What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientPropanediol
SolventPolyglyceryl-3 Laurate
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingAcrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer
Glycol Distearate
EmollientCoconut Acid
CleansingSodium Lauroamphoacetate
CleansingAmodimethicone
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Isethionate
CleansingGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningSorbeth-230 Tetraoleate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDivinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer
Hydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantSodium Benzoate
MaskingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Glycerin
HumectantPolyquaternium-7
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingDimethiconol
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningLaureth-23
CleansingLaureth-4
EmulsifyingBHT
AntioxidantCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialTrideceth-15
EmulsifyingTrideceth-3
EmulsifyingSorbitan Laurate
EmulsifyingSodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids
CleansingButylene Glycol
HumectantLauryl Glucoside
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeC12-13 Pareth-23
CleansingC12-13 Pareth-3
EmulsifyingPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Protein
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingCitrullus Lanatus Seed Oil
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Jojoba Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingAlcohol
AntimicrobialAcetic Acid
BufferingHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningKaempferia Galanga Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningCinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride
Tetrasodium EDTA
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingPotassium Benzoate
PreservativeLitchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium Phosphate
BufferingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingLimonene
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamide Mipa, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate, Parfum, Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, Glycol Distearate, Coconut Acid, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Amodimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Isethionate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate, Caprylyl Glycol, Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Benzoate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Glycerin, Polyquaternium-7, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Decyl Glucoside, Dimethiconol, Panthenol, Laureth-23, Laureth-4, BHT, Cetrimonium Chloride, Trideceth-15, Trideceth-3, Sorbitan Laurate, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Butylene Glycol, Lauryl Glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, C12-13 Pareth-23, C12-13 Pareth-3, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Protein, Salicylic Acid, Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Stearic Acid, Alcohol, Acetic Acid, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Kaempferia Galanga Root Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Potassium Benzoate, Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Disodium Phosphate, Potassium Hydroxide, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingLaureth-5 Carboxylic Acid
CleansingSilicone Quaternium-3
Amodimethicone
Glycereth-26
HumectantCoconut Acid
CleansingCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingGlycol Distearate
EmollientSodium Isethionate
CleansingParfum
MaskingPropanediol
SolventPolyquaternium-10
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingTrideceth-12
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Polyquaternium-59
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantSodium PCA
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingArginine
MaskingAspartic Acid
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPCA
HumectantCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLeontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLitchi Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingAlanine
MaskingSerine
MaskingValine
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Styrax Benzoin Resin Extract
MaskingHistidine
HumectantPhenylalanine
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingLimonene
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingWater, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Laureth-5 Carboxylic Acid, Silicone Quaternium-3, Amodimethicone, Glycereth-26, Coconut Acid, Cocamide Mipa, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Isethionate, Parfum, Propanediol, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Hydroxide, Trideceth-12, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-59, Glycerin, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, PCA, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Phenoxyethanol, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Styrax Benzoin Resin Extract, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This water-soluble silicone is used for its hydrating and softening properties. It is used to add a silky feel to skincare products and has great benefits for haircare.
In haircare, this ingredient:
- Adds shine
- Protects color
- Offers thermal protection
- Boosts hair strength
- Does not build up as easily
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 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 AcidWe don't have a description for Cocamide Mipa yet.
Coconut acid is a mixture of fatty acids obtains by hydrolyzing coconut oil and then distilling the fatty acid portion. It works as a cleansing surfactant, emollient, and emulsifier depending on the formulation.
This ingredient is not a single compound but reflects the fatty acid profile of coconut oil itself, which is about 90% saturated. The dominant fatty acid is lauric acid (44-54%) and then myristic acid (13-19%). There are small amount of caprylic, capric, palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids.
Human testing from CIR has shown no indication this ingredient to be a primary irritant, sensitizer, or phototoxic compound. It's also COSMOS-approved for natural and organic products.
Due to the high fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Coconut AcidDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinGlycol Distearate serves as a pearlizing or opacifying agent in cosmetic products.
It's often included in cleansers and haircare products to give them a lustrous or shimmering appearance.
It is derived from stearic acid, a natural fatty acid commonly found in vegetable oils and animal fats.
Glycol Distearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Glycol DistearateHexyl 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 CinnamalLimonene 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 LimonenePanthenol 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 āFRAGRANCEā or āPARFUMā 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 SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Ā
Itās 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 PropanediolSodium 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 cocoyl isethionate is a natural ingredient from coconut oil. It is an ultra gentle cleanser that gives a nice foam without drying the skin or impacting the skin barrier.
The amount of foam created depends on the amount of sodium cocoyl isethionate used in the product.
This ingredient also helps improve the spreadability of a product.
This ingredient hasnāt been shown in studies to feed fungal acne yeast.
Learn more about Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateWe don't have a description for Sodium Isethionate yet.
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