What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Glycerin
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningMyristic Acid
Cleansing
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin Conditioning
Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract
AstringentPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Lauric Acid
Cleansing
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate
Surfactant
Polyquaternium-67
Sodium Chloride
MaskingPolyquaternium-7
Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Potassium Cocoate
Emulsifying
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Masking
Iris Florentina Root Extract
MaskingPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract
AntimicrobialCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Asiatic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin, Water, Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract, Potassium Hydroxide, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Palmitic Acid, Lauric Acid, Sorbitan Olivate, Butylene Glycol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium PCA, Glyceryl Stearate Se, 1,2-Hexanediol, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Polyquaternium-67, Sodium Chloride, Polyquaternium-7, Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Cocoate, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Potassium Myristate
EmulsifyingAllium Cepa Bulb Extract
Skin Conditioning
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Potassium Stearate
CleansingMyristic Acid
Cleansing
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Coco-Betaine
Cleansing
Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate
Surfactant
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Sorbitol
Humectant
Potassium Benzoate
Preservative
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Chloride
MaskingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Eclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientArachidic Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Citrate
BufferingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Oleic Acid
Emollient
Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLauric Acid
Cleansing
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Disodium EDTA
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Heparin
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Potassium Myristate, Allium Cepa Bulb Extract, Stearic Acid, Potassium Stearate, Myristic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Palmitic Acid, Coco-Betaine, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sorbitol, Potassium Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Arachidic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Oleic Acid, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Lauric Acid, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tranexamic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Panthenol, Sodium Heparin
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
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 preservativesÂ
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 GlycolDisodium 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 EDTAGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHouttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.
The components found in Heart Leaf give it antioxidant, hydrating, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Heart Leaf is rich in flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, and more. It also contains polysaccharides, the most common type of carbs in food.
Flavonoids have been shown to be effective antioxidants. They help neutralize free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are unstable molecules that may damage our skin cells and DNA. The flavonoids in Heart Leaf also help soothe the skin.
Polysaccharides are naturally found in our skin. They play a role in hydrating and repairing the top layer of skin. The polysaccharides in Heart Leaf help moisturize our skin.
Studies show decanoyl acetaldehyde, a component of Heart Leaf oil, is effective at killing bacteria.
The name 'Fish Mint' comes from the herb's natural fishy smell. Is is native to southeast Asia and used throughout the continent for traditional cooking and medicine.
Learn more about Houttuynia Cordata ExtractLauric Acid is a saturated fatty acid naturally found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and even breast milk.
In cosmetics, it is an:
Lab studies have found that lauric acid is surprisingly good at killing acne-causing bacteria. However, these tests were done on bacteria in a petri dish and not on real skin, so we can't say for certain it works the same in a formulation on a real face.
The comedogenic rating of 4 comes from the 1972 rabbit ear model using undiluted ingredients. Comedogenicity is highly individual and one comedogenic ingredient cannot predict how a formula will behave on skin.
This ingredient is not fungal acne safe and research has confirmed Malassezia can use it as a food source.
Learn more about Lauric AcidMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract is from the Neem tree. Neem trees originate from India.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
The flowers of this tree are lilac colored.
Learn more about Melia Azadirachta Flower ExtractMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is extract from the neem plant.
The leaves of this tree contain flavonoids and polyphenols. These two compounds are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Further research is needed as to their effects when applied on skin.
Myristic Acid, aka tetradecanoic acid, is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in coconut oil and palm oil.
In skincare, it is an:
Research indicates that this ingredient posts a low risk of irritation and sensitization.
Since myristic acid is a C14 fatty acid, it falls within the range that Malassezia can metabolize, and therefore not fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Myristic AcidPalmitic Acid is a fatty acid naturally found in our skin and in many plant and animal sources.
In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It serves many purposes in skincare, acting as a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.
Interestingly, topically applied Palmitic Acid can be elongated into longer chain fatty acids and ceramides. A 2019 study found low levels of Palmitic Acid lead to slower development of cells, suggesting it plays a role in keeping your skin's renewal process on track.
The CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) panel determined it safe as used in cosmetics at concentrations up to 13%. It is non-irritating and non-sensitizing in clinical studies.
The culprit behind fungal acne, the Malassezia yeast, feeds on fatty acids with carbon chain lengths between C11-C24. Palmitic Acid, at C16, falls right into that sweet spot.
In vitro studies have shown that Palmitic Acid is one of the fatty acids that induce rapid Malassezia growth in lab settings.
It's worth noting that what feeds yeast in a lab doesn't necessarily feed it on your face since formulation and your skin's chemistry play a bigger role.
Learn more about Palmitic AcidPotassium Cocoyl Glycinate is an amino acid-based surfactant and cleaning agent. This ingredient can be derived from animals or plants. It may also be synthetically created from fatty acids of the coconut and glycine.
Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate is a gentle surfactant. Surfactants help gather the dirt, oil, and other pollutants from your skin to be rinsed away. It is a mild cleanser and naturally produces foam.
Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideStearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic 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
