What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningIsopentyldiol
Humectant
Behentrimonium Chloride
Preservative
Glycerin
Humectant
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Isopropyl Alcohol
Solvent
Parfum
Masking
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantIsopropyl Myristate
Emollient
PEG-2 Laurate
Emulsifying
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Amodimethicone
Sodium Methyltaurate
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
Masking
Aminopropyl Dimethicone
PPG-2-Deceth-12
EmulsifyingButylphenyl Methylpropional
Perfuming
Steartrimonium Chloride
Preservative
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientLinalool
Perfuming
Polysilicone-13
Disodium EDTA
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
Emollient
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantCetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Isopentyldiol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Stearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Parfum, Dipropylene Glycol, Isopropyl Myristate, PEG-2 Laurate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Amodimethicone, Sodium Methyltaurate, Salicylic Acid, Aminopropyl Dimethicone, PPG-2-Deceth-12, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Steartrimonium Chloride, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Linalool, Polysilicone-13, Disodium EDTA, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Lactic Acid, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Cetrimonium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, CI 19140, CI 17200, Royal Jelly Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Cleansing
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Sodium Chloride
MaskingGlycol Distearate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingIsostearyl Neopentanoate
Emollient
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCoco-Betaine
Cleansing
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningLinalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Corn Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein
Humectant
Iris Florentina Root Extract
MaskingFumaric Acid
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Dimethicone, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Glycol Distearate, Glycerin, Citric Acid, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Carbomer, Coco-Betaine, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Butylene Glycol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Linalool, Limonene, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Fumaric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, 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.
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 DimethiconeGlycerin (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 GlycerinLinalool 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.
Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSodium 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
