What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSorbitol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientHydrogenated Rapeseed Oil
EmollientIsopentyldiol
HumectantBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeAmodimethicone
Hydroxypropyl Arginine Lauryl/Myristyl Ether Hcl
Skin ConditioningDihydroxyethyl Stearyl Glycinate
Glutamic Acid
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantSqualane
EmollientSteartrimonium Chloride
PreservativePEG-90m
Emulsion StabilisingPCA
HumectantPhytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-64
Hydrolyzed Silk Gland Powder
HumectantRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventCetyl Alcohol
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientAlcohol
AntimicrobialPropylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingParfum
MaskingCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Sorbitol, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil, Isopentyldiol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Amodimethicone, Hydroxypropyl Arginine Lauryl/Myristyl Ether Hcl, Dihydroxyethyl Stearyl Glycinate, Glutamic Acid, Trehalose, Squalane, Steartrimonium Chloride, PEG-90m, PCA, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Polyquaternium-64, Hydrolyzed Silk Gland Powder, Royal Jelly Extract, Isopropyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Octyldodecanol, Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, CI 15985
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeOleyl Oleate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantAminopropyl Dimethicone
Honey
HumectantHoney Extract
HumectantArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientKeratin
Skin ConditioningSodium Carboxymethyl Hyaluronate
HumectantCoco-Glucoside
CleansingLeontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGamma-Docosalactone
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingCreatine
Skin ConditioningPorphyridium Polysaccharide
AntioxidantDihydroxypropyl Arginine Hcl
HumectantQuaternium-18
SurfactantCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeAmmonium Ferric Pentetate
HumectantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientPEG-30 Phytosterol
EmulsifyingPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantAmodimethicone
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAlcohol
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingWater, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Behentrimonium Chloride, Oleyl Oleate, Glycerin, Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Honey, Honey Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Royal Jelly Extract, Propolis Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Keratin, Sodium Carboxymethyl Hyaluronate, Coco-Glucoside, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Gamma-Docosalactone, Hydrolyzed Silk, Panthenol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Creatine, Porphyridium Polysaccharide, Dihydroxypropyl Arginine Hcl, Quaternium-18, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Caramel, Potassium Sorbate, Ammonium Ferric Pentetate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, PEG-30 Phytosterol, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Amodimethicone, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol, Parfum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
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.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholThis water-soluble silicone is used for its hydrating and softening properties. It is used to add a silky feel to skincare products and has great benefits for haircare.
In haircare, this ingredient:
- Adds shine
- Protects color
- Offers thermal protection
- Boosts hair strength
- Does not build up as easily
This ingredient is a preservative and often used for it's anti-static properties. You'll most likely see this ingredient in hair conditioners.
It does not cause irritation or sensitization in leave-on products at 1-5%.
Butylene 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 GlycolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeParfum 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.
Royal Jelly Extract comes from a secretion made by worker honeybees. This secretion is white and described as creamy.
This compound has antibacterial, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies show Royal Jelly to contain amino acids, fatty acids, and a variety of vitamins, including Vitamin Bs. Many of these components are antioxidants, which help with anti-aging. The fatty acids in Royal Jelly make it a hydrating ingredient.
Several animal studies show Royal Jelly to boost collagen production and reduce inflammation.
The Vitamin Bs found in Royal Jelly include:
Royal Jelly is derived from honeybees. This means it is not vegan.
Learn more about Royal Jelly ExtractSodium 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