinum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Bioflavonoids

Skin Conditioning

Styrax Benzoin Resin Extract

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce irritation Icon

Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata Extract

Emollient

Dextrin

Absorbent

Limonene

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea IconEU Allergen Icon

Butylphenyl Methylpropional

Perfuming
Synthetic Fragrance IconFragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Hexyl Cinnamal

Perfuming
Synthetic Fragrance IconFragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Water

Skin Conditioning

Cetearyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 1 Fatty Alcohol IconCoconut Derived IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Cetyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 2 Fatty Alcohol IconCoconut Derived IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Stearyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 2 Fatty Alcohol IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate

Emollient

Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides

Emollient
Coconut Derived IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cetyl Esters

Emollient
1 / 1 Fatty Alcohol IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Isododecane

Emollient

Isohexadecane

Emollient

Parfum

Masking
Synthetic Fragrance IconFragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Behentrimonium Methosulfate

Surfactant
Sulfate Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Stearalkonium Chloride

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Quaternium-91

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Emollient
0 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cetrimonium Methosulfate

Antimicrobial

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Hydroxyethylcellulose

Emulsion Stabilising

Cetrimonium Chloride

Antimicrobial
Preservative Icon

Chlorphenesin

Antimicrobial
Preservative Icon

Dimethiconol

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Sorbic Acid

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Alcohol

Antimicrobial
Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Trisodium EDTA

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Octyldodecanol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride

Trisiloxane

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Dimethyl Stearamine

Emulsifying

Irvingia Gabonensis Kernel Butter

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Hydrolyzed Jojoba Protein

Skin Conditioning

Hydrolyzed Rice Protein

Skin Conditioning

Styrax Benzoin Resin Extract

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Wheat Amino Acids

Skin Conditioning

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Cystine Bis-Pg-Propyl Silanetriol

Skin Conditioning

Lecithin

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol

Skin Conditioning

Disodium Phosphate

Buffering

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein

Skin Conditioning

Polysorbate 60

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Potassium Benzoate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Kaempferia Galanga Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Leontopodium Alpinum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Sodium Benzoate

Masking
Preservative Icon

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Arachidyl Propionate

Emollient

Ascorbyl Palmitate

Antioxidant
2 / 0 Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps brighten skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

PPG-26-Buteth-26

Skin Conditioning

Retinyl Palmitate

Skin Conditioning
1-3 / 1-3 Retinoid IconHelps brighten skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Dark Spots IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sodium Phosphate

Buffering

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Emulsifying
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ethyl Linolenate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Disodium EDTA

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract

Skin Conditioning

Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Tetrasodium EDTA

Ethyl Linoleate

Emollient
Fragrance IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ethyl Oleate

Emollient
Fragrance IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Apigenin

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce irritation Icon

Oleanolic Acid

Skin Conditioning

Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1

Peptide Icon

Citrulline

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hydroxide

Buffering

Limonene

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea IconEU Allergen Icon

Hexyl Cinnamal

Perfuming
Synthetic Fragrance IconFragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Linalool

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea IconEU Allergen Icon

Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Cetyl Esters, Isododecane, Isohexadecane, Parfum, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Phenoxyethanol, Stearalkonium Chloride, Quaternium-91, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Panthenol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Cetrimonium Chloride, Chlorphenesin, Dimethiconol, Sorbic Acid, Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Trisodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Trisiloxane, Dimethyl Stearamine, Irvingia Gabonensis Kernel Butter, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Styrax Benzoin Resin Extract, Wheat Amino Acids, Citric Acid, Cystine Bis-Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Lecithin, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Disodium Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Polysorbate 60, Potassium Benzoate, Kaempferia Galanga Root Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Arachidyl Propionate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium Phosphate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethyl Linolenate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Tetrasodium EDTA, Ethyl Linoleate, Ethyl Oleate, Apigenin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Oleanolic Acid, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Citrulline, Sodium Hydroxide, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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 Glycol
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.

Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.

Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising

Cetearyl alcohol is a waxy mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is an emollient and emulsifier.

Despite having "alcohol" in its name, it has nothing to do with drying solvent alcohols; the FDA also allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols like this ingredient.

It plays several roles in a formula:

Typical use levels for this ingredient sit around 1-10% and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has affirmed safety at concentrations up to 25% in leave-on products.

Multiple assessments have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing to most people.

However, there have been some cases of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with chronically compromised skin barriers.

Cetearyl alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 and irritancy rating of 1. Both of these numbers come from the 1989 study that used rabbit ears; a "2" means mildly comedogenic and a "1" means low irritancy.

Here's the catch: rabbit skin is more sensitive than human skin and throws a lot of false positives. A 1996 reappraisal found that ingredients rated 1-2 in the rabbit ear tests are generally safe for humans.

Remember comedogenic ratings are unable to assess the entire formula of a product or how it will react on your skin. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure about certain ingredients.

This ingredient is not fungal acne safe. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with chain lengths that fall within the range that Malassezia can metabolize.

A 2019 study has also observed Malassezia growth in the presence of this ingredient, confirming it to be not-fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Cetearyl Alcohol
Antimicrobial, Emulsifying, Preservative

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.

Antimicrobial, Emulsifying, Surfactant

We don't have a description for Cetrimonium Methosulfate yet.

Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising

Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.

Its main roles are:

Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol.

The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. It is a primary fatty alcohol with a chain length above 12 carbons. A study from 2019 show Malassezia can feed on fatty alcohols in this range, so it may trigger fungal acne in those prone to it.

Learn more about Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Cetyl Esters is an emollient with an interesting backstory: it's a synthetic wax originally designed to be a copy of spermaceti, a waxy material that used to be harvested from whales.

This ingredient delivers the same "velvety" feel without anything animal-derived (usually made from coconut or palm-sourced fatty alcohols/acids).

Chemically, it's a blend of esters from 14-18 fatty acids and alcohols that is a solid at room temperature but melts on contact with skin. It helps soften and smooth the skin while improving the feel and spread of products.

Typical use concentrations range from 1-10% (most commonly 2-5%).

The CIR Expert Panel has concluded it's safe as used and has shown no skin irritation in available studies.

Because it's a blend of fatty acid esters in the chain-length range that Malassezia can feed on, it may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Cetyl Esters
Antimicrobial, Preservative

Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.

Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.

Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.

Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.

Learn more about Chlorphenesin

We don't have a description for Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride yet.

Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract comes from the watermelon. Watermelon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Watermelons are rich in antioxidants such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C and lycopene. It also contains sugars and amino acids, such as arginine and glutathione.

Lycopene is a potent antioxidant. Besides helping to protect your skin against free-radical molecules, it also helps soothe the skin. Lycopene gives watermelon the distinct red color.

Learn more about Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract

We don't have a description for Cystine Bis-Pg-Propyl Silanetriol yet.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin (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 Glycerin
Skin Conditioning

Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract comes from sunflower seeds.

Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E. Studies show sunflowers contain antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.

These fatty acids hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.

Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.

It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.

The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.

The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.

Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.

One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).

This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.

On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.

Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Perfuming

Hexyl 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 Cinnamal
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides isn't fungal acne safe.

We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol yet.

Irvingia Gabonensis Kernel Butter isn't fungal acne safe.

Emollient, Solvent

Isododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.

As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.

Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.

Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.

The chemical name for this ingredient is 2,2,4,6,6-PENTAMETHYLHEPTANE.

Learn more about Isododecane
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Isohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.

Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.

Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.

Learn more about Isohexadecane

We don't have a description for Kaempferia Galanga Root Extract yet.

Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Leontopodium Alpinum Extract yet.

Perfuming, Solvent

Limonene 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 Limonene

We don't have a description for Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract yet.

Emollient, Masking

Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).

It is:

You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.

This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.

Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.

Learn more about Octyldodecanol
Skin Conditioning

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 Panthenol
Masking, Perfuming

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 Parfum
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol 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.

Emulsifying, Surfactant

Polysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.

Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.

In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.

Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.

Learn more about Polysorbate 60
Emollient, Solvent, UV Absorber

We don't have a description for PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate yet.

We don't have a description for Quaternium-91 yet.

Masking, Perfuming

This ingredient is used to add a warm, sweet, and vanilla-like scent to products.

Tetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable.

Tetrasodium EDTA comes as a white solid and is soluble in water.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. 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

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