What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingSodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingCoco-Betaine
CleansingGlycol Distearate
EmollientGlycereth-26
HumectantDecyl Glucoside
CleansingCoconut Acid
CleansingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingParfum
MaskingSodium Isethionate
CleansingCitric Acid
BufferingPPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingDivinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer
Polyquaternium-7
Amodimethicone
Polyquaternium-10
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates Copolymer
PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate
Propylene Glycol
HumectantC11-15 Pareth-7
EmulsifyingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingBenzoic Acid
MaskingLaureth-9
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantLinalool
PerfumingTocopherol
AntioxidantOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingCamelina Sativa Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningTrideceth-12
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingMagnesium Nitrate
Benzyl Alcohol
PerfumingC12-13 Pareth-23
CleansingC12-13 Pareth-3
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingArginine
Masking2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol
Skin ConditioningPoly(Linseed Oil)
Benzophenone-4
UV AbsorberPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCitronellol
PerfumingCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantMethylchloroisothiazolinone
PreservativeSorbic Acid
PreservativeHaematococcus Pluvialis Extract
AntioxidantMagnesium Chloride
Methylisothiazolinone
PreservativeCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCI 15510
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Coco-Betaine, Glycol Distearate, Glycereth-26, Decyl Glucoside, Coconut Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum, Sodium Isethionate, Citric Acid, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Sodium Chloride, Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, Polyquaternium-7, Amodimethicone, Polyquaternium-10, Carbomer, Acrylates Copolymer, PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate, Propylene Glycol, C11-15 Pareth-7, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzoic Acid, Laureth-9, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Linalool, Tocopherol, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Camelina Sativa Seed Oil, Trideceth-12, Salicylic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Magnesium Nitrate, Benzyl Alcohol, C12-13 Pareth-23, C12-13 Pareth-3, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Limonene, Arginine, 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol, Poly(Linseed Oil), Benzophenone-4, Phenoxyethanol, Citronellol, CI 14700, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Sorbic Acid, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Potassium Sorbate, CI 15510
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Coco-Sulfate
CleansingDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingBabassuamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningGlycol Stearate
EmollientGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Palmamidopropyl Trimonium Methosulfate
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingGlycol Distearate
EmollientGalactoarabinan
Dehydroxanthan Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Chloride
MaskingAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingEugenol
PerfumingSodium Citrate
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingBenzoic Acid
MaskingWater, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Babassuamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium Gluconate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycol Stearate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Palmamidopropyl Trimonium Methosulfate, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 20, Glycol Distearate, Galactoarabinan, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Sodium Chloride, Alcohol Denat., Parfum, Limonene, Geraniol, Linalool, Citronellol, Citral, Eugenol, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.
The antimicrobial property of Benzoic Acid helps elongate a product's shelf life. Its main role is to reduce fungi growth and is not found to be effective at fighting bacteria. Therefore Benzoic Acid is always added along with other preservatives.
In its pure form, Benzoic Acid looks like a white crystalline solid. It has slight solubility in water.
The name of Benzoic Acid comes from gum benzoin, which used to be the sole source of deriving this ingredient. Benzoic Acid is the most simple aromatic carboxylic acid.
Benzoic Acid is naturally occuring in strawberries, mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. It has a slight scent but is not considered to be a fragrance.
Learn more about Benzoic AcidCitric 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 AcidCitronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolThis ingredient is a cleansing agent, surfactant, and foam booster. It considered an alternative to traditional sulfates (Sulfosuccinate) and is allowed in "sulfate-free" products.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is mild and can be used in baby and bath options.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinGlycol Distearate serves as a pearlizing or opacifying agent in cosmetic products.
It's often included in cleansers and haircare products to give them a lustrous or shimmering appearance.
It is derived from stearic acid, a natural fatty acid commonly found in vegetable oils and animal fats.
Glycol Distearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Glycol DistearateLimonene 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 LimoneneLinalool 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.
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 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 BenzoateChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSodium 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 HydroxideWater. 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