What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamide DEA
Emulsifying
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Chloride
MaskingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
PEG-50 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract
AstringentAngelica Gigas Extract
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Citric Acid
Buffering
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Tetrasodium EDTA
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Bioflavonoids
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentWater, Cocamide DEA, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Salicylic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-50 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Panthenol, Chlorphenesin, Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Angelica Gigas Extract, Propanediol, Citric Acid, Butylene Glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Bioflavonoids, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
Antimicrobial
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmulsifyingSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSalicylic Acid
Masking
C15-19 Alkane
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Vitex Agnus Castus Extract
AstringentPEG-60 Almond Glycerides
Emulsifying
C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Menthol
Masking
Triethylene Glycol
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingNordihydroguaiaretic Acid
Antioxidant
Oleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Alcohol, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Salicylic Acid, C15-19 Alkane, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Vitex Agnus Castus Extract, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Menthol, Triethylene Glycol, Parfum, Carbomer, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Oleanolic Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolGlycerin (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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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
