What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Isopentyldiol
Humectant
Vinegar
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Betaine
Humectant
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Erythritol
Humectant
Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingLactic Acid
Buffering
Octyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Gluconate
ChelatingMentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Cetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Sodium Lactate
Buffering
Menthol
Masking
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Mentha Piperita Extract
CleansingMentha Viridis Extract
MaskingDisodium EDTA
ChelatingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract
TonicMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Limonene
Perfuming
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Fructan
Skin ConditioningCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningUrtica Dioica Extract
AstringentViola Mandshurica Flower Extract
Antioxidant
Equisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicPrunus Persica Fruit Extract
Abrasive
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantSwertia Japonica Extract
Skin ConditioningUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Alcohol Denat., Isopentyldiol, Vinegar, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Erythritol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Lactic Acid, Octyldodeceth-16, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Gluconate, Mentha Piperita Oil, Cetrimonium Chloride, Sodium Lactate, Menthol, Salicylic Acid, Mentha Piperita Extract, Mentha Viridis Extract, Disodium EDTA, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Limonene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Fructan, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Urtica Dioica Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Swertia Japonica Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Limonene is the compound that gives citrus peel its smell.
In skincare, it shows up as a standalone fragrance ingredient or as a natural compound of citrus and other essential oils.
You'll typically see this ingredient used in very small amounts; anything above 0.001% in a leave-on product or 0.01% in a rinse-off has to be named on the label in the EU. The citrus oils that carry it sit around 0.5-1% in a finished formula.
Fresh limonene is a weak allergen; the real issue is that it slowly reacts with air and then breaks down from oxidation to create hydroperoxides (which are strong sensitizers). This is why suppliers are required to keep the peroxide value below 20 mmol.
Positive reactions in people being investigated for eczema vary:
It's worth skipping if you have a known fragrance allergy or a compromised barrier, but the risk is low for most people.
Older or long-opened products are also more likely to bother you than fresh ones due to oxidation.
Learn more about LimoneneSalicylic 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 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
