What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantSorbitol
HumectantCoco-Betaine
CleansingSodium Citrate
BufferingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingDisodium EDTA
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPropanediol
SolventCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningAngelica Archangelica Root Extract
MaskingAspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract
HumectantMalpighia Glabra Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingWater, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Butylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Coco-Betaine, Sodium Citrate, Panthenol, Sodium Chloride, Coco-Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Decyl Glucoside, Disodium EDTA, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Ceramide NP, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydroxyacetophenone, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Angelica Archangelica Root Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract, Malpighia Glabra Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-6 Ricinoleate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Cocoate
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantBetaine
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningErythritol
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningIllicium Verum Fruit Extract
PerfumingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Citric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingWater, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-6 Ricinoleate, Polyglyceryl-3 Cocoate, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Panthenol, Erythritol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Illicium Verum Fruit Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate
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Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
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 preservativesÂ
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 GlycolCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate comes from Capric Acid and Polyglycerin-4. It is an emulsifier.
Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. They do this by preventing ingredients from separating, such as oils and water which do not mix naturally.
Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate comes from caprylic acid and Polyglycerin-6. It is an emulsifier, emollient, and cleansing agent.
Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating. Common ingredients include oils and water, which do not mix naturally. Emulsifiers have properties that help keep ingredients such as these together. There is emerging research that shows emulsifiers may also help in delivering ingredients into the skin.
As an emollient, polyglyceryl-6 caprylate helps soften skin.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-6 CaprylatePropanediol 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 PropanediolSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
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.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateWater. 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