What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingAcrylates Crosspolymer-4
Emulsion StabilisingGlycerin
HumectantHeptyl Glucoside
SurfactantPropanediol
SolventPolyester-37
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Phytate
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Quaternium-95
UV AbsorberSodium Benzoate
MaskingOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantIsomalt
HumectantPolyquaternium-113
Helianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientCitrullus Lanatus Seed Oil
EmollientLitchi Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTocopherol
AntioxidantLeontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantGlycine
BufferingLarix Europaea Wood Extract
HumectantPisum Sativum Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantDextran
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialZinc Chloride
AntimicrobialAcetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Skin ProtectingTrifolium Pratense Flower Extract
AstringentSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSorbeth-230 Tetraoleate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Laurate
EmulsifyingLimonene
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingWater, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamide Mipa, Acrylates Crosspolymer-4, Glycerin, Heptyl Glucoside, Propanediol, Polyester-37, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Phytate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Quaternium-95, Sodium Benzoate, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Butylene Glycol, Isomalt, Polyquaternium-113, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Sodium Metabisulfite, Glycine, Larix Europaea Wood Extract, Pisum Sativum Sprout Extract, Citric Acid, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Dextran, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Zinc Chloride, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate, Sorbitan Laurate, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingAcrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer
Parfum
MaskingSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCapryloyl/Caproyl Methyl Glucamide
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSorbeth-230 Tetraoleate
EmulsifyingPEG-9 Cocoate
EmulsifyingGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningBis-Cetearyl Amodimethicone
Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Silicone Quaternium-22
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingPropylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl Triethylmonium Dimethicone PEG-8 Succinate
Chlorphenesin
AntimicrobialC12-16 Alketh-9
EmulsifyingLaureth-3
EmulsifyingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingQuaternium-95
UV AbsorberDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Caprate
EmulsifyingSodium Sulfate
Tetrasodium EDTA
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Sorbitan Laurate
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPropanediol
SolventSodium PCA
HumectantSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingCeteareth-25
CleansingCeteareth-7
EmulsifyingBenzoic Acid
MaskingCitrullus Lanatus Seed Oil
EmollientPalmitamidopropyltrimonium Chloride
Citric Acid
BufferingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Sulfite
PreservativeAcer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Quinoa
Skin ConditioningLitchi Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
BufferingHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
BufferingArginine
MaskingLeontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Coco Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
CleansingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingAspartic Acid
MaskingPCA
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantTin Oxide
AbrasiveAcacia Seyal Gum Extract
HumectantPisum Sativum Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantGlycine
BufferingAlanine
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Serine
MaskingValine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Histidine
HumectantPhenylalanine
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicNiacinamide
SmoothingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, Parfum, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Phenoxyethanol, Capryloyl/Caproyl Methyl Glucamide, Polysorbate 20, Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate, PEG-9 Cocoate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Bis-Cetearyl Amodimethicone, Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Silicone Quaternium-22, Potassium Hydroxide, Propylene Glycol, Cetyl Triethylmonium Dimethicone PEG-8 Succinate, Chlorphenesin, C12-16 Alketh-9, Laureth-3, Decyl Glucoside, Quaternium-95, Dipropylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate, Sodium Sulfate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Sorbitan Laurate, Sodium Hydroxide, Propanediol, Sodium PCA, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Ceteareth-25, Ceteareth-7, Benzoic Acid, Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil, Palmitamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Sulfite, Acer Saccharum Extract, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Glycolic Acid, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Sodium Coco Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Hexylene Glycol, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Butylene Glycol, Tin Oxide, Acacia Seyal Gum Extract, Pisum Sativum Sprout Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Ascorbic Acid, Panthenol, Potassium Sorbate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Glycine, Alanine, Disodium EDTA, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Biotin, Niacinamide, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, CI 77891
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCaprylyl 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 or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitric 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 AcidCitrullus Lanatus Seed Oil is made by expressing watermelon seeds. It is a non-fragrant oil with antioxidant and hydrating properties.
Watermelon seed oil contains a high percentage of linoleic acid and other fatty acids. These fatty acids make it a great skin hydrator. This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Decyl Glucoside is a plant-derived surfactant and emulsion stabilizer. It is created by reacting glucose with the fatty acids from plants.
Like all surfactants, it works by lowering the surface tension between water and oil. This makes it so that dirt, sebum, and makeup can be lifted off your skin and rinsed away. It also produces a dense and creamy foam.
Because it has a neutral charge, it is compatible with a wide range of ingredients and stays stable across a broad pH range/water hardiness conditions.
Patch testing has shown it to have the lowest irritation potential among common cleansing surfactants (like SLS).
Typical use levels range from 5-20% in rinse-off cleansers.
One thing worth knowing: The American Contact Dermatitis Society named the parent family, alkyl glucosides, "Allergen of the Year" in 2017. The prevalence of allergy is pretty low but be sure to patch test if you've reacted to "gentle" or sulfate-free cleansers before.
This ingredient is fungal acne safe because the fatty alcohol portion of this ingredient is not within the C11-24 chain length that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Decyl GlucosideGlycerin (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 GlycerinGlycine is the smallest amino acid and a key building block of collagen. It's part if your skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
A study from 2022 found that an amino acid complex featuring taurine, arginine, and glycine significantly reduced skin irritation, improved redness, and accelerated the skin repair process.
This ingredient is derived from guar gum. It is a skin conditioning agent that creates a thin, breathable film to reduce water loss during cleansing.
This leaves the skin feeling soft rather than stripped and also contributes to a creamier lather.
Due to the large molecule size, this ingredient is unlikely to penetrate skin.
Learn more about Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideHexyl 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 LimoneneWe 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 ParfumPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.
It is used to help stabilize other antioxidants or prevent the color from changing in a product.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Thus, antioxidants may reduce the signs of aging.
This ingredient is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamatePhenoxyethanol 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.
We don't have a description for Pisum Sativum Sprout Extract yet.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolWe don't have a description for Quaternium-95 yet.
Sodium 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 BenzoateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideSorbeth-230 Tetraoleate isn't fungal acne safe.
Sorbitan Laurate is created from lauric acid and derivatives from sorbitol. It is an emulsifier.
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