What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingButylene Glycol
HumectantSqualane
EmollientMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
AntimicrobialPropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingDiglycerin
HumectantMelaleuca Alternifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingMadecassoside
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Diglycerin, Melaleuca Alternifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Madecassoside, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningMyristic Acid
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingStearic Acid
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventLauryl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingPalmitic Acid
EmollientSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingPotassium Benzoate
PreservativeSalicylic Acid
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantSorbitol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
AntimicrobialMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientArachidic Acid
CleansingLauric Acid
CleansingSodium Citrate
BufferingMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Oleic Acid
EmollientTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantDextrin
AbsorbentCitric Acid
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientChamaecyparis Obtusa Water
MaskingPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicWater, Myristic Acid, Glycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Propanediol, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Palmitic Acid, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Potassium Benzoate, Salicylic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Sorbitol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Chloride, Centella Asiatica Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Arachidic Acid, Lauric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Oleic Acid, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Dextrin, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract
Reviews
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
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken, emulsify, and improve the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions to give products an elegant feel when applied.
It can also form a thin protective film on skin. One study found that a formula using this polymer helped slow down how quickly other ingredients (like DEET) were absorbed through skin.
A 2024 study of over 1,300 patients confirmed that sensitization to this ingredient is rare. It is also non-mutagenic and has a clean track record.
Learn more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerButylene 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 ExtractThis ingredient is also known as tea tree oil. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Tea tree oil is a complex lipophilic (fat-loving) oil that contains around 100 compounds with terpinen-4-ol being the most abundant (~40%).
Terpinen-4-ol is responsible for tea tree oil's broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and makes it a well-researched option for acne.
Clinical studies support 5% tea tree oil as an effective topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. A study with 124 patients compared 5% tea tree oil gel to 5% benzoyl peroxide and both reduced acne (though tea tree oil worked more slowly).
Besides acne, it is also seen in anti-dandruff shampoos and scalp treatments for it's antimicrobial and anti-seborrheic properties.
Safety-wise, the allergic potential of low concentrations on healthy skin is considered low. However, oxidized (old or improperly stored) tea tree oil is a stronger sensitizer.
Irritation can also occur if using the undiluted oil on skin; it's best to use this ingredient as part of a carefully crafted cosmetic formula. This is because regulations require tea tree oil in cosmetics to be stabilized to prevent degradation.
This ingredient has been deemed safe up to 2% in shampoo, 1% in cleansers, and 0.1% in face cream by the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).
There is some lab evidence that tea tree oil is antifungal against Malassezia, but it is a supportive option at best and not a replacement for proven antifungal treatments.
Learn more about Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf OilThis ingredient is also known as tea tree leaf water or tea tree hydrosol. It functions as an antimicrobial, anti-sebum, astringent, and tonic ingredient.
You can think of it as a gentler, water-version of tea tree oil.
Its star active is terpinen-4-ol, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial.
The water-soluble compounds of tea tree have been shown to calm inflammation by roughly 50% in vitro (with Terpinen-4-ol driving this).
Terpinen-4-ol has also demonstrated strong inhibitory activity against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus.
Before slathering on tea tree water, just know concentrations under 5% are considered more suitable and safer than higher concentrations.
The European Medicines Agency recognizes tea tree-derived ingredients as having well-established use for mild acne and small superficial wounds.
It's a well-researched and skin-friendly option for oily or acne-prone skin.
As with most actives, patch testing is a good idea if your skin leans sensitive.
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 GlycolPropanediol 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 PropanediolWater. 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