What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningSd Alcohol 40-B
AstringentPEG-20
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveIsostearic Acid
CleansingMica
Cosmetic ColorantPhytosteryl Macadamiate
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantStearyl Alcohol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate
CleansingLauryl Betaine
CleansingMethylparaben
PreservativeCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXylitol
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingGlycylglycine
2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningSodium Metaphosphate
BufferingButylene Glycol
HumectantLimonene
PerfumingSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantOryzanol
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantSaccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCrataegus Monogyna Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingSodium Benzoate
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
MaskingWater, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Sd Alcohol 40-B, PEG-20, Trehalose, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Behenyl Alcohol, Silica, Isostearic Acid, Mica, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, CI 77891, Stearyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate, Lauryl Betaine, Methylparaben, Carbomer, Xylitol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Glycylglycine, 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Metaphosphate, Butylene Glycol, Limonene, Sodium Metabisulfite, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Oryzanol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate, Alcohol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Benzoate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, CI 77491, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract, Citronellol, Geraniol, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantSqualane
EmollientDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-6
HumectantPEG-32
HumectantAminopropyl Dimethicone
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPyrus Cydonia Seed Extract
MaskingLauryl Betaine
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientGinkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingCentaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
AstringentHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningTilia Cordata Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
CleansingAngelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningDiglycerin
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAlcohol
AntimicrobialIsostearic Acid
CleansingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Sodium Metaphosphate
BufferingPolyvinyl Alcohol
Sodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantAlpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingParfum
MaskingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Trehalose, Squalane, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-6, PEG-32, Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Pyrus Cydonia Seed Extract, Lauryl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Tilia Cordata Flower Extract, Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan, Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Diglycerin, Silica, Carbomer, Alcohol, Isostearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Sodium Metaphosphate, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Alpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, CI 77491
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.
These alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
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.
Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.
Learn more about AlcoholButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Ci 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491This ingredient comes from the cinnamon tree native to southern China.
Though cinnamon has a wonderful taste, it can cause skin irritation due to its rich coumarins, cinnamaldehyde, and styrene content.
Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicone. It has a high refractive index and adds shine to formulations.
According to the safety review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, it is safe for use in cosmetics under the current practices and concentrations.
Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the âgoodâ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinIsostearic acid is a saturated fatty acid. Its structure makes it a great surfactant.
Surfactants help decrease the surface tension between two liquids. This property also makes it an effective emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent waters and oils from separating in a product.
Isostearic Acid is created from oleic acid.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Isostearic AcidLauryl Betaine is a surfactant. It helps cleanse your skin by gathering oil, dirt, and other pollutants to be rinsed away.
Parfum 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 âFRAGRANCEâ or âPARFUMâ 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.
Potassium hydroxide is commonly known as caustic potash. It is used to fix the pH of a product or as a cleaning agent in soap. In cleansers, it is used for the saponification of oils.
Sapnification is the process of creating fatty acid metal salts from triglycerides and a strong base. During this process, Potassium Hydroxide is used up and is not present in the final product.
Using high concentrations of Potassium Hydroxide have shown to irritate the skin.
Learn more about Potassium HydroxideSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium 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 BenzoateSodium metabisulfite is also known as Sodium Pyrosulfite. It is a preservative, antioxidant, and disinfectant.
As a preservative, it helps stabilize cosmetic formulas without affecting their color or scent.
We don't have a description for Sodium Metaphosphate yet.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skinâs lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolTrehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseWater. 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