What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingButylene Glycol
HumectantMelaleuca Alternifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantBetaine Salicylate
AntimicrobialXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingWater
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningOctyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingCholeth-24
EmulsifyingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
Antimicrobial1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Butylene Glycol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Betaine, Panthenol, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Betaine Salicylate, Xanthan Gum, Water, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Octyldodeceth-16, Choleth-24, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopherol
Centella Asiatica Extract 86%
CleansingBHA
AntioxidantCentella Asiatica Leaf Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
BufferingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Tromethamine
BufferingMalic Acid
BufferingScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentChamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
AntimicrobialOriganum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingBetaine Salicylate
AntimicrobialCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
MaskingPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialLactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentCentella Asiatica Extract 86%, BHA, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Sodium Citrate, Allantoin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Gluconolactone, Lactic Acid, Adenosine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Water, Citric Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Tromethamine, Malic Acid, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Betaine Salicylate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower 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.
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 Salicylate is considered a salicylic acid alternative.
Limited studies exist proving this ingredient to be a complete alternative to salicylic acid. Based on existing research, this ingredient does not penetrate as deeply and is not shown to be as effective.
However, this makes it a great choice for those with sensitive skin or need gentle BHA action.
This ingredient is created using betaine and salicylic acid.
This ingredient is oil-soluble and is most effective at a pH range of 3.8-4.2.
Learn more about Betaine SalicylateButylene 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 AcidEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinThis 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 WaterSodium 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