What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
Cleansing
Glycerin
Humectant
Lauric Acid
Cleansing
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Potassium Laureth Phosphate
EmulsifyingCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Glycol Distearate
Emollient
Acrylates Copolymer
Cetyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Chloride
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Water, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Lauric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Propylene Glycol, Palmitic Acid, Potassium Laureth Phosphate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycol Distearate, Acrylates Copolymer, Cetyl Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningSea Water
HumectantPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Maltooligosyl Glucoside
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Disodium EDTA
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
1,10-Decanediol
Solvent10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid
Skin ConditioningSebacic Acid
BufferingWater, Sea Water, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Salicylic Acid, Maltooligosyl Glucoside, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Maltodextrin, Ceramide AP, 1,10-Decanediol, 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid, Sebacic 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.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Propylene Glycol is a synthetic, colorless, odorless liquid that has been a staple in cosmetics for decades. It is a skin conditioning agent, humectant, and solvent.
As a humectant, it draw water to the skin to reduce flaking and restore suppleness. It's also a solvent that helps dissolve other actives and keeps formulas stable across temperature changes.
The CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be nontoxic and clinical studies show no sensitization at cosmetic use concentrations.
True allergic reactions are quite rare: a 15-year retrospective study of 6,751 patients found only 0.31% had a positive reaction (and less than half were considered clinically relevant).
It seemed that when sensitization does occur, it's most commonly linked to topical medication (like corticosteroids) and not cosmetics. Allergic contact dermatitis also appears largely limited to individuals with underlying skin conditions.
Overall, propylene glycol is a well-studied ingredient that most people can tolerate without issue.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSalicylic 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
