What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningQuaternium-18
Amodimethicone
Polysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPropylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMethyl Gluceth-10
EmulsifyingTrideceth-12
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventPanthenol
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Cetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialCysteine
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningWheat Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Wheat Starch
Skin ConditioningAcacia Dealbata Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMoonstone Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingBenzophenone-4
UV AbsorberPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeButylparaben
MaskingEthylparaben
PreservativeMethylparaben
PreservativePropylparaben
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitronellol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Quaternium-18, Amodimethicone, Polysorbate 20, Propylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methyl Gluceth-10, Trideceth-12, Parfum, Isopropyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Disodium EDTA, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cysteine, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Wheat Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Acacia Dealbata Flower Extract, Glycerin, Moonstone Extract, Citric Acid, Benzophenone-4, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Sodium Benzoate, Citronellol, Limonene, Linalool
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCreatine
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Quinoa
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract
Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
MaskingFoeniculum Vulgare Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningDicetyldimonium Chloride
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventSodium Phytate
Benzyl Alcohol
PerfumingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingParfum
MaskingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Creatine, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Tocopherol, Persea Gratissima Oil, Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Foeniculum Vulgare Seed Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Glycerin, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Water, Dicetyldimonium Chloride, Polysorbate 20, Isopropyl Alcohol, Sodium Phytate, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Benzyl Benzoate, Hexyl Cinnamal
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 AcidEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinIsopropyl Alcohol is more commonly known as rubbing alcohol. It is most commonly used as a solvent, meaning it helps other ingredients dissolve.
This ingredient is an astringent alcohol. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin as they high amounts may strip away your skin's natural oils.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Learn more about Isopropyl AlcoholPanthenol 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 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 SorbateSodium 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