What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauryl Sulfate
CleansingSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingGlycol Distearate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientSodium Citrate
BufferingCocamide Mea
EmulsifyingSodium Xylenesulfonate
Parfum
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingSalicylic Acid
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantTetrasodium EDTA
Methylparaben
PreservativeGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingHydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingHydrochloric Acid
BufferingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingMagnesium Nitrate
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
PreservativeMagnesium Chloride
Methylisothiazolinone
PreservativeWater, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycol Distearate, Dimethicone, Sodium Citrate, Cocamide Mea, Sodium Xylenesulfonate, Parfum, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Chloride, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Linalool, Hydrochloric Acid, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSpirulina Platensis Extract
Skin ProtectingChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningSteareth-4
EmulsifyingLaureth-4
EmulsifyingLaureth-23
CleansingQuaternium-80
Polyquaternium-44
Propylene Glycol
HumectantCinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride
Glycol Stearate
EmollientGlycol Distearate
EmollientPEG-150 Distearate
EmulsifyingHydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Dimethicone
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Nitrate
Magnesium Chloride
Sodium Chloride
MaskingTetrasodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingSalicylic Acid
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativeMethylchloroisothiazolinone
PreservativeMethylisothiazolinone
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Cocamide Mipa, Panthenol, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Steareth-4, Laureth-4, Laureth-23, Quaternium-80, Polyquaternium-44, Propylene Glycol, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Glycol Stearate, Glycol Distearate, PEG-150 Distearate, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Magnesium Nitrate, Magnesium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Salicylic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Parfum
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 AcidDimethicone 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 DimethiconeGlycol Distearate serves as a pearlizing or opacifying agent in cosmetic products.
It's often included in cleansers and haircare products to give them a lustrous or shimmering appearance.
It is derived from stearic acid, a natural fatty acid commonly found in vegetable oils and animal fats.
Glycol Distearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Glycol DistearateWe don't have a description for Magnesium Chloride yet.
We don't have a description for Magnesium Nitrate yet.
MCI is a preservative and known skin-irritant. It has anti-bacteria anti-fungal properties.
Studies spanning several decades have shown this ingredient to cause skin irritation and allergies.
MCI is commonly combined with methylisothiazolinone (MI). Other names for this mixture include Kathon CG and Euxyl K 100.
The use of this ingredient varies around the world:
Learn more about MethylchloroisothiazolinoneMI is a preservative and known skin irritant. In the past, MI was used for its ability to prevent bacteria, yeast, and fungi growth in low doses.
Nowadays, you'll most likely see MI combined with Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI). Trade names for this combination include Kathon CG or Euxyl K 100.
Since then, numerous studies have shown this ingredient to cause contact dermatitis, or skin irritation.
The use of this ingredient varies around the world:
Learn more about MethylisothiazolinonePanthenol 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 ParfumSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideTetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable.
Tetrasodium EDTA comes as a white solid and is soluble in water.
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water