What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningLauramidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Taurate
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantCocamide DEA
EmulsifyingTea-Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate
CleansingTea-Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingParfum
MaskingPolyquaternium-10
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingMyristyl Betaine
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Polyquaternium-47
Skin ConditioningMenthol
MaskingCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantHoney
HumectantArginine
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientShea Butter Glycereth-8 Esters
CleansingButylene Glycol
HumectantGluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningPPG-7
Skin ConditioningAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingHoney Extract
HumectantCoco-Glucoside
CleansingKeratin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Honey Protein
Skin ConditioningRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Officinalis Flower Extract
TonicPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
PreservativeMethylisothiazolinone
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeMagnesium Nitrate
Magnesium Chloride
Water, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Lauroyl Taurate, Glycerin, Cocamide DEA, Tea-Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate, Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate, Parfum, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Benzoate, Myristyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-47, Menthol, Caramel, Honey, Arginine, Panthenol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Shea Butter Glycereth-8 Esters, Butylene Glycol, Gluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate, PPG-7, Acacia Senegal Gum, Honey Extract, Coco-Glucoside, Keratin, Hydrolyzed Honey Protein, Royal Jelly Extract, Paeonia Officinalis Flower Extract, Propolis Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Potassium Sorbate, Magnesium Nitrate, Magnesium Chloride
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientCapryloyl/Caproyl Methyl Glucamide
EmulsifyingLauroyl/Myristoyl Methyl Glucamide
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantAcrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer
Coconut Acid
CleansingParfum
MaskingSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingSodium Lauroamphoacetate
CleansingAmodimethicone
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventSodium Isethionate
CleansingPropylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantSodium Benzoate
MaskingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Polyquaternium-7
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Laureth-23
CleansingLaureth-4
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialTrideceth-15
EmulsifyingTrideceth-3
EmulsifyingBHT
AntioxidantRice Oil Glycereth-8 Esters
CleansingShea Butter Glycereth-8 Esters
CleansingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Silicone Quaternium-22
Sorbitol
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSalicylic Acid
MaskingQuaternium-95
UV AbsorberCitric Acid
BufferingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Caprate
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingAcetic Acid
BufferingChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingJasminum Officinale Flower Extract
MaskingPassiflora Incarnata Extract
AstringentRibes Nigrum Fruit Extract
AstringentCystine Bis-Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningBromelain
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Leaf Extract
AstringentLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingPalmitamidopropyltrimonium Chloride
Santalum Album Extract
CleansingAmber Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTin Oxide
AbrasivePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeVegetable Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningCupressus Sempervirens Seed Extract
PerfumingOryza Sativa Seed Protein
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialPhytic Acid
Oryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentCitrulline
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningAdansonia Digitata Seed Oil
EmollientArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningLitchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingCalcium Gluconate
HumectantLimonene
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamide Mipa, Dimethicone, Capryloyl/Caproyl Methyl Glucamide, Lauroyl/Myristoyl Methyl Glucamide, Glycerin, Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, Coconut Acid, Parfum, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Amodimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Sodium Isethionate, Propylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Benzoate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Polyquaternium-7, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Laureth-23, Laureth-4, Panthenol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Trideceth-15, Trideceth-3, BHT, Rice Oil Glycereth-8 Esters, Shea Butter Glycereth-8 Esters, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silicone Quaternium-22, Sorbitol, Phenoxyethanol, Salicylic Acid, Quaternium-95, Citric Acid, Caffeine, Dipropylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Acetic Acid, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Passiflora Incarnata Extract, Ribes Nigrum Fruit Extract, Cystine Bis-Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Bromelain, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Leaf Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Niacinamide, Palmitamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Santalum Album Extract, Amber Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Tin Oxide, Potassium Sorbate, Vegetable Amino Acids, Cupressus Sempervirens Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa Seed Protein, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Phytic Acid, Oryza Sativa Extract, Citrulline, Gluconolactone, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Biotin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Benzyl Alcohol, Calcium Gluconate, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, CI 77891
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
You may know this ingredient as argan oil. It has emollient and skin conditioning properties that help soften skin and reinforce the lipid barrier.
The fatty acid profile of argan oil is roughly 45-55% oleic acid, 28-36% linoleic acid, 10-15% palmitic acid, and 5-7% stearic acid. It also contains vitamin E, sterols, squalene, and polyphenols like ferulic acid.
Two clinical studies in postmenopausal women found that applying argan oil for 60 days significantly improved skin elasticity and moisturization (reduced transepidermal water loss and increased epidermal water content).
Since it is high in oleic and linoleic acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Both of these fall in the C11-C24 range that Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Argania Spinosa Kernel OilButylene 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 GlycolCitric 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 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 EDTAGlycerin (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 GlycerinPanthenol 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 “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 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 SorbateShea Butter Glycereth-8 Esters isn't fungal acne safe.
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 BenzoateWater. 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