What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingPEG-8
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingTrehalose
HumectantCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantSodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids
CleansingSodium Benzoate
MaskingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium PCA
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingPEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Tetrasodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, PEG-8, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Trehalose, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Madecassoside, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Sodium Benzoate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium PCA, Salicylic Acid, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningPotassium Cocoyl Glycinate
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantAcrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Potassium Cocoate
EmulsifyingSodium Lauroamphoacetate
CleansingLauryl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeErythritol
HumectantBetaine
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientC12-13 Alketh-9
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Chloride
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Glycosyl Trehalose
Emulsion StabilisingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantQuaternium-73
Caramel
Cosmetic ColorantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantSalicylic Acid
MaskingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningLactobionic Acid
BufferingLactic Acid
BufferingButylene Glycol
HumectantHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCI 42100
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Potassium Cocoate, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Phenoxyethanol, Erythritol, Betaine, Caprylyl Glycol, C12-13 Alketh-9, Parfum, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Glycosyl Trehalose, Dipropylene Glycol, Quaternium-73, Caramel, Hydroxyacetophenone, Salicylic Acid, Allantoin, Lactobionic Acid, Lactic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, CI 19140, Centella Asiatica Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, CI 42100, Ethylhexylglycerin
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinPhenoxyethanol 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water