Versus

Verb Hydrating Shampoo Versus Oribe Hair Alchemy Strengthening Shampoo

Shampoo
Shampoo
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on July 30, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe shampoos. They have a total of 37 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain AHA

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Hydrating Shampoo

Water

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate

Cleansing

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Cleansing
May worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate

Cleansing

PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Coco/Isostearamide

Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil

Emollient
Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Hydrolyzed Quinoa

Skin Conditioning

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol

Skin Conditioning

Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Alanine

Masking

Arginine

Masking
Good for Scar Healing IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Aspartic Acid

Masking

Glycine

Buffering
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Histidine

Humectant

Isoleucine

Skin Conditioning

Phenylalanine

Masking

Proline

Skin Conditioning

Serine

Masking

Threonine

Valine

Masking

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Glycol Distearate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate

Cleansing

PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Silicone Quaternium-8

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

Skin Conditioning

Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate

Polyquaternium-7

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Sodium Laurate

Cleansing

Disodium EDTA

Polyquaternium-44

Coconut Acid

Cleansing
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sodium PCA

Humectant
0 / 0

Sodium Lactate

Buffering

Sodium Isethionate

Cleansing

Magnesium Nitrate

PCA

Humectant

Sodium Sarcosinate

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone

Silicon IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sodium Hydroxide

Buffering

Sodium Glycolate

Buffering

C11-15 Pareth-7

Emulsifying

Sodium Formate

Buffering
Preservative Icon

Quaternium-95

UV Absorber

C12-16 Pareth-9

Emulsifying

Propanediol

Solvent

Trideceth-12

Emulsifying

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Sodium Benzoate

Masking
Preservative Icon

Methylchloroisothiazolinone

Preservative
Preservative IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema Icon

Methylisothiazolinone

Preservative
Preservative IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema Icon

Benzyl Alcohol

Perfuming
Alcohol IconFragrance IconPreservative IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Hydroxycitronellal

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Butylphenyl Methylpropional

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Limonene

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
Hair Alchemy Strengthening Shampoo

Water

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate

Cleansing

Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate

Cleansing

Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside

Cleansing

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate

Cleansing
May cause irritation Icon

Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate

Cleansing

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Disodium Cocoamphodipropionate

Cleansing

Lauramidopropyl Betaine

Cleansing

Acrylates Crosspolymer-4

Emulsion Stabilising

Coconut Acid

Cleansing
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Polyquaternium-73

Hydroxyacetophenone

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Sodium Isethionate

Cleansing

Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate

Silicone Quaternium-22

Chlorphenesin

Antimicrobial
Preservative Icon

Sodium Methyl Isethionate

Emulsifying

Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate

Cleansing

Glycol Stearate

Emollient
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polyquaternium-67

Decyl Glucoside

Cleansing

Lauric Acid

Cleansing
4 / 1 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Propylene Glycol

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Potassium Hydroxide

Buffering

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Sodium Sulfate

Sulfate Icon

Dipropylene Glycol

Masking

Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate

Emulsifying

Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate

Glyceryl Caprylate

Emollient

Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sorbitan Laurate

Emulsifying
1-2 / 1-2 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Oryza Sativa Bran Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Glycol Distearate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract

Emollient

Sodium Laurate

Cleansing

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Cleansing
May worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Quaternium-95

UV Absorber

Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride

Sodium Benzoate

Masking
Preservative Icon

Sodium Surfactin

Cleansing

Helianthus Annuus Extract

Emollient

Sodium PCA

Humectant
0 / 0

Propanediol

Solvent

Sodium Lactate

Buffering

Lactobacillus/Arundinaria Gigantea Leaf Ferment Filtrate

Skin Conditioning

Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Palmitamidopropyltrimonium Chloride

Sodium Hydroxide

Buffering

Arginine

Masking
Good for Scar Healing IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Hydrolyzed Rice Protein

Skin Conditioning

Galactoarabinan

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Aspartic Acid

Masking

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Sodium Acetate

Buffering

PCA

Humectant

Trehalose

Humectant

Xylitol

Humectant

Leontopodium Alpinum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Panthenyl Hydroxypropyl Steardimonium Chloride

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol

Skin Conditioning

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate

Antimicrobial
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Arctium Lappa Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hedera Helix Extract

Antimicrobial

Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Seed Extract

Perfuming
Fragrance Icon

Glycine

Buffering
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sodium Phosphate

Buffering

Alanine

Masking

Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Dimethiconol Meadowfoamate

Emollient

Isopropyl Alcohol

Solvent
0 / 0 Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

Serine

Masking

Valine

Masking

Isoleucine

Skin Conditioning

Proline

Skin Conditioning

Threonine

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Eclipta Prostrata Extract

Skin Conditioning

Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Histidine

Humectant

Phenylalanine

Masking

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Disodium EDTA

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate

Skin Conditioning

Limonene

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Hexyl Cinnamal

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Parfum, Disodium Cocoamphodipropionate, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Acrylates Crosspolymer-4, Coconut Acid, Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Polyquaternium-73, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Isethionate, Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Silicone Quaternium-22, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycol Stearate, Polyquaternium-67, Decyl Glucoside, Lauric Acid, Propylene Glycol, Potassium Hydroxide, Panthenol, Sodium Sulfate, Dipropylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate, Sorbitan Laurate, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Glycerin, Glycol Distearate, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Sodium Laurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Quaternium-95, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Surfactin, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Sodium PCA, Propanediol, Sodium Lactate, Lactobacillus/Arundinaria Gigantea Leaf Ferment Filtrate, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Palmitamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Arginine, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Galactoarabinan, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aspartic Acid, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Sodium Acetate, PCA, Trehalose, Xylitol, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Panthenyl Hydroxypropyl Steardimonium Chloride, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Hedera Helix Extract, Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Seed Extract, Glycine, Sodium Phosphate, Alanine, Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil, Dimethiconol Meadowfoamate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Potassium Sorbate, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. 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

Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate is a cleansing ingredient. It is a surfactant, meaning it helps gather dirt, oil, and other pollutants. This helps them be rinsed away easily.

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 Betaine

We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol yet.

Masking, Skin Conditioning

Alanine is an amino acid and is already found in the human body. Our skin uses alanine to build collagen, elastin, and keratin.

Masking, Skin Conditioning

Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.

As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.

Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.

Learn more about Arginine
Masking, Skin Conditioning

Aspartic Acid is an amino acid that our bodies produce naturally. It is an antioxidant.

Our body uses Aspartic Acid to help build collagen and elastin. It also plays a role in hydrating skin.

Buffering, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is an amino acid that helps build proteins and moisturizes skin. It is already present in our skin as our bodies produce them naturally.

Glycine already plays a role in helping keep our skin moisturized as amino acids transport moisture throughout our skin.

As collagen is made up of glycine and other amino acids, it is believed glycine may help our skin produce more collagen.

Learn more about Glycine
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Histidine is a semi-essential amino acid used by our bodies to create protein. It has humectant and skin conditioning properties.

Our bodies use histidine to create filaggrin - filaggrin is a structural protein that the skin uses in maintaining skin barrier.

One study found histidine and carnosine to be a dynamic duo for your skin:

Oral histidine has also been found to help with filaggrin-deficit skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis.

Why is it considered a semi-essential amino acid? This is because adults are able to create it but children must get it from their diet.

Learn more about Histidine
Skin Conditioning

Isoleucine is an amino acid that helps reinforce our skin barrier. This amino acid plays a role in creating protein for the body.

Fun fact: Isoleucine is found in meat, fish, dairy, legumes, and nuts.

Masking, Skin Conditioning

Phenylalanine is an amino acid. It is a skin soothing and hydrating ingredient. Amino acids play a crucial role in wound healing and skin hydration.

This ingredient is also used to help even out skin tone due to its ability to disrupt the melanin production process.

Two structures of phenylalanine exist: L-phenylalanine and D-phenylalanine. L-phenylalanine is essential, this means our bodies cannot produce it naturally and we must get it from foods. Our bodies convert D-phenylalanine to neurotransmitters, and D-phenylalanine is found in our bodies naturally.

Some foods that contain L-phenylalanine include eggs, soybeans, beef, milk.

Learn more about Phenylalanine
Skin Conditioning

Proline is an amino-acid. It helps moisturize the skin and plays an important role in creating proteins.

Our skin uses proline as one of the building blocks for producing collagen.

In medicine, proline is used as an osmoprotectant. This means it helps prevent oxidative degradation in other drugs.

Our bodies are able to produce proline naturally, but certain conditions may inhibit this production. In that case, proline can be obtained from eating egg whites, soy protein, dairy products, asparagus, mushrooms, and seaweed.

Learn more about Proline
Masking, Skin Conditioning

Serine is an amino acid naturally found in our body. Our bodies use amino acids to create protein.

Amino-acids help give keep our skin hydrated. They play an important role in the skin barrier, which keeps the skin plump and firm.

Serine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning we don't need to obtain it from eating foods.

Learn more about Serine

Threonine is an amino-acid. It helps hydrate the skin and has antioxidant benefits.

Our skin uses threonine for creating collagen and elastin. Humans are not able to create threonine and must get it through eating foods such as fish, lentils, poultry, sesame seeds, and more.

Masking, Skin Conditioning

Valine is an essential amino acid. It is used by our bodies for tissue repair and muscle growth.

An essential amino acid is one in which our bodies cannot naturally produce so we must get them through diet. Foods such as eggs, dairy, red meat, and fish contain valine.

This ingredient can either be derived from an animal product or be synthetically created.

Learn more about Valine
Skin Conditioning

Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.

There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.

D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.

Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):

Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.

This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.

Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.

This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.

Learn more about Panthenol
Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Glycol Distearate serves as a pearlizing or opacifying agent in cosmetic products.

It's often included in cleansers and haircare products to give them a lustrous or shimmering appearance.

It is derived from stearic acid, a natural fatty acid commonly found in vegetable oils and animal fats.

Glycol Distearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Glycol Distearate

Sodium cocoyl isethionate is a natural ingredient from coconut oil. It is an ultra gentle cleanser that gives a nice foam without drying the skin or impacting the skin barrier.

The amount of foam created depends on the amount of sodium cocoyl isethionate used in the product.

This ingredient also helps improve the spreadability of a product.

Learn more about Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Masking, Perfuming

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 Parfum
Buffering, Masking

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.

If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps prevent unwanted effects and reactions from a product. These metal ions may come from water and are found in miniscule amounts.

Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate can also help other preservatives be more effective.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin 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 Glycerin
Cleansing, Emulsifying

Sodium Laurate is the sodium salt of lauric acid. It is a cleansing and emulsifying ingredient.

Emulsifiers help prevent ingredients such as water and oils from separating.

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA
Cleansing, Emollient, Emulsifying

Coconut Acid isn't fungal acne safe.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid. It is naturally occurring in our skin's natural moisturizing factors where it works to maintain hydration.

The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.

This ingredient has skin conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.

Learn more about Sodium PCA
Buffering, Humectant

Sodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, an AHA. It is a humectant and sometimes used to adjust the pH of a product.

This ingredient is part of our skin's NMF, or natural moisturizing factor. Our NMF is essential for the hydration of our top skin layers and plasticity of skin. NMF also influences our skin's natural acid mantle and pH, which protects our skin from harmful bacteria.

High percentages of Sodium Lactate can have an exfoliating effect.

Fun fact: Sodium Lactate is produced from fermented sugar.

Learn more about Sodium Lactate
Cleansing, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Sodium Isethionate yet.

PCA
Humectant, Moisturising

PCA is derived from amino acids and is naturally found in our skin's barrier.

As a humectant, PCA helps draw and hold moisture to the skin. Studies show it is effective at helping the skin stay hydrated long-term.

Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (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.

Buffering

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide
UV Absorber

We don't have a description for Quaternium-95 yet.

Solvent

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin. 

It’s often used to:

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol 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.

Masking, Preservative

Sodium 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 Benzoate
Preservative

Potassium 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 Sorbate
Perfuming, Solvent

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 Limonene

When to use

2 Routines
50% use in am
50% use in pm
100% use every day