What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingAcrylates Crosspolymer-4
Emulsion StabilisingGlycerin
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingPropanediol
SolventTriheptanoin
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientCoconut Acid
CleansingGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Isethionate
CleansingPolyquaternium-7
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningDilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientSerenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride
Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer
Tocopherol
AntioxidantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHydrolyzed Quinoa
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingBrassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer
Skin ConditioningEriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLitchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingDisteareth-75 Ipdi
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingLimonene
PerfumingWater, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Coco-Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Cocamide Mipa, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Acrylates Crosspolymer-4, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Propanediol, Triheptanoin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Coconut Acid, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Isethionate, Polyquaternium-7, Panthenol, Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Tocopherol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Biotin, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer, Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract, Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Citric Acid, Disteareth-75 Ipdi, Sodium Hydroxide, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingDisodium Cocoamphodipropionate
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingAcrylates Copolymer
Juniperus Communis Fruit Extract
PerfumingCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingOrbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientDimethiconol Panthenol
C11-15 Pareth-7
EmulsifyingLaureth-9
EmulsifyingTrideceth-12
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlycol Distearate
EmollientLaureth-4
EmulsifyingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantAmodimethicone
Polyquaternium-6
Polyquaternium-53
Cocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBHT
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Citric Acid
BufferingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingFormic Acid
PreservativeParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingWater, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Lauryl Glucoside, Disodium Cocoamphodipropionate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Acrylates Copolymer, Juniperus Communis Fruit Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Dimethiconol Panthenol, C11-15 Pareth-7, Laureth-9, Trideceth-12, Panthenol, Glycol Distearate, Laureth-4, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Amodimethicone, Polyquaternium-6, Polyquaternium-53, Cocamide Mipa, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Formic Acid, Parfum, Limonene
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitric 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 AcidWe don't have a description for Cocamide Mipa yet.
Glycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinLauryl Glucoside sugar- and lipid-based cleansing agent. It is created from glucose and lauryl alcohol.
This ingredient is a surfactant, making it easier to rinse oil, dirt, and other pollutants away.
A British study found lauryl glucoside to cause skin sensitivity for some people. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Other names for this ingredient include "Lauryl Polyglucose", "Lauryl glycoside", and "D-Glucopyranoside".
Learn more about Lauryl GlucosideLimonene 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 LimonenePanthenol 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.
Sodium 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 cocoyl isethionate is a natural ingredient from coconut oil. It is an ultra gentle cleanser that gives a nice foam without drying the skin or impacting the skin barrier.
The amount of foam created depends on the amount of sodium cocoyl isethionate used in the product.
This ingredient also helps improve the spreadability of a product.
This ingredient hasn’t been shown in studies to feed fungal acne yeast.
Learn more about Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate is a cleansing ingredient. It is a surfactant, meaning it helps gather dirt, oil, and other pollutants. This helps them be rinsed away easily.
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is a cleansing agent and emulsifier. It is a surfactant derived from sarcosine, and a common source is coconut oil.
As a surfactant, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate helps lift dirts, oil, and other molecules to be washed away. In leave-on products, this ingredient is used as an emulsifier. Emulsifier help prevent ingredients such as oils and waters from separating.
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is also commonly found as a foaming agent in shampoo, toothpaste, and shaving foam. It is amphiphilic, meaning it loves both water and fats.
Learn more about Sodium Lauroyl SarcosinateTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful.
Water. 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