What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Butylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAmyl Cinnamal
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingConvallaria Majalis Bulb/Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGeraniol
PerfumingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingLeontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLilium Candidum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingMagnolia Liliflora Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTocopherol
AntioxidantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Triethyl Citrate
MaskingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantTbhq
AntioxidantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Sodium Chloride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Convallaria Majalis Bulb/Root Extract, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Geraniol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Lilium Candidum Flower Extract, Limonene, Linalool, Magnolia Liliflora Flower Extract, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Triethyl Citrate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Glycerin, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tbhq, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsohexadecane
EmollientSorbitol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientTriticum Vulgare Germ Oil
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
SurfactantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningRubus Idaeus Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Benzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCitric Acid
BufferingWater, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isohexadecane, Sorbitol, Dimethicone, Sorbitan Stearate, Glycine Soja Oil, Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Rubus Idaeus Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol, Geraniol, Linalool, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citric Acid
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 known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.
Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).
Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolHydroxycitronellal is a fragrance created from citronellal. The smell of hydroxycitronellal is often described as "citrus-like" or "melon-like".
Hydroxycitronellal is a known EU allergen and may cause irritation when applied to the skin.
Limonene 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.
Tocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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