What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantC12-14 Alketh-12
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingMethylpropanediol
SolventMenthol
MaskingSalicylic Acid
MaskingSodium Citrate
BufferingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningClimbazole
AntimicrobialGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPueraria Mirifica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGentiana Lutea Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDioscorea Villosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningRuscus Aculeatus Root Extract
AstringentSesamum Indicum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Salicina Fruit Extract
AntioxidantRubus Coreanus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMorus Nigra Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAcanthopanax Senticosus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Extract
BleachingVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Hexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingWater, Alcohol Denat., Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Butylene Glycol, C12-14 Alketh-12, Parfum, Methylpropanediol, Menthol, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Panthenol, Climbazole, Glyceryl Caprylate, Allantoin, Pueraria Mirifica Root Extract, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Dioscorea Villosa Root Extract, Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Prunus Salicina Fruit Extract, Rubus Coreanus Fruit Extract, Morus Nigra Fruit Extract, Acanthopanax Senticosus Root Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium EDTA, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Geraniol, Linalool, Citronellol
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantBetaine
HumectantErythritol
HumectantGlycereth-25 PCA Isostearate
EmulsifyingOctyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingMenthol
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingDecylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingLaurylpyridinium Chloride
AntimicrobialAllantoin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Xylitylglucoside
HumectantAnhydroxylitol
HumectantMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantPCA Ethyl Cocoyl Arginate
MoisturisingGlucose
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningKaolin
AbrasiveArtemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCetraria Islandica Extract
CleansingHedera Helix Extract
AntimicrobialVeronica Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingEquisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Persica Fruit Extract
AbrasiveRosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract
AntioxidantSalvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingSwertia Japonica Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Xylitol, Betaine, Erythritol, Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate, Octyldodeceth-16, Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Menthol, Panthenol, Sodium Citrate, Decylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Laurylpyridinium Chloride, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, PCA Ethyl Cocoyl Arginate, Glucose, 1,2-Hexanediol, Kaolin, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Cetraria Islandica Extract, Hedera Helix Extract, Veronica Officinalis Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Swertia Japonica Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
The "denat" part just means "denatured"; common denaturants include Denatonium Benzoate, t-butyl alcohol, and Diethyl Phthalate. This step makes the alcohol undrinkable (and lets brand skip taxes related to beverage alcohol).
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue to constrict pores and dry out your skin.
However, alcohol denat. is not all that bad.
Due to its low molecular weight, alcohol denat. tends to evaporate quickly. One study on pig skin found half of applied alcohol evaporated in 10 seconds and less than 3% stayed on skin.
This also helps other ingredients become better absorbed upon application.
Studies are conflicted about whether this ingredient causes skin dehydration. One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased skin dryness and irritation. Another study found irritation only occurs if your skin is already damaged.
Small amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated by oily skin or people who live in humid environments.
The rule of thumb is this ingredient will probably not affect your skin much if it is near the end of an ingredients list.
One thing to note:
People with ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2) deficiency may experience skin irritation from continued alcohol use. About 8% of the world's population have this deficiency.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has determined denatured alcohols to be safe for use in concentrations between 0.05% and 12% (depending on which denaturant is used).
Also...
This ingredient has antimicrobial and solvent properties.
The antimicrobial property helps preserve products and increase their shelf life. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients.
Look for formulas that contain glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or panthenol if you want to offset any drying effect.
This ingredient will trip away your skin's natural oils/lipids that help it lock in moisture. This can worsen dryness, trigger eczema flare-ups, and aggravate rosacea.
Be sure to patch test any product with this ingredient if you have dry or sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea.
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.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 AllantoinButylene 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 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 EthylhexylglycerinMenthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of āFRAGRANCEā or āPARFUMā according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumSalicylic 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, itās 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 AcidSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateWater. 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