What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%
Water
Skin ConditioningBehenoxy Dimethicone
Emollient
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Lysozyme
Skin ConditioningCocoyl Argininamide
Skin Conditioning
Polyacrylamide
Capryloyl Glycine
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Decylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Mirabilis Jalapa Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Carboxymethyl Betaglucan
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Cocoglycerides
Emollient
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Syringa Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMyristoyl Tetrapeptide-13
Skin Conditioning
Tromethamine
BufferingBenzoyl Peroxide 2.5%, Water, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Lysozyme, Cocoyl Argininamide, Polyacrylamide, Capryloyl Glycine, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Tocopheryl Acetate, Decylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Mirabilis Jalapa Extract, Sodium Carboxymethyl Betaglucan, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Cocoglycerides, Maltodextrin, Syringa Vulgaris Extract, Beta-Glucan, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-13, Tromethamine
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Beta-Glucan is a soluble polysaccharide (a chain of glucose sugars) sourced from the cells walls of oats, baker's yeast, mushrooms, and seaweed.
It's a rare ingredient that pulls double-duty as a heavy-duty hydrator and skin-soothing repair agent.
On the surface, it acts as a humectant that holds water in place and reduces moisture loss for a plumper, smoother feel, while its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a great pick for calming redness or sensitive skin
The more interesting story is underneath:
Despite its large molecular size, oat beta-glucan has been shown to penetrate the epidermis and reach the dermis by slipping between skin cells. Here, it interacts with fibroblasts and macrophages to nudge collagen synthesis and support wound repair.
A small 2005 split-face clinical study of 27 subjects found topical beta-glucan produced measurable reductions in wrinkle depth, height, and roughness after 8 weeks of use.
It is worth noting the trial was small and the penetration testing used frozen, irradiated skin so the anti-aging data is encouraging rather than definitive.
This ingredient gets along with pretty much everything and is typically used around 0.1-1%.
Fungal acne: This ingredient is not a food source for the Malassezia yeast because it is a glucose polysaccharide with no fatty acid or ester component.
Learn more about Beta-GlucanCaprylyl 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, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeLaureth-7 is created by the ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol using ethylene oxide. Lauryl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with hydrating properties.
This ingredient is an emulsifier and cleansing ingredient. As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps cleanse the skin by gathering dirt, oil, and pollutants to be rinsed away.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer. It is used to stabilize products and bind ingredients. When hydrated, Polyacrylamide forms a soft gel.
Polyacrylamide is low-toxicity. If source properly, it is deemed safe to use in cosmetics.
It should be noted the precursor to Polyacrylamide is acrylamide. Acrylamide is a carcinogen. Most reputable sources of Polyacrylamide will screen for residual acrylamide to make sure the count is in a safe range. Acrylamide is not able to be absorbed through the skin.
We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about PolyacrylamideTocopheryl 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
