What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingDisodium Cocoamphodipropionate
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingAcrylates Copolymer
Parfum
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycol Distearate
EmollientCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Laureth-4
EmulsifyingCannabidiol - Derived From Extract Or Tincture Or Resin Of Cannabis
AntioxidantMenthol
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-6
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-53
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientMenthyl Lactate
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientHydrolyzed Pea Protein
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTocopherol
AntioxidantMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientFormic Acid
PreservativeEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
PerfumingMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeLimonene
PerfumingCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Lauryl Glucoside, Disodium Cocoamphodipropionate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Acrylates Copolymer, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycol Distearate, Cocamide Mipa, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Laureth-4, Cannabidiol - Derived From Extract Or Tincture Or Resin Of Cannabis, Menthol, Sodium Benzoate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Polyquaternium-6, Panthenol, Polyquaternium-53, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Caprylyl Glycol, Menthyl Lactate, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Formic Acid, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Limonene, CI 15985, CI 42090
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingDisteareth-75 Ipdi
Olive Oil Glycereth-8 Esters
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCoconut Acid
CleansingSodium Isethionate
CleansingOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingParfum
MaskingGlycol Stearate
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningLepidium Sativum Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingOryza Sativa Seed Protein
AntioxidantOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentHelianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningGlycol Distearate
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantMaltodextrin
AbsorbentCalcium Gluconate
HumectantGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Phytic Acid
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeLecithin
EmollientTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Benzyl Alcohol
PerfumingCitric Acid
BufferingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingAlcohol
AntimicrobialLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingWater, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Lauryl Glucoside, Cocamide Mipa, Disteareth-75 Ipdi, Olive Oil Glycereth-8 Esters, Glycerin, Coconut Acid, Sodium Isethionate, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Parfum, Glycol Stearate, Panthenol, Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Oryza Sativa Seed Protein, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Glycol Distearate, Tocopherol, Maltodextrin, Calcium Gluconate, Gluconolactone, Sodium Phytate, Phytic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Lecithin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Benzyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium Phosphate, Alcohol, Limonene, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Geraniol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric 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.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycol Distearate is an emulsifier and emollient that adds a "pearly" appearance to formulations.
That lustrous look you see in many shampoos is due to this ingredient: when cooled, it crystallizes into small platelets that reflect light to give products that rich, shimmering look.
This ingredient is considered safe at present practices of use and concentration and repeated insult patch test with 50% Glycol Distearate on 125 subjects found no evidence of skin irritation, hypersensitivity, or acute toxicity.
Typical use concentrations range from 0.1-10%.
Because it's an ester of stearic acid, it falls into the range that Malassezia likes to metabolize. This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Glycol DistearateHelianthus Annuus Extract comes from the common sunflower.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E. Studies show sunflowers contain antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
The fatty acids found in sunflowers include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus ExtractLauryl 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 LimoneneOryza Sativa Bran Extract comes from the outer layer of a rice kernel. It is a byproduct of milling rice, or the operation to produce a whole grain rice product.
This ingredient has moisturizing properties due to its components of polysaccharides and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains calcium, selenium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract contains numerous antioxidants such as ferulic acid. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material.
Learn more about Oryza Sativa Bran ExtractPanthenol 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.
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 SorbateThis is a botanical extract from the rosemary plant (the same one you cook with). In skincare, it mostly works as a skin conditioning agent.
Its activity comes from a handful of polyphenols, carnosic acid, carnosol, and rosmarinic acid. Almost 90% of the antioxidant activity of this ingredient can be attributed to canosol and carnosic acid.
These compounds protect your skin two ways:
1) They fight off free radicals, or the unstable molecules from things like sun and pollution that age and damage skin.
2) They help calm inflammation by switching off the chemical signals that tell skin to get red and irritated.
Lab studies also suggest that rosmarinic acid may help protect collagen and slow sugar-related damage to it.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review has concluded rosemary-derived ingredients to be safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing.
Rosemary can occasionally cause allergic contact dermatitis (due to carnosol), so be sure to patch test if you have reactive or fragrance-sensitive skin.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf ExtractSodium 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.
Tocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolTrisodium 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