Hero Cosmetics Gentle Milky Cleanser Versus Thayers Hydrating Milky Cleanser
Updated on June 19, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
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
Thayers Hydrating Milky Cleanser 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
Thayers Hydrating Milky Cleanser 21 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
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
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Sambucus Nigra Flower Water
Skin ConditioningTremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide
Emulsion Stabilising
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Potassium Phosphate
BufferingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingDipotassium Phosphate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sambucus Nigra Flower Water, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Stearyl Alcohol, Potassium Phosphate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-40 Stearate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 20, Cetyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol
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 AlcoholCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Hero Cosmetics Gentle Milky Cleanser 37 ingredients
Thayers Hydrating Milky Cleanser 21 ingredients
Reviews
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