What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningXylitol
HumectantDiethylhexyl Succinate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveErythritol
HumectantPEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientTriethanolamine
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingBatyl Alcohol
EmollientPEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPhytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTrisodium EDTA
Polyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialLauryl Betaine
CleansingOryza Sativa Germ Oil
EmollientLimonene
PerfumingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingAngelica Acutiloba Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingCinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
MaskingOryzanol
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPerilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
TonicSodium Benzoate
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Xylitol, Diethylhexyl Succinate, Dimethicone, Silica, Erythritol, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Phenoxyethanol, Behenyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Batyl Alcohol, PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Parfum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Trisodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-51, Alcohol, Lauryl Betaine, Oryza Sativa Germ Oil, Limonene, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Linalool, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Oryzanol, Camellia Japonica Seed Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialDipropylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Silica
AbrasiveXylitol
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingIsohexadecane
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-20 Glyceryl Isostearate
Parfum
MaskingAminopropyl Dimethicone
Polysorbate 80
EmulsifyingSodium Citrate
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDipeptide-15
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantSodium Metaphosphate
BufferingOryza Sativa Germ Oil
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantLimonene
PerfumingPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingCentaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
AstringentSanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract
CleansingCinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
MaskingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
CleansingFagus Sylvatica Bud Extract
TonicOryzanol
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPerilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
TonicBenzoic Acid
MaskingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingGanoderma Lucidum Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Alcohol, Dipropylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Silica, Xylitol, Phenoxyethanol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 60, Butylene Glycol, PEG-20 Glyceryl Isostearate, Parfum, Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Citrate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dipeptide-15, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sorbitan Oleate, Potassium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Metaphosphate, Oryza Sativa Germ Oil, CI 77891, Limonene, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Linalool, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, CI 77492, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan, Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract, Oryzanol, Camellia Japonica Seed Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Benzoic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum Stem Extract, Tocopherol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
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 GlycolWe don't have a description for Camellia Japonica Seed Extract yet.
This 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 DimethiconeDipropylene 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 ‘good’ 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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Limonene 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 LinaloolOryza Sativa Germ Oil is an oil expressed from the germs of rice kernels.
Germs are not bacteria but rather a part of rice kernel that allows new plants to germinate.
Like other plant oils, this can help nourish the skin. The germ of rice is rich in oils, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about the benefits of rice extract.
Learn more about Oryza Sativa Germ OilWe don't have a description for Oryzanol yet.
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 “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 ParfumWe don't have a description for Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract yet.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Silica, 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 SilicaTocopherol (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 skin’s 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 TocopherolTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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 WaterXylitol is a humectant and prebiotic. It can help with dry skin.
In studies, xylitol has been shown to improve dry skin. It decreased transepidermal water loss, or when water passes through the skin and evaporates. Xylitol also showed to help improve the biomechanical properties of the skin barrier.
The prebiotic property of xylitol may also help reinforce our skin's natural microbiome. Having a healthy microbiome prevents infection by bad bacteria and helps with hydration.
As a humectant, Xylitol helps draw moisture from both the air and from deeper skin layers. This helps keep skin hydrated.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol and commonly used as a sugar substitute. It is naturally occurring in plants such as strawberries and pumpkin.
Learn more about Xylitol