What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPEG-8
HumectantAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantDimethiconol
EmollientPolyethylene
AbrasiveXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBenzophenone-4
UV AbsorberBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningPtfe
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCeramide AP
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSqualane
EmollientPlantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialDisodium EDTA
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingParfum
MaskingSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPhysalis Pubescens Fruit Juice
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingAlcohol
AntimicrobialTocopherol
AntioxidantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSilica
AbrasiveHydrolyzed Soy Flour
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Phosphate
BufferingBHT
AntioxidantSodium Chloride
MaskingAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
MaskingPongamia Pinnata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPunica Granatum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantBacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingSodium Benzoate
MaskingAngelica Archangelica Root Extract
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Amara Peel Extract
MaskingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningTrisodium EDTA
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentAcetic Acid
BufferingPotassium Chloride
Potassium Phosphate
BufferingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantLactic Acid
BufferingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPlankton Extract
Skin ConditioningMicrococcus Lysate
Skin ConditioningSorbic Acid
PreservativeRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantPropanediol
Solvent3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentSaccharomyces/Grape Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantCI 61570
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Cyclopentasiloxane, PEG-8, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethiconol, Polyethylene, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Benzophenone-4, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Ptfe, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceramide AP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Parfum, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Hydroxide, Adenosine, Physalis Pubescens Fruit Juice, Lecithin, Polysorbate 60, Alcohol, Tocopherol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Silica, Hydrolyzed Soy Flour, Citric Acid, Sodium Phosphate, BHT, Sodium Chloride, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Bacillus Ferment, Linalool, Sodium Benzoate, Angelica Archangelica Root Extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Extract, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Trisodium EDTA, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Acetic Acid, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sclerotium Gum, Plankton Extract, Micrococcus Lysate, Sorbic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, CI 77891, Mica, Propanediol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Oryza Sativa Extract, Saccharomyces/Grape Ferment Extract, CI 14700, CI 61570
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPropanediol
SolventBetaine
HumectantLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCastor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer
Rose Extract
Skin ConditioningRhodochrosite Extract
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTamarindus Indica Seed Gum
Emulsion StabilisingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCitric Acid
BufferingAmodimethicone
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantTin Oxide
AbrasiveSorbic Acid
PreservativeCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantBenzophenone-4
UV AbsorberPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Betaine, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Pentylene Glycol, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Rose Extract, Rhodochrosite Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Adenosine, Carbomer, Parfum, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Hydroxide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Disodium EDTA, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77891, Citric Acid, Amodimethicone, CI 77491, CI 14700, Tin Oxide, Sorbic Acid, CI 19140, Benzophenone-4, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineBenzophenone-4 is a water-soluble chemical sunscreen.
It protects in the UV-B range, but is considered a secondary UV absorber. This means that it needs to be paired with other sunscreen ingredients to provide effective protection.
Typically, it's used in cosmetic products to protect them from deterioration caused by UV rays. This is why you'll find it in a lot of products that aren't sunscreens.
Learn more about Benzophenone-4This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCi 14700 is a synthetic red dye.
Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Citric 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 GlycerinParfum 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.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s 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 Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideSorbic Acid is a preservative. It is the most commonly used food preservative in the world.
Sorbic Acid is a natural antibiotic and highly effective at preventing the growth of fungus. It is less effective against bacteria.
Potassium Sorbate, another commonly-used preservative, is the potassium salt of Sorbic Acid.
Sorbic Acid may worsen eczema. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
Learn more about Sorbic AcidTocopherol (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