What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingPotassium Cocoyl Glycinate
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSorbitol
HumectantCocamide Methyl Mea
Parfum
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingMaltitol
HumectantCoco-Glucoside
CleansingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningPPG-3 Caprylyl Ether
SolventLimonene
PerfumingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Salicylate
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientMenthol
MaskingSoyamidopropylamine Oxide
CleansingGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantChamomilla Recutita Flower Water
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyquaternium-10
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientPolyquaternium-22
Sodium Metaphosphate
BufferingPropanediol
SolventAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialSodium Benzoate
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantTetrasodium EDTA
Thuja Orientalis Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Cell Extract
Skin ConditioningDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPunica Granatum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
HumectantGlycine Max Polypeptide
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Extract
AntioxidantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingChrysanthemum Morifolium Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingDextrin
AbsorbentCyclodextrin
AbsorbentRosa Damascena Flower Extract
MaskingCentella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingGlycine Max Oil
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Selaginella Tamariscina Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantArginine
MaskingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningRosa Canina Flower Oil
EmollientCitrus Aurantifolia Oil
CleansingRubus Idaeus Seed Oil
EmollientVaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCanola Oil
EmollientRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialWater, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sorbitol, Cocamide Methyl Mea, Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Maltitol, Coco-Glucoside, Caffeine, PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether, Limonene, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Salicylate, Citric Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Menthol, Soyamidopropylamine Oxide, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Water, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Citrate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Trihydroxystearin, Dicaprylyl Ether, Polyquaternium-22, Sodium Metaphosphate, Propanediol, Alcohol Denat., Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Thuja Orientalis Seed Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panax Ginseng Root Cell Extract, Dehydroacetic Acid, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Glycine Max Polypeptide, Panax Ginseng Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Chrysanthemum Morifolium Flower Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Dextrin, Cyclodextrin, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Glycine Max Oil, Disodium EDTA, Selaginella Tamariscina Extract, Tocopherol, Arginine, Ceramide NP, Rosa Canina Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, Rubus Idaeus Seed Oil, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Oil, Phytosphingosine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Canola Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialSilica
AbrasiveCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Flower Water
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingGlycerin
HumectantParfum
MaskingMenthol
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Limonene
PerfumingButylene Glycol
HumectantPiroctone Olamine
PreservativePropanediol
SolventPanax Ginseng Root Cell Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
HumectantGlycine Max Polypeptide
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientPanax Ginseng Extract
AntioxidantRosa Damascena Flower Extract
MaskingCentella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycine Max Oil
EmollientGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCanola Oil
EmollientRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialWater, Alcohol Denat., Silica, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Water, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Glycerin, Parfum, Menthol, Disodium EDTA, Limonene, Butylene Glycol, Piroctone Olamine, Propanediol, Panax Ginseng Root Cell Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Glycine Max Polypeptide, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Panax Ginseng Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycine Max Oil, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Canola Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
The "denat" part just means "denatured"; common denaturants include Denatonium Benzoate, t-butyl alcohol, and Diethyl Phthalate. This step makes the alcohol undrinkable (and lets brand skip taxes related to beverage alcohol).
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue to constrict pores and dry out your skin.
However, alcohol denat. is not all that bad.
Due to its low molecular weight, alcohol denat. tends to evaporate quickly. One study on pig skin found half of applied alcohol evaporated in 10 seconds and less than 3% stayed on skin.
This also helps other ingredients become better absorbed upon application.
Studies are conflicted about whether this ingredient causes skin dehydration. One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased skin dryness and irritation. Another study found irritation only occurs if your skin is already damaged.
Small amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated by oily skin or people who live in humid environments.
The rule of thumb is this ingredient will probably not affect your skin much if it is near the end of an ingredients list.
One thing to note:
People with ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2) deficiency may experience skin irritation from continued alcohol use. About 8% of the world's population have this deficiency.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has determined denatured alcohols to be safe for use in concentrations between 0.05% and 12% (depending on which denaturant is used).
Also...
This ingredient has antimicrobial and solvent properties.
The antimicrobial property helps preserve products and increase their shelf life. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients.
Look for formulas that contain glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or panthenol if you want to offset any drying effect.
This ingredient will trip away your skin's natural oils/lipids that help it lock in moisture. This can worsen dryness, trigger eczema flare-ups, and aggravate rosacea.
Be sure to patch test any product with this ingredient if you have dry or sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea.
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.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 GlycolCamellia Japonica Seed Oil comes from the Japanese Camellia plant. This plant is native to East Asia and known as "Tsubaki" in Japanese.
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil is rich in oleic acid. This makes it a great emollient. Emollients help soften and soothe the skin by forming a barrier. This barrier traps moisture within, keeping your skin hydated.
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds from the tea plant. This is the same plant we get green, black, and oolong tea from.
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil is rich in oleic acid. This makes it an effective moisturizer. By drawing moisture to the skin, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil helps keep your skin hydrated.
Other components of Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil includes Vitamin E and polyphenols. These are antioxidants that may help slow down the signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or unstable molecules that can damage our skin cells.
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil also has anti-inflammatory properties.
The seed oil comes from the dried kernels of the plant.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Seed OilCanola Oil is Rapeseed oil with low amounts of erucic acid. It is an emollient and helps hydrate the skin. Emollients help hydrate and soften your skin by trapping moisture.
The comedogenic rating of canola oil is 4.
Canola oil contains Vitamin E, Vitamin K, and fatty acids such as linoleic acid.
Learn more about Canola OilCentella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract can be good for sensitive skin. It can help to reduce redness.
Ceramide NP (formerly known as Ceramide 3) is one of the skin's naturally occurring lipids.
Since ceramides are the major lipid components of the skin, they are crucial for maintaining skin barrier and hydration. Ceramide NP most closely mirrors the dominant kind in human skin amongst ceramide subtypes.
This ceramide works by slotting into gaps within the stratum corneum's lipid matrix to limit trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and shield the skin against external irritants.
A study with 312 patients found that using a ceramide-containing routine for 4 weeks reduced the severity of atopic dermatitis by over 61%.
Another clinical study in subjects aged 60 and older found that a ceramide body wash and moisturizer improved skin dryness and itchy skin in 15 days.
Overall, ceramides are considered non-irritating and safety tests have found little to no observable adverse effects from using this ingredient.
Ceramide NP is usually sourced from plants (like soybean or rice bran), or produced synthetically.
Learn more about Ceramide NPThis ingredient is also known as German Chamomile Water or Matricaria Chamomilla Hydrosol. It is created by steam-distilling the extract from chamomile flowers.
As a masking ingredient, it is used to obscure or block scents of other ingredients.
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is the oil from the bergamot orange and is primarily used as a fragrance. It has a "fresh" and "bright orange" scent.
The main aroma compounds found in this ingredient are limonene (~27-52%), linalool (~2-22%), and linalyl acetate (~27-40%). These are known EU fragrance allergens.
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.
When used topically, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is a photosensitizer due to the furanocoumarin content. Furanocoumarins absorb UV-A and cause phytophotodermatitis; this can look like redness, blistering, and lasting brown pigmentation on sun-exposed skin.
Due to this, this ingredient is capped at 0.4% in leave-on products applied to sun exposed skin.
Many modern formulas used a "furanocoumarin-free" version that sidesteps the phototoxicity issue, but still contains the fragrance allergens.
Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit OilDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinGlycine Max Oil is an oil.
Peptides are amino acids naturally found in your skin. These amino acids make up many proteins your skin uses. Collagen is made up of peptides. Collagen is responsible for keeping your skin plump and youthful.
Glycine Max Seed Extract comes from the Soybean. This bean is native to Asia.
Soybeans are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants may improve the signs of aging.
Studies show soy may help fade hyperpigmentation from UVB. It does so by disrupting the melanin process caused by UVB induced skin inflammation.
Two powerful components found in the wild soybean include genistein and diadzein. These two isoflavones are potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Genistein in particular has been found to prevent redness caused by UV exposure.
Soybeans are rich in proteins and are part of the legume family. Foods made with soybeans include tofu, soymilk, edamame, miso, and soy sauce.
Learn more about Glycine Max Seed ExtractHydrogenated Lecithin is a more stable version of lecithin.
It's made by taking lecithin (a phospholipid commonly found in soybeans and egg yolks) and hydrogenating it. This just means the unsaturated fatty acids are turned into saturated ones so they don't go bad as easily.
This ingredient is an emollient, emulsifier, and penetration enhancer. As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Hydrogenated Lecithin can form tiny spherical structures made of phospholipid bilayers called liposomes. These liposomes are able to capture compounds inside their structure and deliver them through the skin barrier.
Because phospholipids are a natural component of our cell membranes, this ingredient is inherently compatible with skin.
A 2021 study found lecithin-based surfactants were less harsh and more tolerable comared to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
Learn more about Hydrogenated LecithinLavandula Angustifolia Oil is more commonly known as lavender essential oil. It is considered a fragrancing ingredient.
Lavender imparts a famous scent. While the smell is lovely, this ingredient and may sensitize skin in topical products. This is because about 85% of the oil is made up of linalool and linalyl acetate.
When exposed to air, these two compounds become strong allergens. This ingredient exhibits cytotoxicity at low concentrations; amounts of 0.25% have been shown to damage skin cells.
A study from Japan found this ingredient caused lavender sensitivity after widespread exposure.
Lavender essential oil has some antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the cons of this ingredient may outweight the pros.
More research is needed to confirm lavender essential oil's effects when used in aromatherapy.
Lavandula Angustifolia is known as the English Lavender and famous for creating purple fields in Provence, France.
Learn more about Lavandula Angustifolia OilLimonene 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 LimoneneMenthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholPanax ginseng is also known as Asian ginseng. This ingredient is used in traditional Asian food and medicine.
Read more about its benefits here.
Parfum 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 ParfumPhytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin as a building block for ceramides.. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.
Phytosphingosine contributes to your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF). The NMF is responsible for hydration, a strong barrier, and plasticity. Our NMF decreases with age. Increasing NMF leads to more healthy and hydrated skin.
Studies show products formulated with NMF ingredients help strengthen our skin's barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier reduces irritation and increases hydration. Our skin barrier is responsible for having plump and firm skin. It also helps protect our skin against infection, allergies, and inflammation.
Fun fact: Phytosphingosine is abundant in plants and fungi.
More ingredients that help boost collagen in skin:
Learn more about PhytosphingosinePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolRosa Damascena Flower Extract is from the Damask rose. This ingredient has tonic and masking properties.
This ingredient has tonic properties; tonics are used to remove soap residue. As a masking ingredient, it is used to cover unpleasant smells from other ingredients.
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.
While Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil can be volatile due to its fragrant properties, the fragrance components are usually removed in the leaf extract.
Rosemary Leaf Extract contains many antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid. Rosemarinic acid, a compound found in rosemary leaf, has been found to help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf ExtractRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil is oil expressed from the leaves of the rosemary plant.
Rosemary Leaf Oil is a fragrance and helps give your product a scent. If you are sensitive to irritating fragrances, this one contains camphor. Camphor has been found to irritate skin.
This oil also contains antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. As an antioxidant, it may protect you skin against damage. This can help slow down the signs of aging.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf OilWater. 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 WaterZingiber Officinale is more commonly known as ginger.
Ginger root has antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and antimicrobial properties.
The antioxidant properties help protect your body from free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. As a result, ginger may help slow down signs of aging such as hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.
Studies show ginger inhibits the enzyme that breaks down collagen. It also helps with:
This ingredient has no negative side-effects and is safe to use unless one has a specific allergy to it.
Ginger originates from Southeast Asia but has spread throughout the world. It is now a common spice used in many cultures.
Learn more about Zingiber Officinale Root ExtractWe don't have a description for Panax Ginseng Root Cell Extract yet.