What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPvp
Emulsion StabilisingTriethanolamine
BufferingCI 16185
Cosmetic ColorantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Benzophenone-4
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantCorn Glycerides
EmulsifyingPropylene Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientSorbitol
HumectantPEG-90m
Emulsion StabilisingPolyquaternium-7
Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDipropylene Glycol
HumectantIodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
PreservativePolyquaternium-55
Benzyl Alcohol
PerfumingHydroxypropylammonium Gluconate
HumectantHydroxypropylgluconamide
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingTartaric Acid
BufferingWater, Pvp, Triethanolamine, CI 16185, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Benzophenone-4, Glycerin, Corn Glycerides, Propylene Glycol Diheptanoate, Sorbitol, PEG-90m, Polyquaternium-7, Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Polysorbate 20, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Dipropylene Glycol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Polyquaternium-55, Benzyl Alcohol, Hydroxypropylammonium Gluconate, Hydroxypropylgluconamide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Tartaric Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventMaltodextrin/Vp Copolymer
Pvp
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingAcrylates Copolymer
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Honey
Keratin Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningSilk Amino Acids
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitol
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauryl Sulfate
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHoney
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantSorbic Acid
PreservativeCoumarin
PerfumingCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingWater, Propanediol, Maltodextrin/Vp Copolymer, Pvp, Polysorbate 20, Aminomethyl Propanol, Acrylates Copolymer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey, Keratin Amino Acids, Silk Amino Acids, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Sorbitol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Honey, Panthenol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ascorbic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Coumarin, Caramel, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Carbomer is a high-molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid. It is used to form gels and thicken formulas.
Due to its large molecular size, carbomer has minimal skin penetration and is considered an inert ingredient.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Learn more about CarbomerEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinParfum 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.
Polysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Pvp is a water-soluble synthetic polymer and common hairstyling ingredient. It is a film-forming ingredient and used to "hold" specific shapes of hair.
In cosmetics, PVP helps products like sunscreens and color cosmetics last longer and wear more evenly.
It is less effective in high-humidity. It tends to draw moisture, but this moisture dismantles the structure and "hold".
PVP is generally well tolerated on skin and toxicity studies are negative for dermal irritation.
Learn more about PvpSorbitol is a sugar alcohol. It is a hydrating and moisturizing agent created from the reduction process of glucose.
Most sorbitol is usually made from potato starch. It is also found in fruits such as apples and pears.
As a humectant, Sorbitol helps draw water to the skin. This helps keep the skin hydrated. Sorbitol also helps create a thicker texture in products. You might find sorbitol in your toothpaste and other gels.
It is a non-irritating ingredient that is great for those with dry skin.
Sorbitol is a prebiotic. It helps promote the growth of healthy bacteria on your skin. The bacteria on your skin form a microbiome. This microbiome helps protect your skin from infection and harmful bacteria.
Learn more about SorbitolTocopheryl 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water