What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Water
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water
MaskingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract
CleansingZingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Mentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Methylpropanediol
SolventLauramide Mipa
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Coco-Glucoside
CleansingCitric Acid
Buffering
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Trihydroxystearin
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-10
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Phytate
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Decyl Glucoside, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Mentha Piperita Oil, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Lauramide Mipa, Caprylyl Glycol, Coco-Glucoside, Citric Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trihydroxystearin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyquaternium-10, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Phytate, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Limonene
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
Caprylyl 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 GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
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, 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 AcidWater. 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 Water
