What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPvp
Emulsion StabilisingChitosan
Polyethylene
AbrasivePEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMethylparaben
PreservativePEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingFormic Acid
PreservativeDisodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingPropylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingBambusa Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningCereus Grandiflorus Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCitric Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Pvp, Chitosan, Polyethylene, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polysorbate 80, Formic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Propylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Linalool, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Cereus Grandiflorus Flower Extract, Limonene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningPhyllostachys Bambusoides Extract
Skin ConditioningPisum Sativum Peptide
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentMaltodextrin/Vp Copolymer
Pvp
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingArtocarpus Heterophyllus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingBis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate
Skin ConditioningSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Phytate
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingWater, Phyllostachys Bambusoides Extract, Pisum Sativum Peptide, Maltodextrin, Maltodextrin/Vp Copolymer, Pvp, Polysorbate 20, Parfum, Artocarpus Heterophyllus Fruit Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Phytate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Citral, Linalool, Citronellol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinLimonene 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.
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 20Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePvp 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 PvpSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateWater. 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