What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Sodium Citrate
BufferingGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Isopentyldiol
Humectant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Silica
Abrasive
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Propanediol, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Salicylic Acid 2%, Sodium Citrate, Glycolic Acid, Isopentyldiol, Alcohol, Silica, Hydroxyacetophenone, Allantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Propanediol
Solvent
Saccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Salix Nigra Bark Extract
Skin ProtectingVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Acer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningAminomethyl Propanol
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Menthol
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Scenedesmus Rubescens Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Lentinus Edodes Mycelium Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
Absorbent
Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLeucojum Aestivum Bulb Extract
Skin ProtectingAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Glycogen
HumectantSodium PCA
Humectant
Succinic Acid
BufferingGlutathione
Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Colloidal Gold
AntimicrobialSorbitol
Humectant
PEG-8
Humectant1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDextran
Water, Alcohol, Propanediol, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Pentylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Salicylic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Salix Nigra Bark Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Acer Saccharum Extract, Aminomethyl Propanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Menthol, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Scenedesmus Rubescens Extract, Butylene Glycol, Lentinus Edodes Mycelium Extract, Glycerin, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Maltodextrin, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Leucojum Aestivum Bulb Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Glycogen, Sodium PCA, Succinic Acid, Glutathione, Tripeptide-1, Colloidal Gold, Sorbitol, PEG-8, 1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide, Sodium Lactate, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Dextran
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.
These alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.
Learn more about AlcoholCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidHamamelis Virginiana Water is made by distilling parts of the witch hazel plant. You can also call this ingredient "witch hazel water".
The name 'Hamamelis Virginiana Water' refers to the distillation product used in cosmetics. On the other hand, 'Witch Hazel' refers to the active drug ingredient.
Unless it is specified to be non-alcohol, many types of witch hazel ingredients are distilled in denatured alcohol.
Witch Hazel water is an astringent, anti-inflammatory antioxidant, and antibacterial ingredient.
It contains tannins. Tannins have a drying effect when used on skin by constricting proteins. The constriction also minimizes the appearance of pores.
Both the tannins and fragrance found in witch hazel may be skin-sensitizing.
Witch hazel water gets anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties from its catechin and gallic acid content.
Indigenous groups have used witch hazel to help treat inflammation in North America for centuries.
Learn more about Hamamelis Virginiana WaterPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSalicylic 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, it’s 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. 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 Gum
