Updated on January 28, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Benton Tea Tree Serum 21 ingredients
iUNIK Tea Tree Relief Serum 32 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Benton Tea Tree Serum 21 ingredients
iUNIK Tea Tree Relief Serum 32 ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Melaleuca Cajaputi Extract
TonicDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Salix Nigra Bark Extract
Skin ProtectingSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientArginine
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Water, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Betaine, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Melaleuca Cajaputi Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salix Nigra Bark Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Arginine, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
AntimicrobialCentella Asiatica Leaf Water
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Glycereth-26
Humectant
Triticum Vulgare Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMedicago Sativa Extract
TonicRaphanus Sativus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract
MaskingBrassica Campestris Extract
Skin ConditioningAspalathus Linearis Extract
Skin ConditioningCommiphora Myrrha Resin Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Water
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex
Antioxidant
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Glycereth-26, Triticum Vulgare Sprout Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract, Medicago Sativa Extract, Raphanus Sativus Seed Extract, Beta-Glucan, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Brassica Campestris Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Water, Betaine, Allantoin, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin
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.
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 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 BetaineButylene 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 and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolDipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.
Learn more about Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateGlycerin 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 GlycerinThis ingredient is created by distilling parts of the tea tree plant. The bark and leaves of the tea tree plant are rich in Terpinen, an antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory ingredient.
Tea tree may cause sensitivity and irritation for some people due to its linalool and limonene content.
Learn more about tea tree benefits here.
Learn more about Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf WaterPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Benton Tea Tree Serum 21 ingredients
iUNIK Tea Tree Relief Serum 32 ingredients
Reviews
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