What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
PEG-400
Emulsion StabilisingPPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Triethanolamine
BufferingPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Fomes Officinalis Extract
Skin ProtectingO-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Hamamelis Virginiana Extract
Antiseborrhoeic
Laminaria Japonica Extract
Skin Protecting
Parfum
Masking
Fucose
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
Antioxidant
Propanediol
Solvent
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Viola Yedoensis Extract
Skin ConditioningTaraxacum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Butyl Avocadate
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSebacic Acid
Buffering10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid
Skin ConditioningQuaternium-73
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Copper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
1,10-Decanediol
SolventZingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract
Antimicrobial
Carnosine
Skin Conditioning
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Asiatic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Water, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, PEG-400, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Chlorphenesin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Fomes Officinalis Extract, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Parfum, Fucose, Bisabolol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Viola Yedoensis Extract, Taraxacum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicylic Acid, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Butyl Avocadate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Sebacic Acid, 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid, Quaternium-73, Phospholipids, Copper Tripeptide-1, 1,10-Decanediol, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Carnosine, Caffeine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopherol, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Alcohol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Dimethicone
Emollient
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientHydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Dimethiconol
Emollient
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Tetrasodium EDTA
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Menthoxypropanediol
Masking
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Humectant
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Humectant
Sarcosine
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Butylene Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethiconol, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Menthoxypropanediol, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sarcosine, Salicylic Acid
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCarbomer is a high-molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid. It is used to form gels and thicken formulas.
Due to its large molecular size, carbomer has minimal skin penetration and is considered an inert ingredient.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Learn more about CarbomerChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinGlycerin (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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Propanediol 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 AcidTocopheryl 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
