What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlycol Distearate
EmollientCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingCocos Nucifera Fruit Juice
EmollientTriticum Vulgare Protein
BufferingCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingCalophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil
AntimicrobialCyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum
Emulsion StabilisingMenthol
MaskingMenthyl Lactate
MaskingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPropanediol Caprylate
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-7
Behentrimonium Chloride
Preservative1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientLactic Acid
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingBenzoic Acid
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Glycol Distearate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Juice, Triticum Vulgare Protein, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Menthol, Menthyl Lactate, Maltodextrin, Lactobacillus Ferment, Glycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Propanediol Caprylate, Polyquaternium-7, Behentrimonium Chloride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Caprylyl Glycol, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, Limonene, Linalool, Citral
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingPropanediol
SolventSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingBabassuamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingGlycol Stearate
EmollientAndrographis Paniculata Extract
AstringentCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientZinc PCA
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantEthyl Macadamiate
Skin ConditioningMenthol
MaskingMenthyl Lactate
MaskingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingMalic Acid
BufferingParfum
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingTetrasodium Iminodisuccinate
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingWater, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Chloride, Propanediol, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Babassuamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide Mipa, Glycol Stearate, Andrographis Paniculata Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Zinc PCA, Glycerin, Ethyl Macadamiate, Menthol, Menthyl Lactate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tocopherol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Parfum, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Benzyl Salicylate, Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric 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 AcidGlycerin 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid, a fatty acid from coconut. It has emollient and emulsifier properties.
As an emollient, it helps hydrate your skin. Emollients work by creating a barrier on your skin to trap moisture in, helping to keep your skin soft and smooth.
On the other hand, emulsifiers prevent ingredients (such as oil and water) from separating.
Learn more about Glyceryl CaprylateLactobacillus Ferment is created by fermenting the Lactobacillus bacteria. It helps keep our skin's natural barrier and microbiome healthy.
Studies show lactobacillus ferment to be effective at repairing the skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier helps keep your skin healthy and hydrated. It also protects against bad bacteria.
As a probiotic/prebiotic/postbiotic, Lactobacillus ferment can help regular our natural biome. In fact, one study found a lack of diversity in our natural skin biome can trigger acne.
Learn more about Lactobacillus FermentLimonene 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 LinaloolMenthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholMenthyl lactate is an ester of menthol and lactic acid. It is often used as a cooling agent and fragrance.
When applied topically, this ingredient leaves a refreshing sensation like menthol, but is less irritating.
Parfum 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 ParfumPotassium 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water