What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlycol Distearate
EmollientSteartrimonium Chloride
PreservativeCocoglucosides Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
CleansingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantMel
EmollientCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Oil
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCopernicia Cerifera Wax
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningAcetic Acid
BufferingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTrideceth-3
EmulsifyingTrideceth-15
EmulsifyingPolyquaternium-37
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPPG-1 Trideceth-6
Skin ConditioningCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialCitric Acid
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAmodimethicone
Isopropyl Alcohol
SolventParfum
MaskingAlcohol
AntimicrobialPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeDisodium EDTA
Benzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialWater, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycol Distearate, Steartrimonium Chloride, Cocoglucosides Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Mel, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Oil, Panthenol, Biotin, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Acetic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trideceth-3, Trideceth-15, Polyquaternium-37, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Cetrimonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Amodimethicone, Isopropyl Alcohol, Parfum, Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Benzyl Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPropanediol
SolventHydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingPolyquaternium-10
Lactobacillus
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientAdansonia Digitata Seed Oil
EmollientNigella Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientOrbignya Speciosa Kernel Oil
EmollientAstrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingAspartic Acid
MaskingPCA
HumectantAlanine
MaskingGlycine
BufferingHistidine
HumectantIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingThreonine
Valine
MaskingSodium PCA
HumectantCopernicia Cerifera Wax
Stearalkonium Chloride
PreservativeHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientHydrogenated Castor Oil
EmollientGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningStearyl Alcohol
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantPvp
Emulsion StabilisingMaltodextrin/Vp Copolymer
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
BufferingCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeLinalool
PerfumingWater, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Behentrimonium Chloride, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Polyquaternium-10, Lactobacillus, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Nigella Sativa Seed Oil, Orbignya Speciosa Kernel Oil, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Panthenol, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Alanine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Valine, Sodium PCA, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Stearalkonium Chloride, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Stearyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Pvp, Maltodextrin/Vp Copolymer, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Lactate, Caramel, Parfum, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Linalool
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholThis 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 AcidCocos Nucifera Oil is obtained from the kernels of the coconut fruit. In other words, this is coconut oil.
Coconut Oil is rich in fatty acids with lauric acid making up the majority of these. It also contains linoleic acid. Due to this high fatty acid content, coconut oil helps trap moisture and soften skin.
Despite being antibacterial, coconut oil may not be great for acne-prone skin. It is comedogenic and may clog pores. This ingredient may not be safe for malassezia or fungal acne.
Note: Coconut Oil should not replace your sunscreen for UV protection. Studies show it only blocks about 20% of UV.
This oil is non-volatile and has a light scent.
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 Cocos Nucifera OilCopernicia Cerifera Wax comes from a palm tree native to Brazil; another name for this ingredient is Carnauba Wax.
This ingredient is used to thicken texture and also leaves behind a film when applied.
Fun fact: This wax has the highest melting point of all natural waxes and low solubility.
Learn more about Copernicia Cerifera WaxEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the ripe fruit of the Olive. In other words - olive oil.
The primary contents of olive oil are glycerides of the fatty acids linoleic, oleic and palmitic.
Olive oil also contains antioxidants such as Vitamin E. Antioxidants may help reduce signs of aging by fighting unstable free-radical molecules. It also contains Vitamins A (retinol), D, and K.
The squalene in olive oil makes it a great emollient. Emollients help soothe and soften your skin by trapping moisture in. This makes olive oil a great skin moisturizer.
Studies show olive oil to have antibacterial and antifungal properties in low concentrations. Another study found olive oil irritated sensitive oily skin. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Due to the fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Olea Europaea Fruit OilPanthenol 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 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 SorbateRicinus Communis Seed Oil is the INCI name for castor oil.
Castor Oil helps moisturize the skin. It is rich in a fatty acid called ricinoleic acid. This fatty acid helps prevent moisture loss on the skin. This helps keep your skin soft and hydrated. Ricinoleic acid also has anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties.
Besides hydrating the skin, castor oil is also used to hydrate hair. By keeping the hair shaft moisturized, breakage is decreased. More studies are needed to show castor oil's effective on stimulating hair growth.
Castor oil is created by cold-pressing castor seeds and then purifying the oil with heat. It was used in Ancient Egypt as fuel in lamps and to help treat eye irritation.
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 Ricinus Communis Seed OilTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water