What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPolyester-5
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Propanediol
Solvent
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate
Emulsifying
PEG-60
HumectantHydrogenated Castor Oil
Emollient
Octyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Achillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingArnica Montana Flower Extract
Masking
Artemisia Absinthium Extract
Skin ConditioningGentiana Lutea Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Polyester-5, Alcohol Denat., Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate, PEG-60, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Octyldodeceth-16, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Panthenol, Sodium Benzoate, Alcohol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Artemisia Absinthium Extract, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Pvp
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Poloxamer 184
EmulsifyingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolymethyl Methacrylate
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Isopropyl Myristate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Pvp, Hydroxyacetophenone, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Poloxamer 184, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
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 AlcoholEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinPotassium 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
