What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberOctocrylene
UV Absorber4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor
UV AbsorberCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientSqualane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Glyceryl Stearate
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingNiacinamide
SmoothingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
MaskingParfum
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAlthaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Glyceryl Stearate, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, PEG-10 Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Niacinamide, Carbomer, Arginine, Parfum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, CI 19140, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethyl Caprylate
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialIsopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterTris-Biphenyl Triazine
UV AbsorberCetyl Alcohol
EmollientArginine
MaskingEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberCellulose
AbsorbentCoco-Caprylate
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingHydrogenated Palm Glycerides
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDecyl Glucoside
CleansingParfum
MaskingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantUbiquinone
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantDisodium Phosphate
BufferingGeraniol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingPantolactone
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingWater, Phenoxyethyl Caprylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Glycerin, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Tris-Biphenyl Triazine, Cetyl Alcohol, Arginine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Cellulose, Coco-Caprylate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Panthenol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Decyl Glucoside, Parfum, Caffeine, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Limonene, Linalool, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ubiquinone, Butylene Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Pantolactone, 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.
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineCarbomer is a high-molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid. It is used to form gels and thicken formulas.
Due to its large molecular size, carbomer has minimal skin penetration and is considered an inert ingredient.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Learn more about CarbomerCitric 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 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 GeraniolGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinLimonene 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.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is the potassium salt of a mixture. This mixture consists of the esters from phosphoricacid and cetyl alcohol.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
As a cleansing agent, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate helps gather oils, dirts, and pollutants from your skin. This makes it easier to rinse them away with water.
Learn more about Potassium Cetyl PhosphateSodium 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 HyaluronateTocopheryl 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