What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMyristic Acid
CleansingButylene Glycol
HumectantPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingStearic Acid
CleansingLauric Acid
CleansingPotassium Cocoyl Glycinate
SurfactantCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingPEG-100 Stearate
SurfactantGlycol Stearate
EmollientPhaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningTrichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract
Skin ProtectingChrysanthemum Morifolium Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientAsparagus Cochinchinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningEpimedium Koreanum Extract
AntimicrobialPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Tenuissima Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCeratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract
MaskingTricholoma Matsutake Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycol Distearate
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantMethylpropanediol
SolventC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingSqualane
EmollientMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientTriethylhexanoin
MaskingArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingDextrin
AbsorbentTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantTrisodium EDTA
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Potassium Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, PEG-100 Stearate, Glycol Stearate, Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract, Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract, Chrysanthemum Morifolium Flower Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Asparagus Cochinchinensis Root Extract, Epimedium Koreanum Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Angelica Tenuissima Root Extract, Ceratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract, Tricholoma Matsutake Extract, Glycol Distearate, Sorbitan Olivate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Methylpropanediol, C14-22 Alcohols, Squalane, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Triethylhexanoin, Arachidyl Glucoside, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Dimethicone, Tromethamine, CI 77891, Mica, Trisodium EDTA, CI 77491, Carbomer, Parfum, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningLauric Acid
CleansingDisodium Cocoamphodiacetate
CleansingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingMyristic Acid
CleansingAcrylates Copolymer
Glycerin
HumectantAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialHexylene Glycol
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTetrasodium EDTA
Butylene Glycol
HumectantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantMethylpropanediol
SolventGanoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientPhaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Branch/Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingTrichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract
Skin ProtectingLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTuber Magnatum Extract
Skin ConditioningCnidium Officinale Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPoria Cocos Sclerotium Extract
AstringentPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningRehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLycium Chinense Fruit Extract
AntioxidantAngelica Gigas Extract
Skin ConditioningCuscuta Japonica Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Tenuissima Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCeratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract
MaskingPhellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningPlatycodon Grandiflorus Root Extract
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Lauric Acid, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Potassium Hydroxide, Myristic Acid, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Hexylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tetrasodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, CI 77891, Mica, CI 77491, Methylpropanediol, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Branch/Flower/Leaf Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Tuber Magnatum Extract, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Angelica Gigas Extract, Cuscuta Japonica Seed Extract, Angelica Tenuissima Root Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Extract, Ceratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Platycodon Grandiflorus Root Extract, Parfum, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
We don't have a description for Angelica Tenuissima Root Extract yet.
Benzyl Salicylate is a solvent and fragrance additive. It is an ester of benzyl alcohol and salicylic acid. This ingredient can be naturally found in some plants and plant extracts.
In fragrances, Benzyl Salicylate may be a solvent or a fragrance component. In synthetic musk scents, it is used as a solvent. For floral fragrances such as lilac and jasmine, it is used as a fragrance component. The natural scent of Benzyl Salicylate is described as "lightly-sweet, slightly balsamic".
While Benzyl Salicylate has been associated with contact dermatitis and allergies, emerging studies show it may not be caused by this ingredient alone.
However, this ingredient is often used with fragrances and other components that may cause allergies. It is still listed as a known allergen in the EU. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Another study from 2021 shows Benzyl Salicylate may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Learn more about Benzyl SalicylateButylene 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 GlycolWe don't have a description for Ceratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract yet.
Ci 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Citronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolGlycerin (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 GlycerinHydroxycitronellal is a fragrance created from citronellal. The smell of hydroxycitronellal is often described as "citrus-like" or "melon-like".
Hydroxycitronellal is a known EU allergen and may cause irritation when applied to the skin.
Lauric Acid is a saturated fatty acid naturally found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and even breast milk.
In cosmetics, it is an:
Lab studies have found that lauric acid is surprisingly good at killing acne-causing bacteria. However, these tests were done on bacteria in a petri dish and not on real skin, so we can't say for certain it works the same in a formulation on a real face.
The comedogenic rating of 4 comes from the 1972 rabbit ear model using undiluted ingredients. Comedogenicity is highly individual and one comedogenic ingredient cannot predict how a formula will behave on skin.
This ingredient is not fungal acne safe and research has confirmed Malassezia can use it as a food source. Even though "fungal acne" has the word "acne" in it, they are completely different. Regular acne is driven by a bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes, clogged pores, and excess oil. Fungal acne isn't really acne; it's caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia that already lives on everyone's skin. Because one is bacterial and the other is fungal, they respond to different ingredients.
Learn more about Lauric AcidLimonene 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 LimoneneMethylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.
As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.
Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.
Learn more about MethylpropanediolMica 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 MicaMyristic Acid, aka tetradecanoic acid, is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in coconut oil and palm oil.
In skincare, it is an:
Research indicates that this ingredient posts a low risk of irritation and sensitization.
Since myristic acid is a C14 fatty acid, it falls within the range that Malassezia can metabolize, and therefore not fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Myristic AcidGinseng root is a well-loved ingredient in Asian skincare for good reason. It hydrates the skin, soothes irritation, and helps even out skin tone.
In traditional East Asian medicine, ginseng has been used for centuries both as food and as a healing remedy, and modern research continues to confirm its skin benefits.
One of the standout features of ginseng is its ability to improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the skin, bringing a fresh supply of nutrients to support overall skin health. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to protect your skin against damage from UV exposure, pollution, and daily stress.
Additionally, studies suggest that ginseng may help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin production.
There are different types of ginseng used in skincare, and while they all share core benefits, their potency can vary.
Most products use fresh or white ginseng because it’s more affordable. However, red ginseng, produced by steaming the root, contains higher levels of ginsenosides, which are compounds with proven anti-aging effects. These ginsenosides help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
Note: All forms of ginseng are listed simply as “Panax ginseng” in ingredient lists. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about which type of ginseng is used in their ingredients.
For general antioxidant benefits, any ginseng extract will do, but for wrinkle care or firmer skin, red or fermented ginseng is often more effective.
In short, ginseng is a powerhouse ingredient that supports hydration, radiance, and resilience.
Learn more about Panax Ginseng Root ExtractParfum 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 ParfumPhaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract is also known as mung bean seed extract. This is a plant-derived ingredient with skin conditioning properties.
Mung bean seeds are naturally rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins. These compounds have been shown in lab studies to fight oxidative stress and inhibit tyrosinase (the enzyme responsible for melanin production).
Research into mung bean seed proanthocyanidins found they act as potent and reversible inhibitors of tyrosinase through both enzyme and substrate interactions.
Studies on mung bean seed and sprout extracts have also found certain fractions inhibited melanogensis more effectively than arbutin, a well-known brightening agent.
Some ingredient suppliers market fermented or specialized versions of the extract for anti-aging purposes; they cite internal data that showed reduced inflammatory markers and increased collagen I production.
Suppliers usually recommend a usage dose of 1-5% in formulas with a pH range of 4-8.
Overall, this is a well tolerated ingredient with no significant safety concerns flagged.
Learn more about Phaseolus Radiatus Seed ExtractThis plant derived ingredient has skin conditioning and antioxidant properties.
You may see his ingredient in hair and scalp products because some research suggests it may support hair growth. However, strong human clinical evidence is limited.
Potassium hydroxide is commonly known as caustic potash. It is used to fix the pH of a product or as a cleaning agent in soap. In cleansers, it is used for the saponification of oils.
Sapnification is the process of creating fatty acid metal salts from triglycerides and a strong base. During this process, Potassium Hydroxide is used up and is not present in the final product.
Using high concentrations of Potassium Hydroxide have shown to irritate the skin.
Learn more about Potassium HydroxideWe don't have a description for Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract yet.
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