What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingPEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate
CleansingPEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
EmulsifyingSuccinic Acid
BufferingSalicylic Acid
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningZinc PCA
HumectantPotassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Pantolactone
HumectantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientLactic Acid
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingParfum
MaskingWater, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Succinic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Zinc PCA, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Pantolactone, Polysorbate 20, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Lactic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingNiacinamide
SmoothingSalicylic Acid
MaskingSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingPEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate
EmulsifyingGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCalcium Gluconate
HumectantTriethyl Citrate
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCholesterol
EmollientCoconut Acid
CleansingTetrasodium EDTA
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Hectorite
AbsorbentPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAcrylates Copolymer
Benzoic Acid
MaskingWater, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Gluconolactone, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Calcium Gluconate, Triethyl Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Coconut Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Hectorite, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates Copolymer, Benzoic 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.
Caprylyl 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 GlycolSalicylic 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, itβs 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 BenzoateChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSodium 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 HydroxideWater. 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