What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Acrylates Copolymer
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingCocamide DEA
EmulsifyingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Triethanolamine
BufferingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Extract
Antioxidant
Aloe Barbadensis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Disodium Hydroxyethyliminodiacetate
Water, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamide DEA, Propylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, Salicylic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Sinensis Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Zinc PCA, Disodium Hydroxyethyliminodiacetate
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C16 Olefin Sulfonate
EmulsifyingCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Glycerin
Humectant
Cocamide Mea
EmulsifyingSodium Lactate
BufferingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Hamamelis Virginiana Extract
Antiseborrhoeic
Coco-Glucoside
CleansingGlyceryl Oleate
Emollient
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
Emulsifying
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Triethylene Glycol
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Water, Sodium C16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Cocamide Mea, Sodium Lactate, Salicylic Acid, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Triethylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, a compound with two amino groups.
This ingredient is a surfactant and cleanser. It helps gather the dirt, pollutants, and other impurities in your skin to be washed away. It also helps thicken a product and make the texture more creamy.
Being created from coconut oil means Cocamidopropyl Betaine is hydrating for the skin.
While Cocamidopropyl Betaine was believed to be an allergen, a study from 2012 disproved this. It found two compounds in unpure Cocamidopropyl Betaine to be the irritants: aminoamide and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. High-grade and pure Cocamidopropyl Betaine did not induce allergic reactions during this study.
Learn more about Cocamidopropyl BetainePhenoxyethanol 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 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
