What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingTea-Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate
CleansingDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingCocamide Mea
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingParfum
MaskingPolyquaternium-10
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPPG-3 Myristyl Ether
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingMenthol
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingNiacinamide
SmoothingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPentasodium Pentetate
Butylene Glycol
HumectantGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningAminomethyl Propanol
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Viridis Extract
MaskingLeonurus Sibiricus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
SoothingNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialMentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract
TonicCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Corn Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Oligopeptide
CleansingTripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantAcetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantNonapeptide-1
Skin ConditioningWater, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamide Mea, Sodium Chloride, Parfum, Polyquaternium-10, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, PPG-3 Myristyl Ether, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Menthol, Citric Acid, Niacinamide, Sodium Benzoate, Pentasodium Pentetate, Butylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Aminomethyl Propanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Biotin, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Mentha Viridis Extract, Leonurus Sibiricus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hexapeptide-9, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Tripeptide-1, Copper Tripeptide-1, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside, Nonapeptide-1
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingSodium Lauryl Sulfate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingCocamide Mea
EmulsifyingGlycol Distearate
EmollientPolyquaternium-10
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPiroctone Olamine
PreservativeDisodium EDTA
Citric Acid
BufferingPPG-3 Caprylyl Ether
SolventQuaternium-80
Polyquaternium-7
Saponaria Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantAcrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copolymer
Propylene Glycol
HumectantLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingMonarda Didyma Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningFreesia Refracta Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingWater, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Cocamide Mea, Glycol Distearate, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Benzoate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Piroctone Olamine, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether, Quaternium-80, Polyquaternium-7, Saponaria Officinalis Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Acrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Monarda Didyma Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Freesia Refracta Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
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 GlycolCitric 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 AcidWe don't have a description for Cocamide Mea yet.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, a compound with two amino groups.
This ingredient is a surfactant and cleanser. It helps gather the dirt, pollutants, and other impurities in your skin to be washed away. It also helps thicken a product and make the texture more creamy.
Being created from coconut oil means Cocamidopropyl Betaine is hydrating for the skin.
While Cocamidopropyl Betaine was believed to be an allergen, a study from 2012 disproved this. It found two compounds in unpure Cocamidopropyl Betaine to be the irritants: aminoamide and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. High-grade and pure Cocamidopropyl Betaine did not induce allergic reactions during this study.
Learn more about Cocamidopropyl BetaineEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.
Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract is extract from peppermint leaves.
Studies show peppermint extract have antimicrobial properties against some bacteria and fungi.
In large percentages, peppermint extract may sensitize the skin.
Learn more about Mentha Piperita Leaf ExtractParfum 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 ParfumPolyquaternium-10 is an ammonium salt of hydroxyethylcellulose. It is a white and granular powder used as a film-former and anti-static agent.
This ingredient is commonly found in hair conditioning products. According to a manufacturer, its positive charge makes it great for absorbing hair proteins. The manufacturer also states this ingredient helps with curl retention.
For haircare friends: this ingredient is not a silicone.
Learn more about Polyquaternium-10Sodium 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 BenzoateChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideWater. 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