What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSqualane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Prunus Domestica Seed Extract
EmollientHydrolyzed Malt Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantLentinus Edodes Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningGossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPhysalis Alkekengi Calyx Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningPadina Pavonica Thallus Extract
Skin ConditioningRose Extract
Skin ConditioningKrameria Triandra Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentRhodochrosite Extract
AntioxidantPelargonium Graveolens Oil
MaskingMichelia Alba Leaf Oil
MaskingRosa Damascena Flower Oil
MaskingCoriandrum Sativum Fruit Oil
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientLauryl Glucoside
CleansingPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin ConditioningCeteareth-20
CleansingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantBisabolol
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSorbic Acid
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeBHT
AntioxidantLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingEugenol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingWater, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Squalane, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Prunus Domestica Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Malt Extract, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lentinus Edodes Extract, Salix Alba Leaf Extract, Adenosine, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract, Physalis Alkekengi Calyx Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Padina Pavonica Thallus Extract, Rose Extract, Krameria Triandra Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Oryza Sativa Extract, Rhodochrosite Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Michelia Alba Leaf Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Coriandrum Sativum Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Lauryl Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Ceteareth-20, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dipropylene Glycol, Bisabolol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, BHT, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Citral, Eugenol, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningIsocetyl Stearate
EmollientIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantLactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningJojoba Esters
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveSteareth-21
CleansingSteareth-2
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveEpilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningGardenia Taitensis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPlankton Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Sterols
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantRetinol
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantEctoin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientUbiquinone
AntioxidantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantTetrasodium EDTA
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingSorbic Acid
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Isocetyl Stearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Jojoba Esters, Silica, Steareth-21, Steareth-2, Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 20, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Glycine Soja Oil, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract, Plankton Extract, Glycine Soja Sterols, Tocopherol, Retinol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ectoin, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglutamic Acid, Hexylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Lecithin, Ubiquinone, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbic Acid, Potassium Sorbate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCitric 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 (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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 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 BenzoateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideSorbic Acid is a preservative. It is the most commonly used food preservative in the world.
Sorbic Acid is a natural antibiotic and highly effective at preventing the growth of fungus. It is less effective against bacteria.
Potassium Sorbate, another commonly-used preservative, is the potassium salt of Sorbic Acid.
Sorbic Acid may worsen eczema. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
Learn more about Sorbic AcidWater. 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