What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCoconut Oil Methylpropanediol Esters
EmollientCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingAlcohol
AntimicrobialPEG-100 Stearate
Glyceryl Stearate
EmollientTalc
AbrasiveOctyldodecanol
EmollientChamomilla Recutita Flower Water
MaskingAphloia Theiformis Leaf Extract
AstringentAcrylates/Vinyl Isodecanoate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSalicylic Acid
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingTetrasodium EDTA
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeLinalool
PerfumingTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Coconut Oil Methylpropanediol Esters, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Talc, Octyldodecanol, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Water, Aphloia Theiformis Leaf Extract, Acrylates/Vinyl Isodecanoate Crosspolymer, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Limonene, Tetrasodium EDTA, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Linalool, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMethylpropanediol
SolventDimethicone
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientHamamelis Virginiana Water
AstringentSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAphloia Theiformis Leaf Extract
AstringentPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeIsohexadecane
EmollientCeteareth-33
CleansingParfum
MaskingBehenic Acid
CleansingSalicylic Acid
MaskingZinc Gluconate
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasivePolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingTetrasodium EDTA
Ledum Groenlandicum Extract
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Methylpropanediol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Aphloia Theiformis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Isohexadecane, Ceteareth-33, Parfum, Behenic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Zinc Gluconate, Silica, Polysorbate 80, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Sorbitan Oleate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Ledum Groenlandicum Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Acacia Senegal Gum
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 AlcoholWe don't have a description for Aphloia Theiformis Leaf Extract yet.
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 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 GlycerinParfum 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 SorbateSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSodium 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 HydroxideTetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable.
Tetrasodium EDTA comes as a white solid and is soluble in water.
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