Hero Cosmetics Gentle Milky Cleanser Versus ESPA Hydrating Cleansing Milk
Updated on January 02, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Hero Cosmetics Gentle Milky Cleanser 37 ingredients
ESPA Hydrating Cleansing Milk 21 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Hero Cosmetics Gentle Milky Cleanser 37 ingredients
ESPA Hydrating Cleansing Milk 21 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
CleansingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Avena Sativa Bran Extract
Abrasive
Sorbitol
Humectant
Avena Sativa Kernel Flour
Abrasive
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Cetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Polyquaternium-73
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Chloride
Masking
Vinegar
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDidecyldimonium Chloride
EmulsifyingMethylpropanediol
SolventPolyquaternium-80
CleansingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Sodium Acetate
BufferingCellulose
AbsorbentSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCholesterol
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Decyl Glucoside, Gluconolactone, Avena Sativa Bran Extract, Sorbitol, Avena Sativa Kernel Flour, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Cetrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-73, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Chloride, Vinegar, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Didecyldimonium Chloride, Methylpropanediol, Polyquaternium-80, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Acetate, Cellulose, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Citric Acid, Phytosphingosine, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Parfum
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Pelargonium Graveolens Oil
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningStyrax Tonkinensis Resin Extract
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingLinalool
Perfuming
Water, Glycerin, Glycine Soja Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Stearic Acid, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Sclerotium Gum, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Styrax Tonkinensis Resin Extract, Geraniol, Sodium Hydroxide, Linalool
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 AlcoholEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Hero Cosmetics Gentle Milky Cleanser 37 ingredients
ESPA Hydrating Cleansing Milk 21 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
