What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Methyl Gluceth-20
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Butyl Avocadate
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Spiraea Ulmaria Extract
AstringentDimethiconol
Emollient
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
Cleansing
Buteth-3
SolventHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPolymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate
UV AbsorberLimonene
Perfuming
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus
Skin ConditioningTributyl Citrate
SolventCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Propyl Gallate
Antioxidant
CI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Methyl Gluceth-20, Dimethicone, Butyl Avocadate, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Hydroxide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Salicylic Acid, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Dimethiconol, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Buteth-3, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Limonene, Maltodextrin, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Lactobacillus, Tributyl Citrate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Propyl Gallate, CI 42090, CI 19140
Water
Skin ConditioningAlumina
Abrasive
Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin Conditioning
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Dimethicone
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Glycerin
Humectant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Hamamelis Virginiana Extract
Antiseborrhoeic
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Absorbent
Zea Mays Starch
Absorbent
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingAmmonium Lauryl Sulfate
Cleansing
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Carica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Sterols
Emollient
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMentha Viridis Leaf Oil
Astringent
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Phytate
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil
Masking
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
Masking
Citrus Grandis Seed Extract
Astringent
Hypericum Perforatum Extract
AntimicrobialAesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Cucumis Sativus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hedera Helix Extract
AntimicrobialYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Sulfate
Lauryl Alcohol
Emollient
Ammonium Chloride
BufferingTetrasodium EDTA
Formaldehyde
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Alumina, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Titanium Dioxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Lactic Acid, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Zea Mays Starch, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Glycine Soja Sterols, Linoleic Acid, Phospholipids, Alcohol, Allantoin, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Phytate, Ascorbic Acid, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Citrus Grandis Seed Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Cucumis Sativus Extract, Hedera Helix Extract, Yeast Extract, Ammonium Sulfate, Lauryl Alcohol, Ammonium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Formaldehyde, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 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 DimethiconeDisodium 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 EthylhexylglycerinThis oil is derived from the leaves of Eucalyptus Globulus, a type of Eucalyptus tree native to Australia.
Though this oil shows antibacterial and antioxidant activity, it is also a known skin-irritant due to its fragrance components.
Glycerin (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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Salicylic 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 AcidSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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
