What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantXylitol
Humectant
Betaine
Humectant
Erythritol
Humectant
Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate
Emulsifying
Octyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingParfum
Masking
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Menthol
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Citrate
BufferingDecylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
Masking
Laurylpyridinium Chloride
AntimicrobialAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Xylitylglucoside
Humectant
Anhydroxylitol
Humectant
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
PCA Ethyl Cocoyl Arginate
MoisturisingGlucose
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Kaolin
Abrasive
Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Cetraria Islandica Extract
CleansingHedera Helix Extract
AntimicrobialVeronica Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Equisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
Cleansing
Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Persica Fruit Extract
Abrasive
Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract
Antioxidant
Salvia 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
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Isopentyldiol
Humectant
Vinegar
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Betaine
Humectant
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Erythritol
Humectant
Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingLactic Acid
Buffering
Octyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Cetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Sodium Lactate
BufferingMenthol
Masking
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Mentha Piperita Extract
CleansingMentha Viridis Extract
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract
TonicMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Limonene
Perfuming
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Fructan
Skin ConditioningCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningUrtica Dioica Extract
AstringentViola Mandshurica Flower Extract
Antioxidant
Equisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicPrunus Persica Fruit Extract
Abrasive
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantSwertia Japonica Extract
Skin ConditioningUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Alcohol Denat., Isopentyldiol, Vinegar, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Erythritol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Lactic Acid, Octyldodeceth-16, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Gluconate, Mentha Piperita Oil, Cetrimonium Chloride, Sodium Lactate, Menthol, Salicylic Acid, Mentha Piperita Extract, Mentha Viridis Extract, Disodium EDTA, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Limonene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Fructan, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Urtica Dioica Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Swertia Japonica Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin
Reviews
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.Β
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 preservativesΒ
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying - mostly due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue, constricting pores and leaving your skin dried out.
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 if this alcohol is near the end of an ingredients list, it will probably not affect your skin much.
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.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Another name for betaine is trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineButylene 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 plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAWe don't have a description for Equisetum Arvense Extract yet.
You might know this ingredient as a sugar substitute in foods. It is a sugar alcohol with humectant properties.
Humectants attract water to your skin (like glycerin or hyaluronic acid).
Fun fact: Erythritol can be naturally found in some fermented foods.
Learn more about ErythritolEthylhexylglycerin (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.
This tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Tea Tree plant. Tea tree oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
According to the book Journal of Profiles of Drug Substances, tea tree helps in reducing acne-causing bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes. This is due to the Terpinen components of tea tree oil.
Tea tree may cause sensitivity and irritation for some people. This oil naturally contains fragrance such as linalool and limonene.
However, research shows irritation usually occurs when using pure tea tree oil and not in cosmetic products.
Tea tree oil was found to help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis in one study.
Tea tree oil is toxic when ingested. Another study showed it to caused damage to the nervous system of dogs and cats when applied to their skin or given orally.
Learn more about Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf OilMenthol 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 MentholOctyldodeceth-16 comes from the fatty-alcohol Octyldodecanol.
Emulsifers keep oils and water ingredients together to create a more even consistency.
We don't have a description for Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract yet.
Prunus Persica Fruit Extract comes from peaches.
Peaches are rich in antioxidants, such as Vitamins C, E and A. Antioxidants help reduce the signs of aging. These vitamins also have plenty of skin benefits on their own (for instance, Vitamin C, E helps with skin brightening).
Peach extract is also an abrasive. Abrasives are an agent used to wear away the surface of skin. They are used to help polish or exfoliate skin.
Emerging research shows Peach extract may help protect UV-B induced skin damage. However, further research is needed.
Learn more about Prunus Persica Fruit ExtractSalicylic 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 AcidWe don't have a description for Swertia Japonica Extract yet.
Water. 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 Water
