What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventNiacinamide
SmoothingSodium Citrate
BufferingPropanediol
SolventGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningXylitol
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningOctyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingBetaine
HumectantHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningEriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Sucrose
HumectantMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantMineral Salts
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantJuniperus Mexicana Oil
MaskingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
PerfumingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingHyaluronic Acid
HumectantLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingCymbopogon Nardus Oil
MaskingHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingWater, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide, Sodium Citrate, Propanediol, Gluconolactone, Xylitol, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Octyldodeceth-16, Betaine, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Sucrose, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Mineral Salts, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Cymbopogon Nardus Oil, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialGlycerin
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingPyrus Malus Fruit Water
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCodium Tomentosum Extract
Skin ProtectingEcklonia Cava Extract
Skin ConditioningEnteromorpha Compressa Extract
Skin ProtectingGelidium Cartilagineum Extract
Skin ProtectingLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantPearl Extract
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCholeth-24
EmulsifyingSodium Lactate
BufferingMenthyl Lactate
MaskingSalicylic Acid
MaskingMenthyl PCA
HumectantEthyl Menthane Carboxamide
TonicPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningLactobionic Acid
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPotassium Benzoate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingWater, Alcohol, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Codium Tomentosum Extract, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Enteromorpha Compressa Extract, Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Pearl Extract, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Choleth-24, Sodium Lactate, Menthyl Lactate, Salicylic Acid, Menthyl PCA, Ethyl Menthane Carboxamide, Polyglutamic Acid, Lactobionic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Benzoate, Sodium Benzoate
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
Butylene 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 GlycolGlycerin (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 GlycerinThis 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 OilPentylene 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 PropanediolSalicylic 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, it’s 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 AcidSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water