What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 1.5%
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningCoconut Alkanes
EmollientCoco-Caprylate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientCandelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
EmulsifyingTranexamic Acid
AstringentHexyl Laurate
EmollientGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientC15-19 Alkane
SolventPotassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningBakuchiol
AntimicrobialFucus Spiralis Extract
EmollientTetraselmis Chui Extract
EmollientRhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract
HumectantTasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
AntioxidantAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningZinc Sulfate
AntimicrobialMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialThymus Vulgaris Extract
PerfumingOriganum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSilybum Marianum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningVitex Agnus-Castus Extract
AstringentHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentOryza Sativa Germ Extract
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Sodium Phytate
Tocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientSodium Anisate
AntimicrobialSalicylic Acid 1.5%, Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Lactobacillus Ferment, Coconut Alkanes, Coco-Caprylate, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Tranexamic Acid, Hexyl Laurate, Glycine Soja Oil, C15-19 Alkane, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Bakuchiol, Fucus Spiralis Extract, Tetraselmis Chui Extract, Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Acetyl Glucosamine, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Zinc Sulfate, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Silybum Marianum Seed Extract, Vitex Agnus-Castus Extract, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Oryza Sativa Germ Extract, Allantoin, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Phytate, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Levulinate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Anisate
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventArginine
MaskingLactic Acid
BufferingSqualane
EmollientSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlycolic Acid
BufferingIsodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientTriethylhexanoin
MaskingSodium Citrate
BufferingSilica
AbrasiveArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientNicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-76
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment
Skin ConditioningHarungana Madagascariensis Extract
Skin ConditioningTasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
AntioxidantOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningFomes Officinalis Extract
Skin ProtectingOryza Sativa Starch
AbsorbentPistacia Lentiscus Gum
MaskingSodium PCA
HumectantCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentHydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCastor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer
Glucose
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPhenethyl Alcohol
MaskingArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingC9-12 Alkane
SolventDilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer
Sodium Phytate
Triheptanoin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Propanediol, Arginine, Lactic Acid, Squalane, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Gluconolactone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycolic Acid, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Triethylhexanoin, Sodium Citrate, Silica, Arachidyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-76, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Saccharomyces Ferment, Harungana Madagascariensis Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Fomes Officinalis Extract, Oryza Sativa Starch, Pistacia Lentiscus Gum, Sodium PCA, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Coco-Glucoside, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Behenyl Alcohol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Glyceryl Caprylate, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Glucose, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phenethyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Hydroxyacetophenone, Lauroyl Lysine, Stearic Acid, C9-12 Alkane, Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer, Sodium Phytate, Triheptanoin, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol
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
Behenyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol (these are different from the drying, solvent alcohols).
Fatty Alcohols have hydrating properties and are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils; behenyl alcohol is derived from the fats of vegetable oils.
Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.
In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.
Learn more about Behenyl AlcoholThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract comes from the leaves of an herb plant native to Southeast Asia. Centella Asiatica is rich in antioxidants and amino acids. It can help reduce irritation and soothe the skin.
Many active components found in centella asiatica, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside, encourage the skin to naturally produce hyaluronic acid. This helps keep our skin hydrated. Many of these components also show antioxidant activity and may help reduce the signs of aging.
Research shows centella asiatica can help increase Type I collagen production by increasing fibroblast production. Fibroblast helps form connective tissue.
The combination of all these properties makes centella asiatica leaf extract effective at soothing the skin.
Other components of centella asiatica leaf extract include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Recent studies found madecassoside may help prevent damage from UV rays by preventing UV-induced inflammation. Further research is needed.
This plant has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica Leaf ExtractCetearyl 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 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 AcidCoco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is a lightweight emollient. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Once applied, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is absorbed quickly and leaves a silky feel.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinGlyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid, a fatty acid from coconut. It has emollient and emulsifier properties.
As an emollient, it helps hydrate your skin. Emollients work by creating a barrier on your skin to trap moisture in, helping to keep your skin soft and smooth.
On the other hand, emulsifiers prevent ingredients (such as oil and water) from separating.
Learn more about Glyceryl CaprylateHelianthus Annuus Extract comes from the common sunflower.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E. Studies show sunflowers contain antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
The fatty acids found in sunflowers include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus ExtractHydrogenated Polydecene is an emollient. It creates a non-occlusive film on the skin that offers extra protection for your skin barrier.
The texture of Hydrogenated Polydecene ranges from light and silky to rich.
Hydrogenated Polydecene is the end compound of controlled hydrogenation of Polydecene.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolydeceneOryza Sativa Bran Extract comes from the outer layer of a rice kernel. It is a byproduct of milling rice, or the operation to produce a whole grain rice product.
This ingredient has moisturizing properties due to its components of polysaccharides and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains calcium, selenium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract contains numerous antioxidants such as ferulic acid. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material.
Learn more about Oryza Sativa Bran ExtractPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a texture enhancer and pH adjuster.
It is be used to thicken water-based products and create a gel-texture with a velvet feel.
One manufacturer claims this ingredient to have a pH range of 2-8 and to be biodegradable.
Learn more about Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6Propanediol 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 PropanediolRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.
While Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil can be volatile due to its fragrant properties, the fragrance components are usually removed in the leaf extract.
Rosemary Leaf Extract contains many antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid. Rosemarinic acid, a compound found in rosemary leaf, has been found to help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf ExtractSodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water. This helps stabilize the ingredients and the product.
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract is an antioxidant.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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