What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventCetyl Alcohol
EmollientUrea
BufferingGlycol Distearate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeStearyl Alcohol
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingDimethicone
EmollientTriethanolamine
BufferingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantLactic Acid
BufferingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCoumarin
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningBenzoic Acid
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeWater, Stearic Acid, Isopropyl Myristate, Propanediol, Cetyl Alcohol, Urea, Glycol Distearate, Phenoxyethanol, Stearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Polysorbate 80, Parfum, Dimethicone, Triethanolamine, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lactic Acid, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Linalool, Xanthan Gum, Coumarin, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Geraniol, Beta-Glucan, Benzoic Acid, Citric Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ricinoleate
EmollientIsostearyl Palmitate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientSqualane
EmollientLactic Acid
BufferingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Propanediol
SolventGlycolic Acid
BufferingMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingLactobacillus/Pumpkin Fruit Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialBromelain
Skin ConditioningPapain
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantSaccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin ConditioningPolysilicone-11
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingAniba Rosaeodora Wood Extract
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingMyristyl Glucoside
CleansingCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientPEG-40 Stearate
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCitral
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCI 75810
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Isostearyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Squalane, Lactic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Propanediol, Glycolic Acid, Myristyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Sodium Hydroxide, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Fruit Ferment Filtrate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Bromelain, Papain, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Polysilicone-11, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Myristyl Glucoside, Cyclohexasiloxane, PEG-40 Stearate, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Maltodextrin, T-Butyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Benzyl Benzoate, Citral, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, CI 75810
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Geraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolLactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective.
Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the âglueâ that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin.
Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they donât penetrate as deeply. This means theyâre less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Like glycolic acid, it can:
Lactic acid also acts as a humectant (like hyaluronic acid). It can draw water into the skin to improve hydration and also plays a role in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the form of sodium lactate.
Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skinâs microbiome.
To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4.
Lower strengths (5-12%) focus on surface exfoliation; higher strengths (12% and up) can reach deeper in the dermis (deeper, supportive layer) to improve skin texture and firmness over time.
Though it was originally derived from milk, most modern lactic acid used in skincare is vegan. It is made through non-dairy fermentation to create a bio-identical and stable form suitable for all formulations.
When lactic acid shows up near the end of an ingredient list, it usually means the brand added just a tiny amount to adjust the productâs pH.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and brightens. It's a great ingredient for giving your skin a smooth, glowing, and healthy look without the harshness of stronger acids.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidLimonene 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 LinaloolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
Itâs 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 PropanediolTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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