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. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Propanediol

Solvent

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.

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 Propanediol

Tromethamine

Buffering, Masking

Tromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.

As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.

Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.

Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.

1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-

Learn more about Tromethamine

Butylene Glycol

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
It helps improve product application.
It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.

It is a:

Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
Emollient, helping to soften skin
Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives

Betaine

Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.

This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.

Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.

Learn more about Betaine

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.

Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad

Kombu Balancing Ampoule Toner

When to use

Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad 22 ingredients

KAINE Kombu Balancing Ampoule Toner 33 ingredients

1,944 Routines

36% use in am

64% use in pm

77% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

271 Routines

51% use in am

49% use in pm

97% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad 22 ingredients

3.8 /5

from 50 ratings

Works Well (26) Hydrating (15) Light (14)

princessmelody2010

1 year ago

Review

If you have Acne struggles, this product is for you.. this product is too perfect! Works well with my combo skin!

#great value

#hydrating

#light

#absorbs well

Anua

Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad

anniec

1 year ago

Review

I've heard nothing but good things so I'm very confused about my reaction. It broke me out so bad (especially my chin) and it wasn't just an allergic reaction or over-exfoliation, I got big juicy pimples everywhere and I have no idea why.

#broke me out

Anua

Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad

KAINE Kombu Balancing Ampoule Toner 33 ingredients

4.0 /5

from 7 ratings

No Scent (4) Absorbs Well (3) Hydrating (3)

Clover

6 months ago

Review

Hydrating, but not much else...
I’m beginning to think tea is one of those ingredients that either works really well for you or just does nothing at all. Well… not nothing I guess… I don’t like saying a product/ingredient does absolutely nothing because I’m sure it has to do something. But for me whatever that something is must be so minimal that I personally didn’t notice any improvement in my Show more

#hydrating

#light

#no scent

#doesn't work

KAINE

Kombu Balancing Ampoule Toner

Pea

5 months ago

Review

It has a really nice texture that doesn’t make my face feel too oily and also works well with my COSRX centella water toner to cool down my skin (I have rosacea). I also noticed the oiliness of my skin has reduced after using this product for a few months, though this may just be because I’ve started taking birth control to manage my acne breakouts. All in all, would re-purchase it just for its Show more

#hydrating

#absorbs well

#no scent

KAINE

Kombu Balancing Ampoule Toner