What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientTheobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-10
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
EmollientQuaternium-91
C13-15 Alkane
SolventCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientIsopentyldiol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventCetrimonium Methosulfate
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantChlorella Ferment
Skin ConditioningDiheptyl Succinate
EmollientCapryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningSoy Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningStearyl Alcohol
EmollientTribehenin
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-37
Hydrolyzed Quinoa
Skin ConditioningPg-Hydroxyethylcellulose Cocodimonium Chloride
Wheat Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningPisum Sativum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetate
BufferingDimethyl Palmitamine
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBehenamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantArginine Hcl
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingThreonine
Sodium Phytate
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeDilinoleic Acid
EmollientSodium Benzoate
MaskingIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingTocopherol
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningC11-13 Isoparaffin
SolventGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientTetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes
MaskingPropylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPPG-1 Trideceth-6
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentWater, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Polyquaternium-10, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Quaternium-91, C13-15 Alkane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isopentyldiol, Propanediol, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Parfum, Glycerin, Chlorella Ferment, Diheptyl Succinate, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Soy Amino Acids, Stearyl Alcohol, Tribehenin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Polyquaternium-37, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Pg-Hydroxyethylcellulose Cocodimonium Chloride, Wheat Amino Acids, Pisum Sativum Seed Extract, Sodium Acetate, Dimethyl Palmitamine, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Behenamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arginine Hcl, Serine, Threonine, Sodium Phytate, Potassium Sorbate, Dilinoleic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, C11-13 Isoparaffin, Glycine Soja Oil, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Citric Acid, Maltodextrin
Water
Skin ConditioningCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Cottonseed Oil
EmollientHydrogenated Soybean Oil
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Dilaurate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientParfum
MaskingBehentrimonium Methosulfate
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialStearalkonium Chloride
PreservativeDimethicone
EmollientGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Honey
Mel
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantKeratin Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningSilk Amino Acids
HumectantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantLactic Acid
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingWater, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Dilaurate, Propanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Parfum, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Phenoxyethanol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Stearalkonium Chloride, Dimethicone, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey, Mel, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Keratin Amino Acids, Silk Amino Acids, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lactic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid
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 waxy mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Despite having "alcohol" in its name, it has nothing to do with drying solvent alcohols; the FDA also allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols like this ingredient.
It plays several roles in a formula:
Typical use levels for this ingredient sit around 1-10% and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has affirmed safety at concentrations up to 25% in leave-on products.
Multiple assessments have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing to most people.
However, there have been some cases of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with chronically compromised skin barriers.
Cetearyl alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 and irritancy rating of 1. Both of these numbers come from the 1989 study that used rabbit ears; a "2" means mildly comedogenic and a "1" means low irritancy.
Here's the catch: rabbit skin is more sensitive than human skin and throws a lot of false positives. A 1996 reappraisal found that ingredients rated 1-2 in the rabbit ear tests are generally safe for humans.
Remember comedogenic ratings are unable to assess the entire formula of a product or how it will react on your skin. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure about certain ingredients.
This ingredient is not fungal acne safe. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with chain lengths that fall within the range that Malassezia can metabolize.
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 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 EthylhexylglycerinPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolParfum 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.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateStearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Fatty alcohols are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent (ethanol) alcohols.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Stearyl AlcoholTocopheryl 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water