What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Colloidal Sulfur
AntimicrobialNiacinamide
Smoothing
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Betaine
Humectant
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Reticulata Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingLactobionic Acid
Buffering
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Piper Methysticum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Leaf Extract
Perfuming
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantQuaternium-73
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Water, Alcohol, Zinc Oxide, Colloidal Sulfur, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ectoin, Citrus Reticulata Fruit Extract, Lactobionic Acid, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Piper Methysticum Root Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, CI 19140, Quaternium-73, Hexylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Glycerin
Humectant
Calamine
AbsorbentChamaecyparis Obtusa Water
MaskingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Colloidal Sulfur
AntimicrobialAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Water
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSaururus Chinensis Extract
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat., Glycerin, Calamine, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water, CI 77891, Butylene Glycol, Colloidal Sulfur, Alcohol, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Salicylic Acid, Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, CI 77491, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Silica, Madecassoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Saururus Chinensis Extract
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholButylene 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 GlycolWe don't have a description for Colloidal Sulfur yet.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.
Learn more about Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateSalicylic 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, it’s 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
