What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantSqualane
EmollientDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-6
HumectantPEG-32
HumectantAminopropyl Dimethicone
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPyrus Cydonia Seed Extract
MaskingLauryl Betaine
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientGinkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingCentaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
AstringentHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningTilia Cordata Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
CleansingAngelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningDiglycerin
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAlcohol
AntimicrobialIsostearic Acid
CleansingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Sodium Metaphosphate
BufferingPolyvinyl Alcohol
Sodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantAlpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingParfum
MaskingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Trehalose, Squalane, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-6, PEG-32, Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Pyrus Cydonia Seed Extract, Lauryl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Tilia Cordata Flower Extract, Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan, Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Diglycerin, Silica, Carbomer, Alcohol, Isostearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Sodium Metaphosphate, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Alpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, CI 77491
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialDimethicone
EmollientDiglycerin
HumectantPEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningPEG-8
HumectantIsodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientTrehalose
HumectantAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-14m
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningPhytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningRosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingEctoin
Skin ConditioningXylitol
HumectantLauryl Betaine
CleansingOriganum Majorana Leaf Extract
AntiseborrhoeicHydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
CleansingCamellia Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningIris Florentina Root Extract
MaskingGanoderma Lucidum Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningTriethylhexanoin
MaskingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAlcohol
AntimicrobialDisodium EDTA
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingSilica
AbrasiveIsoceteth-10
EmulsifyingLinalool
PerfumingSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantCitronellol
PerfumingAspergillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningBHT
AntioxidantSodium Bicarbonate
AbrasiveTocopherol
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSodium Benzoate
MaskingParfum
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Diglycerin, PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether, PEG-8, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Trehalose, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, PEG-14m, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Ectoin, Xylitol, Lauryl Betaine, Origanum Majorana Leaf Extract, Hydroxyproline, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Camellia Japonica Seed Extract, Lactobacillus/Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Ferment Filtrate, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum Stem Extract, Triethylhexanoin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Hydroxide, Silica, Isoceteth-10, Linalool, Sodium Metabisulfite, Citronellol, Aspergillus Ferment, BHT, Sodium Bicarbonate, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.
These alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
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.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.
Learn more about AlcoholButylene 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 GlycolDiglycerin is a humectant. It is derived from glycerin, which is naturally found in your skin.
As a humectant, it helps draw moisture to the skin from the air.
Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeGlycerin 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 GlycerinHouttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.
The components found in Heart Leaf give it antioxidant, hydrating, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Heart Leaf is rich in flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, and more. It also contains polysaccharides, the most common type of carbs in food.
Flavonoids have been shown to be effective antioxidants. They help neutralize free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are unstable molecules that may damage our skin cells and DNA. The flavonoids in Heart Leaf also help soothe the skin.
Polysaccharides are naturally found in our skin. They play a role in hydrating and repairing the top layer of skin. The polysaccharides in Heart Leaf help moisturize our skin.
Studies show decanoyl acetaldehyde, a component of Heart Leaf oil, is effective at killing bacteria.
The name 'Fish Mint' comes from the herb's natural fishy smell. Is is native to southeast Asia and used throughout the continent for traditional cooking and medicine.
Learn more about Houttuynia Cordata ExtractLauryl Betaine is a surfactant. It helps cleanse your skin by gathering oil, dirt, and other pollutants to be rinsed away.
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 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.
Potassium hydroxide is commonly known as caustic potash. It is used to fix the pH of a product or as a cleaning agent in soap. In cleansers, it is used for the saponification of oils.
Sapnification is the process of creating fatty acid metal salts from triglycerides and a strong base. During this process, Potassium Hydroxide is used up and is not present in the final product.
Using high concentrations of Potassium Hydroxide have shown to irritate the skin.
Learn more about Potassium HydroxideSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium 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 BenzoateWe don't have a description for Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan yet.
Sodium metabisulfite is also known as Sodium Pyrosulfite. It is a preservative, antioxidant, and disinfectant.
As a preservative, it helps stabilize cosmetic formulas without affecting their color or scent.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolTrehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseWater. 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