What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPunica Granatum Seed Powder
AbrasiveRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantMauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOlus Oil
EmollientSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingSucrose Stearate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingTheobroma Cacao Seed Butter
EmollientInulin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeStearyl Stearate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientCopernicia Cerifera Cera
EmollientHydrogenated Castor Oil
EmollientCoconut Alcohol
EmollientParfum
MaskingRhus Verniciflua Peel Cera
EmollientEuphorbia Cerifera Cera
AstringentSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialFructose
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantCitrus Nobilis Peel Oil
MaskingSodium Phytate
Citrus Reticulata Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Grandis Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
MaskingGlycine
BufferingGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingGlucose
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingWater, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Punica Granatum Seed Powder, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Glycerin, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract, Olus Oil, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sucrose Stearate, Niacinamide, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Inulin, Phenoxyethanol, Stearyl Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Coco-Glucoside, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Coconut Alcohol, Parfum, Rhus Verniciflua Peel Cera, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Saccharide Isomerate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Lactobacillus Ferment, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Fructose, Tocopherol, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Sodium Phytate, Citrus Reticulata Peel Oil, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Glycine, Glycine Soja Oil, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Glucose, Alcohol, Limonene, Linalool, Citral
Water
Skin ConditioningC9-12 Alkane
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingLactic Acid
BufferingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientTartaric Acid
BufferingIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
EmollientHoney
HumectantCaffeine
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingChamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSalicylic Acid
MaskingDi-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingLaureth-4
EmulsifyingGlycine
BufferingSerine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantAspartic Acid
MaskingLeucine
Skin ConditioningAlanine
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingArginine
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
MaskingThreonine
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingHistidine
HumectantParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingDisodium EDTA
Sodium Citrate
BufferingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBHT
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, C9-12 Alkane, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Lactic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tartaric Acid, Isononyl Isononanoate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Algae Extract, Honey, Caffeine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Salicylic Acid, Di-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Laureth-4, Glycine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Alanine, Tyrosine, Arginine, Lysine, Proline, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Isoleucine, Valine, Histidine, Parfum, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Citral, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Citrate, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citral is a fragrance and used to add a lemon-like scent to products. It is both naturally found in plants and created synthetically. In plants, it is commonly occurring in lemon myrtle, lemongrass, lemon tea-tree, lemon verbena, and other citruses.
The EU mandates Citral be listed separately as a fragrance. It is a known allergen and may cause contact dermatitis. Citral can also used as a masking ingredient.
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.
The term 'citral' is a collective term for two geometric isomers: geranial/Citral A and neral/Citral B.
Learn more about CitralCitric 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 AcidGlycerin 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 GlycerinThis ingredient is an amino acid that helps build proteins and moisturizes skin. It is already present in our skin as our bodies produce them naturally.
Glycine already plays a role in helping keep our skin moisturized as amino acids transport moisture throughout our skin.
As collagen is made up of glycine and other amino acids, it is believed glycine may help our skin produce more collagen.
Learn more about GlycineHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.
Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.
Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.
Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilLactobacillus Ferment is created by fermenting the Lactobacillus bacteria. It helps keep our skin's natural barrier and microbiome healthy.
Studies show lactobacillus ferment to be effective at repairing the skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier helps keep your skin healthy and hydrated. It also protects against bad bacteria.
As a probiotic/prebiotic/postbiotic, Lactobacillus ferment can help regular our natural biome. In fact, one study found a lack of diversity in our natural skin biome can trigger acne.
Learn more about Lactobacillus FermentLimonene 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.
Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum