COLLISTAR Milano Purifying Cleansing Gel Versus Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Updated on January 30, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and fungal acne (malassezia) safe face cleansers. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, parabens or silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
COLLISTAR Milano Purifying Cleansing Gel 18 ingredients
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser 12 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
COLLISTAR Milano Purifying Cleansing Gel 18 ingredients
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser 12 ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Sodium Coco-Sulfate
Cleansing
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
CleansingAcrylates Copolymer
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Parfum
Masking
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientBetaine
Humectant
Citrus Limon Fruit Water
MaskingViola Tricolor Extract
EmollientSodium Phytate
Inulin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Water, Glycerin, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Acrylates Copolymer, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Parfum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Betaine, Citrus Limon Fruit Water, Viola Tricolor Extract, Sodium Phytate, Inulin, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Benzyl Alcohol
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 Copolymer is used as a film-forming agent and texture enhancer.
After applied, Acrylates Copolymer forms a thin film cover that helps skin feel more soft. It can help sunscreens become more water-resistant.
It is also used to make a product more thick.
Learn more about Acrylates CopolymerCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinSodium Cocoyl Glycinate is a cleansing agent. It can be naturally derived or synthetically-created.
As a surfactant, it helps clean your skin by gathering dirt, oil, and other pollutants to be rinsed away more easily.
Sodium 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
COLLISTAR Milano Purifying Cleansing Gel 18 ingredients
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser 12 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
