What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMyristic Acid
CleansingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingHydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Behenic Acid
CleansingLauric Acid
CleansingPalmitic Acid
EmollientSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingStearic Acid
CleansingRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveRubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningOxycoccus Palustris Seed Oil
AntioxidantLuffa Cylindrica Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract
MaskingBuddleja Davidii Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Archangelica Root Water
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Digitata Powder
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids
CleansingPropylene Glycol
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMenthone Glycerin Acetal
RefreshingDisodium EDTA
Ascorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantRetinol
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientPEG-75 Shea Butter Glycerides
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPerfluorodecalin
Skin ConditioningGlycosphingolipids
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantPotassium Phosphate
BufferingAlcohol
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBenzoic Acid
MaskingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyaminopropyl Biguanide
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
Preservative1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Benzoate
MaskingBHT
AntioxidantButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingHydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde
MaskingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingEugenol
PerfumingParfum
MaskingCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Behenic Acid, Lauric Acid, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Stearic Acid, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Oxycoccus Palustris Seed Oil, Luffa Cylindrica Seed Oil, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract, Buddleja Davidii Extract, Angelica Archangelica Root Water, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Laminaria Digitata Powder, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Propylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Menthone Glycerin Acetal, Disodium EDTA, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Lecithin, PEG-75 Shea Butter Glycerides, Pentylene Glycol, Perfluorodecalin, Glycosphingolipids, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol, Potassium Phosphate, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Potassium Sorbate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, BHT, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Geraniol, Limonene, Citronellol, Eugenol, Parfum, CI 42090, CI 17200
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingSorbeth-230 Tetraoleate
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract
HumectantSpinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialMedicago Sativa Extract
TonicChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDecyl Glucoside
CleansingSorbitan Laurate
EmulsifyingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Gluconolactone
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentCitric Acid
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingGardenia Jasminoides Fruit Extract
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Glycolate
BufferingSodium Formate
BufferingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingCI 75810
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract, Spinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Medicago Sativa Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Glycerin, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Decyl Glucoside, Sorbitan Laurate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Gluconolactone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Gardenia Jasminoides Fruit Extract, Parfum, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Glycolate, Sodium Formate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Limonene, CI 75810
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinHexyl Cinnamal is a fragrance ingredient with a similar scent to jasmine. It can be naturally found in chamomile essential oil.
This ingredient is a known EU allergen and may sensitize the skin. The EU requires this ingredient to be listed separately on an ingredients list.
Hexyl Cinnamal is not water soluble but is soluble in oils.
Learn more about Hexyl CinnamalLimonene 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 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.
Polysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Potassium 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 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