What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientSaccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment
Skin ConditioningMyreth-3 Myristate
EmollientIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantOctyldodecanol
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveTin Oxide
AbrasivePEG-100 Stearate
CI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantStearyl Alcohol
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitol
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
PEG-Crosspolymer
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Citrate
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
BufferingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicParfum
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Alcohol Denat., Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Myreth-3 Myristate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Pentylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Octyldodecanol, Synthetic Wax, Tin Oxide, PEG-100 Stearate, CI 17200, CI 15985, CI 77891, Stearyl Alcohol, Mica, Potassium Sorbate, Carbomer, Sorbitol, Glyceryl Stearate, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, PEG-Crosspolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Myristyl Alcohol, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Adenosine, Tocopherol, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Citric Acid, Biotin, Parfum
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV AbsorberButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV AbsorberHomosalate 2%
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningPolyester-8
Skin ConditioningPetrolatum
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl Ricinoleate
EmollientOctyldodecyl Myristate
EmollientSteareth-21
CleansingSteareth-2
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
EmollientDi-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientPsidium Guajava Fruit Extract
AstringentGentiana Lutea Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientLaminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Skin ConditioningTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningFumaria Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Medica Limonum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rice Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemia Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialVitis Vinifera Seed Extract
AntimicrobialStearyl Alcohol
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningThermus Thermophillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientPantethine
EmollientTriacontanyl Pvp
HumectantAcrylic Acid/Vp Crosspolymer
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantLinoleic Acid
CleansingPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Squalane
EmollientSodium PCA
HumectantUrea
BufferingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantErgothioneine
AntioxidantGlycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantLecithin
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPalmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCyclodextrin
AbsorbentNordihydroguaiaretic Acid
AntioxidantAscorbyl Tocopheryl Maleate
AntioxidantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingParfum
MaskingFumaric Acid
BufferingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantEthylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
BHT
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingHydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde
MaskingButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77289
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 2%, Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Polyester-8, Petrolatum, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Steareth-21, Steareth-2, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Di-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate, Dimethicone, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Fumaria Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, Artemia Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Stearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, Sorbitan Olivate, Caffeine, Pentylene Glycol, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Behenyl Alcohol, Pantethine, Triacontanyl Pvp, Acrylic Acid/Vp Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Linoleic Acid, Polyquaternium-51, Cholesterol, Cetearyl Olivate, Squalane, Sodium PCA, Urea, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ergothioneine, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Trehalose, Lecithin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Cyclodextrin, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Maleate, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum, Fumaric Acid, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Mica, CI 19140, CI 42090, CI 77289
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric 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 AcidDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisodium 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 EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinMica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaParfum 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 ParfumPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
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 HydroxideStearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients.
Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent alcohols. FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Stearyl AlcoholWater. 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