What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantAmodimethicone
Quaternium-80
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientParfum
MaskingOleic Acid
EmollientCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventTrideceth-12
EmulsifyingHistidine
HumectantGlyceryl Oleate
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Hexamethylindanopyran
MaskingNiacinamide
SmoothingCitric Acid
BufferingDimethyl Phenylethyl Carbinyl Acetate
PerfumingButylene Glycol
HumectantHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingTetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes
MaskingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingVanillin
MaskingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialRose Ketone-4
PerfumingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicRosa Gallica Flower Extract
AstringentSilk Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Propylene Glycol, Amodimethicone, Quaternium-80, Panthenol, Benzyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum, Oleic Acid, Cetrimonium Chloride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Behentrimonium Chloride, Isopropyl Alcohol, Trideceth-12, Histidine, Glyceryl Oleate, Disodium EDTA, Hexamethylindanopyran, Niacinamide, Citric Acid, Dimethyl Phenylethyl Carbinyl Acetate, Butylene Glycol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, Caffeine, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Vanillin, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Alcohol Denat., Rose Ketone-4, Biotin, Rosa Gallica Flower Extract, Silk Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventPanthenol
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingPropylene Glycol
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialPolyquaternium-6
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialBetula Alba Bark Extract
MaskingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingPEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate
EmulsifyingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCoumarin
PerfumingCitric Acid
BufferingLimonene
PerfumingLinoleic Acid
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantEugenol
PerfumingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Isododecane, Isopropyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Parfum, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-6, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Polysorbate 20, Benzyl Benzoate, Betula Alba Bark Extract, Hexyl Cinnamal, PEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Coumarin, Citric Acid, Limonene, Linoleic Acid, Tocopherol, Eugenol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Retinyl Palmitate, CI 17200
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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.
Citric 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 AcidHexyl 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 CinnamalIsopropyl Alcohol is more commonly known as rubbing alcohol. It is most commonly used as a solvent, meaning it helps other ingredients dissolve.
This ingredient is an astringent alcohol. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin as they high amounts may strip away your skin's natural oils.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Learn more about Isopropyl AlcoholLimonene 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 “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 ParfumPropylene Glycol is a synthetic, colorless, odorless liquid that has been a staple in cosmetics for decades. It is a skin conditioning agent, humectant, and solvent.
As a humectant, it draw water to the skin to reduce flaking and restore suppleness. It's also a solvent that helps dissolve other actives and keeps formulas stable across temperature changes.
The CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be nontoxic and clinical studies show no sensitization at cosmetic use concentrations.
True allergic reactions are quite rare: a 15-year retrospective study of 6,751 patients found only 0.31% had a positive reaction (and less than half were considered clinically relevant).
It seemed that when sensitization does occur, it's most commonly linked to topical medication (like corticosteroids) and not cosmetics. Allergic contact dermatitis also appears largely limited to individuals with underlying skin conditions.
Overall, propylene glycol is a well-studied ingredient that most people can tolerate without issue.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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