What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientAlcohol
AntimicrobialIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientBetaine
HumectantHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHamamelis Virginiana Water
AstringentMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientCarpobrotus Edulis Extract
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantAcrylates/Vinyl Isodecanoate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium PCA
HumectantInositol
HumectantParfum
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
MaskingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingCitric Acid
BufferingPantolactone
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Alcohol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Betaine, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Carpobrotus Edulis Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Hydroxyacetophenone, Acrylates/Vinyl Isodecanoate Crosspolymer, Sodium PCA, Inositol, Parfum, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sodium Hydroxide, Allantoin, Salicylic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Pantolactone, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventEthylhexyl Stearate
EmollientCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingDimethicone
EmollientBrassica Campestris Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningSteareth-2
EmulsifyingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientSteareth-21
CleansingHydrogenated Coconut Oil
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientCentaurea Cyanus Flower Water
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningEuphorbia Cerifera Cera
AstringentAphloia Theiformis Leaf Extract
AstringentSesamum Indicum Seed Oil
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingEthyl Linoleate
EmollientZea Mays Germ Oil
EmollientRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningCorylus Avellana Seed Oil
EmollientCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Sterols
EmollientLecithin
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSorbic Acid
PreservativePrunus Persica Kernel Oil
EmollientPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingPistacia Vera Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Germ Oil
EmollientOrbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientMangifera Indica Seed Oil
EmollientJuglans Regia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningGossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningCamellia Oleifera Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningBHT
AntioxidantSilybum Marianum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientOenothera Biennis Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningCarapa Guaianensis Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningCamelina Sativa Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientTetrasodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingRosa Damascena Extract
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingCitronellol
PerfumingAlcohol
AntimicrobialPropyl Gallate
AntioxidantWater, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Dimethicone, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil, Steareth-2, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Steareth-21, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Stearyl Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Aphloia Theiformis Leaf Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Ethyl Linoleate, Zea Mays Germ Oil, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Corylus Avellana Seed Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Glycine Soja Sterols, Lecithin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sorbic Acid, Prunus Persica Kernel Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Pistacia Vera Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Oryza Sativa Germ Oil, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica Seed Oil, Juglans Regia Seed Oil, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, BHT, Silybum Marianum Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Oenothera Biennis Seed Extract, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, Camelina Sativa Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Rosa Damascena Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Citronellol, Alcohol, Propyl Gallate
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about 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 AcidGlycerin (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 GlycerinMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil is the fixed oil obtained from Macadamia nut native to Australia. Due to its similarity with our skin's natural oils, macadamia oil absorbs easily without feeling greasy.
Macadamia seed oil is rich in fatty acids, including oleic acid (45-75%), palmitoleic acid (7-33%), and palmitic acid (6-12%). They also contain various B vitamins, iron, and magnesium.
Palmitoleic acid helps calm inflammation and supports wound healing while oleic acid helps hydrate the skin.
Due to the high amounts of palmitic and oleic acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. These are fatty acids that Malassezia yeast can feed on (C11-C24 chain length). If you're prone to fungal acne, this one's probably not for you.
You'll also see this ingredient listed as: Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil . This is the same ingredient; M. ternifolia is an older INCI naming convention for the edible macadamia nut, while M. integrifolia is the species actually cultivated for oil production. Both names refer to the same oil.
Learn more about Macadamia Ternifolia Seed OilMethylpropanediol 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 MethylpropanediolParfum 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 ParfumPotassium 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 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 HydroxideTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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