What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingAcrylates Copolymer
Keratin
Skin ConditioningTrifolium Pratense Flower Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialLarix Europaea Wood Extract
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantAcetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Skin ProtectingRice Oil Glycereth-8 Esters
CleansingSodium Phytate
Cocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Coconut Acid
EmollientSodium Isethionate
CleansingSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantIsopropanolamine
BufferingCoconut Acid
CleansingDextran
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantGlycine
BufferingGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningZinc Chloride
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingWater, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Lauryl Glucoside, Acrylates Copolymer, Keratin, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Larix Europaea Wood Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Rice Oil Glycereth-8 Esters, Sodium Phytate, Cocamide Mipa, Polysorbate 20, Hydrogenated Coconut Acid, Sodium Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Caprylyl Glycol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Isopropanolamine, Coconut Acid, Dextran, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Glycine, Gluconolactone, Zinc Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene, Citronellol
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingDisteareth-75 Ipdi
Olive Oil Glycereth-8 Esters
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCoconut Acid
CleansingSodium Isethionate
CleansingOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingParfum
MaskingGlycol Stearate
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningLepidium Sativum Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingOryza Sativa Seed Protein
AntioxidantOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentHelianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningGlycol Distearate
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantMaltodextrin
AbsorbentCalcium Gluconate
HumectantGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Phytic Acid
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeLecithin
EmollientTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Benzyl Alcohol
PerfumingCitric Acid
BufferingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingAlcohol
AntimicrobialLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingWater, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Lauryl Glucoside, Cocamide Mipa, Disteareth-75 Ipdi, Olive Oil Glycereth-8 Esters, Glycerin, Coconut Acid, Sodium Isethionate, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Parfum, Glycol Stearate, Panthenol, Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Oryza Sativa Seed Protein, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Glycol Distearate, Tocopherol, Maltodextrin, Calcium Gluconate, Gluconolactone, Sodium Phytate, Phytic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Lecithin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Benzyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium Phosphate, Alcohol, Limonene, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Geraniol
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 AcidWe don't have a description for Cocamide Mipa yet.
Coconut 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 small amount 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 also COSMOS-approved for natural and organic products.
Due to the high fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Coconut 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 GeraniolGluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneGlycerin (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 GlycerinThis ingredient is derived from guar gum. It is a skin conditioning agent that creates a thin, breathable film to reduce water loss during cleansing.
This leaves the skin feeling soft rather than stripped and also contributes to a creamier lather.
Due to the large molecule size, this ingredient is unlikely to penetrate skin.
Learn more about Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideLauryl Glucoside sugar- and lipid-based cleansing agent. It is created from glucose and lauryl alcohol.
This ingredient is a surfactant, making it easier to rinse oil, dirt, and other pollutants away.
A British study found lauryl glucoside to cause skin sensitivity for some people. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Other names for this ingredient include "Lauryl Polyglucose", "Lauryl glycoside", and "D-Glucopyranoside".
Learn more about Lauryl GlucosideLimonene 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 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.
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 SorbateSodium 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 Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water. This helps stabilize the ingredients and the product.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skinās lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolTrisodium 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