What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientIsohexadecane
EmollientBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeGlycerin
HumectantAmodimethicone
Cetyl Esters
EmollientKeratin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantOxidized Keratin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHedychium Coronarium Root Extract
MaskingWheat Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientStearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingPolysilicone-15
UV FilterCitric Acid
BufferingHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningTrideceth-12
EmulsifyingCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialDisodium EDTA
Isopropyl Alcohol
SolventBehentrimonium Methosulfate
Polyquaternium-55
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingMethylchloroisothiazolinone
PreservativeMethylisothiazolinone
PreservativeMagnesium Chloride
Magnesium Nitrate
Parfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isohexadecane, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Amodimethicone, Cetyl Esters, Keratin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Oxidized Keratin, Panthenol, Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract, Wheat Amino Acids, Dimethicone, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Polysilicone-15, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Trideceth-12, Cetrimonium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Isopropyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Polyquaternium-55, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Magnesium Nitrate, Parfum, Limonene, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Cetearyl Alcohol
EmollientHydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientPropanediol Dicaprylate/Caprate
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Jojoba Oil
AbrasiveBrassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer
Skin ConditioningLaurdimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialPEG-8 Beeswax
EmulsifyingOryza Sativa Bran Oil
EmollientSteareth-21
CleansingDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientPolyquaternium-11
Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCystine Bis-Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientPolysilicone-15
UV FilterC32-36 Isoalkyl Stearate
EmollientStearyl Behenate
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Stearate
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantBHT
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Phosphate
BufferingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Propanediol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Propanediol Dicaprylate/Caprate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer, Laurdimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, PEG-8 Beeswax, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Steareth-21, Diisostearyl Malate, Polyquaternium-11, Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract, Cystine Bis-Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Polysilicone-15, C32-36 Isoalkyl Stearate, Stearyl Behenate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, BHT, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate, Pentylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzyl Salicylate is a solvent and fragrance additive. It is an ester of benzyl alcohol and salicylic acid. This ingredient can be naturally found in some plants and plant extracts.
In fragrances, Benzyl Salicylate may be a solvent or a fragrance component. In synthetic musk scents, it is used as a solvent. For floral fragrances such as lilac and jasmine, it is used as a fragrance component. The natural scent of Benzyl Salicylate is described as "lightly-sweet, slightly balsamic".
While Benzyl Salicylate has been associated with contact dermatitis and allergies, emerging studies show it may not be caused by this ingredient alone.
However, this ingredient is often used with fragrances and other components that may cause allergies. It is still listed as a known allergen in the EU. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Another study from 2021 shows Benzyl Salicylate may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Learn more about Benzyl SalicylateCetearyl 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 AlcoholCitric 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 AcidDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHexyl 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 CinnamalWe don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol yet.
Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolParfum 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.
Polysilicone-15 is a chemical UV filter that absorbs UV-B rays.
It is a photostable ingredient used to boost SPF factor and protect products from UV-induced deterioration.
This ingredient is not water-soluble.
Learn more about Polysilicone-15Potassium 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 SorbateSodium 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 BenzoateWater. 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