What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingPPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Coco/Isostearamide
SurfactantArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Quinoa
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAlanine
MaskingArginine
MaskingAspartic Acid
MaskingGlycine
BufferingHistidine
HumectantIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingThreonine
Valine
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlycol Distearate
EmollientSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingPEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingSilicone Quaternium-8
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Polyquaternium-7
Glycerin
HumectantSodium Laurate
CleansingDisodium EDTA
Polyquaternium-44
Coconut Acid
CleansingSodium PCA
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingSodium Isethionate
CleansingMagnesium Nitrate
PCA
HumectantSodium Sarcosinate
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxyamodimethicone
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Glycolate
BufferingC11-15 Pareth-7
EmulsifyingSodium Formate
BufferingQuaternium-95
UV AbsorberC12-16 Pareth-9
EmulsifyingPropanediol
SolventTrideceth-12
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingMethylchloroisothiazolinone
PreservativeMethylisothiazolinone
PreservativeBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingWater, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Coco/Isostearamide, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Alanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Valine, Panthenol, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Parfum, Citric Acid, Silicone Quaternium-8, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Polyquaternium-7, Glycerin, Sodium Laurate, Disodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-44, Coconut Acid, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Isethionate, Magnesium Nitrate, PCA, Sodium Sarcosinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Glycolate, C11-15 Pareth-7, Sodium Formate, Quaternium-95, C12-16 Pareth-9, Propanediol, Trideceth-12, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Hydroxycitronellal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingCapryloyl/Caproyl Methyl Glucamide
EmulsifyingLauroyl/Myristoyl Methyl Glucamide
EmollientAcrylates Crosspolymer-4
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-3 Laurate
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSorbeth-230 Tetraoleate
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingSodium Lauroamphoacetate
CleansingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCoconut Acid
CleansingPropylene Glycol
HumectantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Isethionate
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantDecyl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Benzoate
MaskingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Sorbitan Laurate
EmulsifyingPolyquaternium-7
BHT
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantRice Oil Glycereth-8 Esters
CleansingCoconut Oil Glycereth-8 Esters
CleansingSorbitol
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Protein
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Jojoba Protein
Skin ConditioningAmber Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeOryza Sativa Seed Protein
AntioxidantCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningKaempferia Galanga Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPhytic Acid
Oryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentQuaternium-95
UV AbsorberCinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride
Gluconolactone
Skin ConditioningLitchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrulline
Skin ConditioningDisodium Phosphate
BufferingPotassium Benzoate
PreservativeTetrasodium EDTA
Benzyl Alcohol
PerfumingCalcium Gluconate
HumectantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantLimonene
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamide Mipa, Capryloyl/Caproyl Methyl Glucamide, Lauroyl/Myristoyl Methyl Glucamide, Acrylates Crosspolymer-4, Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate, Polysorbate 20, Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate, Parfum, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Coconut Acid, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Isethionate, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Benzoate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitan Laurate, Polyquaternium-7, BHT, Butylene Glycol, Rice Oil Glycereth-8 Esters, Coconut Oil Glycereth-8 Esters, Sorbitol, Citric Acid, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Protein, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Protein, Amber Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Oryza Sativa Seed Protein, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Kaempferia Galanga Root Extract, Phytic Acid, Oryza Sativa Extract, Quaternium-95, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Gluconolactone, Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Citrulline, Disodium Phosphate, Potassium Benzoate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Benzyl Alcohol, Calcium Gluconate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzyl Alcohol is an aromatic alcohol with several roles: it's a preservative, solvent, and mild fragrance component with a floral scent.
This ingredient has been deemed safe for use in cosmetic formulations at concentrations up to 5%, and up to 10% in hair dyes. You'll typically see 0.5-2% in most rinse-off or leave-on products.
As a preservative, it works by disrupting the membrane of microbial proteins. This helps keep bacteria and fungi from growing in your products.
The sensitization picture is actually quite assuring as well:of nearly 71,000 patients patch tested with benzyl alcohol, only 0.21% showed a positive reaction with most of them being weakly positive.
This led researchers to conclude that benzyl alcohol cannot be regarded as a significant contact allergen.
It is worth noting this ingredient is classified as one of the EU's regulated fragrance allergens and restricted to 1% in finished products.
Labels must also declare it in concentrations above 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products.
At concentrations around 5%, localized redness and itching can appear as a direct irritant response and not as a true allergic reaction.
Learn more about Benzyl AlcoholCitric 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 AcidCoconut acid is a mixture of fatty acids obtains by hydrolyzing coconut oil and then distilling the fatty acid portion. It works as a cleansing surfactant, emollient, and emulsifier depending on the formulation.
This ingredient is not a single compound but reflects the fatty acid profile of coconut oil itself, which is about 90% saturated.
The dominant fatty acid is lauric acid (44-54%) and then myristic acid (13-19%). There are also small amounts of caprylic, capric, palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids.
Human testing from CIR has shown no indication this ingredient to be a primary irritant, sensitizer, or phototoxic compound. It's COSMOS-approved for natural and organic products.
Due to the fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Research has confirmed Malassezia can use lauric acid as a food source.
Learn more about Coconut AcidDisodium 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract comes from sunflower seeds.
Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E. Studies show sunflowers contain antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed ExtractWe don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol yet.
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 LimonenePanthenol 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 PanthenolParfum 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 āFRAGRANCEā or āPARFUMā 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.
Polyquaternium-7 is a light to clear colored liquid. It is commonly found in haircare products for its film-forming and anti-static properties.
According to a manufacturer, it is a non-paraben and specially developed for negatively charged surfactant systems. This makes it a great hairstyle holder and helps to improve wet hair detangling without adding buildup.
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 SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Ā
Itās 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 PropanediolWe don't have a description for Quaternium-95 yet.
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 BenzoateSodium 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.
This ingredient hasnāt been shown in studies to feed fungal acne yeast.
Learn more about Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateWe don't have a description for Sodium Isethionate yet.
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.
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is a cleansing agent and emulsifier. It is a surfactant derived from sarcosine, and a common source is coconut oil.
As a surfactant, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate helps lift dirts, oil, and other molecules to be washed away. In leave-on products, this ingredient is used as an emulsifier. Emulsifier help prevent ingredients such as oils and waters from separating.
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is also commonly found as a foaming agent in shampoo, toothpaste, and shaving foam. It is amphiphilic, meaning it loves both water and fats.
Learn more about Sodium Lauroyl SarcosinateTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful.
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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water