What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Emollient
Salix Nigra Bark Extract
Skin ProtectingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Lens Esculenta Seed Extract
Skin ProtectingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBenzoic Acid
Masking
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Zinc PCA, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Salix Nigra Bark Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Lens Esculenta Seed Extract, Allantoin, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzoic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide
Water
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycereth-26
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Skin Protecting
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Coffea Arabica Seed Extract
Masking
Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Castanea Crenata Shell Extract
Skin ConditioningZanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Citrate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Salicylic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyacetophenone, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinButylene 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 GlycolDisodium 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 EDTAEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHamamelis Virginiana Water is made by distilling parts of the witch hazel plant. You can also call this ingredient "witch hazel water".
The name 'Hamamelis Virginiana Water' refers to the distillation product used in cosmetics. On the other hand, 'Witch Hazel' refers to the active drug ingredient.
Unless it is specified to be non-alcohol, many types of witch hazel ingredients are distilled in denatured alcohol.
Witch Hazel water is an astringent, anti-inflammatory antioxidant, and antibacterial ingredient.
It contains tannins. Tannins have a drying effect when used on skin by constricting proteins. The constriction also minimizes the appearance of pores.
Both the tannins and fragrance found in witch hazel may be skin-sensitizing.
Witch hazel water gets anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties from its catechin and gallic acid content.
Indigenous groups have used witch hazel to help treat inflammation in North America for centuries.
Learn more about Hamamelis Virginiana WaterPolyglyceryl-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 CaprylateSalicylic 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 AcidWater. 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
