What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Sulfur
Antiseborrhoeic
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Kaolin
Abrasive
Propanediol
Solvent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Squalene
Emollient
Sphingomonas Ferment Extract
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Beta-Sitosterol
Emulsion Stabilising
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Propylene Carbonate
SolventDisodium EDTA
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Phosphoric Acid
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Glycerin, Sulfur, Cetearyl Alcohol, Kaolin, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Squalene, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Beta-Sitosterol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, PEG-40 Stearate, Ceteareth-20, Propylene Carbonate, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Phosphoric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
Sulfur 5%
Antiseborrhoeic
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Isopentyldiol
Humectant
Bentonite
Absorbent
Peat Extract
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Propanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetyl Ricinoleate
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Urea
Buffering
Yeast Amino Acids
HumectantTrehalose
Humectant
Inositol
Humectant
Taurine
BufferingBetaine
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Bisabolol
Masking
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCoco-Glucoside
CleansingAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Citric Acid
Buffering
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Sulfur 5%, Water, Kaolin, Isopentyldiol, Bentonite, Peat Extract, Zinc Oxide, Propanediol, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Allantoin, Salicylic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Bisabolol, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citric Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Chlorphenesin
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinKaolin is a clay. It is used for oil control and to help minimize pores. Like other clays, kaolin has the ability to absorb excess sebum or oil. This can help clean out pores and mattify the skin.
Some types of kaolin may have exfoliating properties. When water is added to kaolin, it becomes a paste with small abrasive particles.
Most kaolin is a white color, but may be pink/orange/red depending on where it comes from.
The name 'kaolin' comes from a Chinese village named 'Gaoling'. Kaolin clay comes from rocks rich in kaolinite. Kaolinite, the mineral, has a silicate layered structure. Kaolinite is formed from chemical weathering of aluminum siilicate minerals.
Besides skincare, kaolin is commonly used to make glossy paper, in ceramics, toothpaste, and as medicine to soothe stomach issues.
Learn more about KaolinPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSalicylic 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 AcidSulfur is a commonly occurring element on Earth (and our universe!). In cosmetics, it helps kill bacteria, reduces sebum, and provides exfoliation. This makes it an effective ingredient to reduce breakouts and fight acne.
As a ketayolytic agent, it breaks down the top layer of skin. This is a form of exfoliation and may help decrease acne and hyperpigmentation.
Studies show sulfur has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Sulfur can be drying if used excessively or at higher concentrations. We recommend speaking with a medical professional if you have any concerns.
Ancient Greece, India, China, and Egypt have used sulfur in both traditional medicines and for household use.
Learn more about SulfurWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
