What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantGlycereth-26
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingTrideceth-10
CleansingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingPrunus Serrulata Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPearl Extract
AntioxidantCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trideceth-10, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, T-Butyl Alcohol, Allantoin, Betaine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Limonene, Linalool, Prunus Serrulata Flower Extract, Pearl Extract, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, CI 19140, CI 17200
Water
Skin ConditioningSoluble Collagen
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantBabassu Oil Glycereth-8 Esters
EmulsifyingOlive Oil PEG-7 Esters
EmollientAlmond Oil PEG-8 Esters
EmollientPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePanthenol
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingDisodium EDTA
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantParfum
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeSodium Hydroxide
BufferingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Soluble Collagen, Butylene Glycol, Babassu Oil Glycereth-8 Esters, Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters, Almond Oil PEG-8 Esters, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Benzyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Limonene, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Geraniol, Linalool
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinLimonene 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 LinaloolPanthenol 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 PanthenolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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