What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingLaureth-5 Carboxylic Acid
CleansingIsopentane
SolventVolcanic Ash
AbrasiveSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingAmodimethicone
Glycereth-26
HumectantParfum
MaskingCoconut Acid
CleansingAcrylates Copolymer
Glycol Distearate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Isethionate
CleansingIsobutane
Polyquaternium-10
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSilicone Quaternium-3
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingTrideceth-12
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Polyquaternium-59
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantSodium Acetate
BufferingSodium Chloride
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventSodium PCA
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingArginine
MaskingAspartic Acid
MaskingPCA
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
PerfumingLitchi Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCarica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin ConditioningLeontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingAlanine
MaskingSerine
MaskingValine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Styrax Benzoin Resin Extract
MaskingHistidine
HumectantPhenylalanine
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialBenzoic Acid
MaskingSorbic Acid
PreservativeLimonene
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingWater, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Laureth-5 Carboxylic Acid, Isopentane, Volcanic Ash, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Lauryl Glucoside, Amodimethicone, Glycereth-26, Parfum, Coconut Acid, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycol Distearate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Isethionate, Isobutane, Polyquaternium-10, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Silicone Quaternium-3, Sodium Hydroxide, Trideceth-12, Disodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-59, Glycerin, Sodium Acetate, Sodium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Styrax Benzoin Resin Extract, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantBis-Cetearyl Amodimethicone
Oleth-20
CleansingCetyl Triethylmonium Dimethicone PEG-8 Succinate
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
CleansingParfum
MaskingHydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
PEG-8 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCetylpyridinium Chloride
AntimicrobialDimethicone PEG-8 Meadowfoamate
EmollientPEG-12 Allyl Ether
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingCetrimonium Bromide
AntimicrobialChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPEG-12
HumectantCeteareth-7
EmulsifyingSilicone Quaternium-22
Ceteareth-25
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Caprate
EmulsifyingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingLactic Acid
BufferingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingCinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride
Glycolic Acid
BufferingSodium Coco Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
CleansingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLitchi Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPalmitamidopropyltrimonium Chloride
Propylene Glycol
HumectantSodium PCA
HumectantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientSodium Lactate
BufferingArginine
MaskingLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningAspartic Acid
MaskingPCA
HumectantAcacia Seyal Gum Extract
HumectantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGlycine
BufferingAlanine
MaskingSerine
MaskingValine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingHistidine
HumectantPhenylalanine
MaskingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicNiacinamide
SmoothingLimonene
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Bis-Cetearyl Amodimethicone, Oleth-20, Cetyl Triethylmonium Dimethicone PEG-8 Succinate, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Parfum, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, PEG-8 Dimethicone, Cetylpyridinium Chloride, Dimethicone PEG-8 Meadowfoamate, PEG-12 Allyl Ether, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Cetrimonium Bromide, Chlorphenesin, PEG-12, Ceteareth-7, Silicone Quaternium-22, Ceteareth-25, Phenoxyethanol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Dipropylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate, Caffeine, Persea Gratissima Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Lactic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Polysorbate 20, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Coco Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Hexylene Glycol, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Palmitamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Propylene Glycol, Sodium PCA, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Acacia Seyal Gum Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Sodium Benzoate, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Biotin, Niacinamide, 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.
Alanine is an amino acid and is already found in the human body. Our skin uses alanine to build collagen, elastin, and keratin.
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of 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.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineAspartic Acid is an amino acid that our bodies produce naturally. It is an antioxidant.
Our body uses Aspartic Acid to help build collagen and elastin. It also plays a role in hydrating skin.
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 ChlorphenesinCitric 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 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 ExtractGlycerin (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.
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 CinnamalHistidine is a semi-essential amino acid used by our bodies to create protein. It has humectant and skin conditioning properties.
Our bodies use histidine to create filaggrin - filaggrin is a structural protein that the skin uses in maintaining skin barrier.
One study found histidine and carnosine to be a dynamic duo for your skin:
Oral histidine has also been found to help with filaggrin-deficit skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis.
Why is it considered a semi-essential amino acid? This is because adults are able to create it but children must get it from their diet.
Learn more about HistidineIsoleucine is an amino acid that helps reinforce our skin barrier. This amino acid plays a role in creating protein for the body.
Fun fact: Isoleucine is found in meat, fish, dairy, legumes, and nuts.
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 LimoneneWe don't have a description for Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract yet.
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 ParfumPCA is derived from amino acids and is naturally found in our skin's barrier.
As a humectant, PCA helps draw and hold moisture to the skin. Studies show it is effective at helping the skin stay hydrated long-term.
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.
Phenylalanine is an amino acid. It is a skin soothing and hydrating ingredient. Amino acids play a crucial role in wound healing and skin hydration.
This ingredient is also used to help even out skin tone due to its ability to disrupt the melanin production process.
Two structures of phenylalanine exist: L-phenylalanine and D-phenylalanine. L-phenylalanine is essential, this means our bodies cannot produce it naturally and we must get it from foods. Our bodies convert D-phenylalanine to neurotransmitters, and D-phenylalanine is found in our bodies naturally.
Some foods that contain L-phenylalanine include eggs, soybeans, beef, milk.
Learn more about PhenylalaninePotassium 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 SorbateProline is a non-essential amino acid, meaning your body can make it on its own. In skincare, it is a skin conditioning ingredient that keeps skin soft and hydrated.
It makes up about 23% of the collagen molecule (collagen is the protein responsible for keeping your skin firm) and is involved in your skin's natural hyaluronic acid production. When applied topically, proline can penetrate the skin fairly well due to its small molecular size.
Reviews of this ingredient have found it to be neither a dermal irritant nor a sensitizer.
Fun fact: Proline can be found in protein-rich foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.
Learn more about ProlineSerine is a non-essential amino acid (your body makes it on its own!). It is a major player in 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.
Serine is one of your NMF's most abundant components that works as a skin-identical humectant. Its hydroxyl group grabs onto water molecules to boost hydration without any heaviness or occlusion.
Research on a hydrogel with serine confirmed this serine got delivered to your stratum corneum and demonstrated enhanced skin moisturization.
Interestingly serine also helps your skin produce filaggrin, a protein that keeps your skin barrier strong and used to create collagen.
Learn more about SerineSodium 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 Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, an AHA. It is a humectant and sometimes used to adjust the pH of a product.
This ingredient is part of our skin's NMF, or natural moisturizing factor. Our NMF is essential for the hydration of our top skin layers and plasticity of skin. NMF also influences our skin's natural acid mantle and pH, which protects our skin from harmful bacteria.
High percentages of Sodium Lactate can have an exfoliating effect.
Fun fact: Sodium Lactate is produced from fermented sugar.
Learn more about Sodium LactateSodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid. It is naturally occurring in our skin's natural moisturizing factors where it works to maintain hydration.
The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.
This ingredient has skin conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.
Learn more about Sodium PCAThreonine is an amino-acid. It helps hydrate the skin and has antioxidant benefits.
Our skin uses threonine for creating collagen and elastin. Humans are not able to create threonine and must get it through eating foods such as fish, lentils, poultry, sesame seeds, and more.
Valine is an essential amino acid. It is used by our bodies for tissue repair and muscle growth.
An essential amino acid is one in which our bodies cannot naturally produce so we must get them through diet. Foods such as eggs, dairy, red meat, and fish contain valine.
This ingredient can either be derived from an animal product or be synthetically created.
Learn more about ValineWater. 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