What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingSulfur
AntiseborrhoeicTriethanolamine
BufferingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantMenthol
MaskingParfum
MaskingTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantIodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
PreservativePotassium Carbonate
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropanediol
SolventCestrum Latifolium Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningMethylparaben
PreservativePropylparaben
PreservativeCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningWater, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Sulfur, Triethanolamine, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Acacia Senegal Gum, Potassium Hydroxide, Carbomer, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Menthol, Parfum, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Potassium Carbonate, Caprylyl Glycol, Propanediol, Cestrum Latifolium Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Ceramide EOP
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantSulfur
AntiseborrhoeicPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingTriethanolamine
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSalicylic Acid
MaskingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingAmylopectin
Dextrin
AbsorbentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol Alginate
O-Cymen-5-Ol
AntimicrobialBHT
AntioxidantPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningPropylparaben
PreservativeMethylparaben
PreservativeParfum
MaskingPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningButyl Avocadate
Skin ConditioningChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCinchona Succirubra Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantPropylene Glycol
HumectantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingWater, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sulfur, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Tocopheryl Acetate, Salicylic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Amylopectin, Dextrin, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Propylene Glycol Alginate, O-Cymen-5-Ol, BHT, Pyridoxine Hcl, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Parfum, Polyquaternium-51, Butyl Avocadate, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Cinchona Succirubra Bark Extract, Asiaticoside, Propylene Glycol, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Citric Acid
Reviews
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 GlycolCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinMethylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben. It is used to prevent the growth of fungus, mold, and other harmful bacteria. Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in both cosmetics and food.
Methylparaben can be synthetically created. It can also be found naturally in some fruits, such as blueberries.
Oftentimes, Methylparaben is combined with other parabens to help increase the shelf life.
The safety of Methylparaben is currently being studied. While ongoing studies are looking into the safety of parabens, the results have been very mixed. Some studies have not found Methylparaben to be harmful.
Learn more about MethylparabenParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben with antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
This ingredient can be naturally found in plants and insects, but most of it is synthetically manufactured for human use. In cosmetics, it is usually created by reacting para-aminobenzoic acid and propanol (an alcohol).
You can usually find this ingredient in water-based products.
Parabens have come under controversy due to the claim they are hormone disruptors. Studies show conflicting results. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Propylparaben is commonly found in food, medicine, and cosmetics.
Learn more about PropylparabenSalicylic 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 AcidSulfur is a commonly occurring element on Earth (and our universe!). In cosmetics, it helps kill bacteria, reduces sebum, and provides exfoliation. This makes it an effective ingredient to reduce breakouts and fight acne.
As a ketayolytic agent, it breaks down the top layer of skin. This is a form of exfoliation and may help decrease acne and hyperpigmentation.
Studies show sulfur has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Sulfur can be drying if used excessively or at higher concentrations. We recommend speaking with a medical professional if you have any concerns.
Ancient Greece, India, China, and Egypt have used sulfur in both traditional medicines and for household use.
Learn more about SulfurTriethanolamine is an emulsifier and pH adjuster. It is created using ethylene oxide and ammonia. This gives Triethanolamine a nitrogen core and a similar scent to ammonia.
As an emulsifier, it prevents ingredients from separating and enhances texture by adding volume to a product.
PH adjusters are common in cosmetic products. The pH of a product can affect the effectiveness of other ingredients. A product with a high pH may also irritate the skin.
Learn more about TriethanolamineWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum