Water. 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

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.

While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.

Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Cetearyl Alcohol

Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.

Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.

Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.

Learn more about Cetearyl Alcohol

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.

It is a:

Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
Emollient, helping to soften skin
Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives

Carbomer

Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Carbomer 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.

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Butylene Glycol

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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 Glycol

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.

Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream

Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream

When to use

Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream 21 ingredients

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream 57 ingredients

1,792 Routines

43% use in am

57% use in pm

95% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

510 Routines

35% use in am

65% use in pm

90% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream 21 ingredients

3.5 /5

from 39 ratings

No Scent (11) Hydrating (10) Light (6)

bvechiato

2 years ago

Review

Really irritating, itchy skin - but partner loves it
I haven't figured out which ingredient it in this caused the irritation but my non-sensitive skin partner (skin barrier made of steel, used CeraVe salicylic acid lotion everyday sometimes twice without any irritation) absolutely loves it and asked me to get him more of it. Go figure.

Etude House

Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream

nathapate

2 years ago

Review

Not so good for my skin type
This irritated my sensitive skin. it gave me a break-out (small comedones)
my skin barrier was not compromised at the time

Etude House

Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream 57 ingredients

3.9 /5

from 14 ratings

Hydrating (7) Works Well (5) No Scent (4)

oncenluv

11 months ago

Review

My holy grail. I was in desperate need of a barrier repairing moisturizer as I recently started accutane & cerave just wasn't cutting it. It is surprisingly lightweight, non-sticky, and leaves a nice glow on your skin and my skin still feels moisturized & hydrated in the morning even after rolling my face on my pillows.

#great value

#hydrating

#absorbs well

#no scent