What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
AntimicrobialPropanediol
Solvent
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingLepidium Meyenii Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
Absorbent
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Equisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Arginine
Masking
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Melatonin
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Pisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningPhosphate Buffered Saline
SolventWithania Somnifera Seed Extract
Antioxidant
Water, Glycerin, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract, Maltodextrin, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Sodium Metabisulfite, Alcohol, Arginine, Phospholipids, Lactic Acid, Melatonin, Potassium Sorbate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Pisum Sativum Extract, Phosphate Buffered Saline, Withania Somnifera Seed Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholWater. 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
