What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Pyrithione 1%
Antiseborrhoeic
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Laureth-12 Succinate
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
CleansingDecyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingGlycol Distearate
Emollient
Sodium Chloride
MaskingCoco-Betaine
Cleansing
Parfum
Masking
Amodimethicone
Citric Acid
Buffering
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAcrylates Copolymer
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate
Surfactant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Polyquaternium-39
Limonene
Perfuming
Squalane
Emollient
Menthol
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Trideceth-6
EmulsifyingSodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate
Emulsion StabilisingBenzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Cetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingArtemisia Umbelliformis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
Methylisothiazolinone
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Zinc Pyrithione 1%, Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Laureth-12 Succinate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Chloride, Coco-Betaine, Parfum, Amodimethicone, Citric Acid, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Sodium Hydroxide, Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Benzoate, Carbomer, PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate, Propylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-39, Limonene, Squalane, Menthol, Glycerin, Benzoic Acid, Trideceth-6, Sodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate, Benzyl Salicylate, Salicylic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Citronellol, Citral, Geraniol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cellulose Gum, Artemisia Umbelliformis Flower Extract, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylisothiazolinone, Potassium Sorbate
Zinc Pyrithione 1%
Antiseborrhoeic
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingDisodium Cocoamphodiacetate
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingGlycol Distearate
Emollient
Amodimethicone
Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
CleansingPPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingPolyquaternium-10
Potato Starch Modified
Citric Acid
Buffering
Cocamide Mipa
Emulsifying
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingAcrylates Copolymer
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCoco-Betaine
Cleansing
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Trideceth-6
EmulsifyingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Cetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Sodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Triethyl Citrate
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Zinc Pyrithione 1%, Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Sodium Chloride, Glycol Distearate, Amodimethicone, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Polyquaternium-10, Potato Starch Modified, Citric Acid, Cocamide Mipa, Sodium Hydroxide, Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Benzoate, Carbomer, Coco-Betaine, Benzoic Acid, Niacinamide, Trideceth-6, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Salicylic Acid, Cetrimonium Chloride, Sodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ceramide NP, Triethyl Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Ceramide EOP
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acrylates Copolymer is used as a film-forming agent and texture enhancer.
After applied, Acrylates Copolymer forms a thin film cover that helps skin feel more soft. It can help sunscreens become more water-resistant.
It is also used to make a product more thick.
Learn more about Acrylates CopolymerThis water-soluble silicone is used for its hydrating and softening properties. It is used to add a silky feel to skincare products and has great benefits for haircare.
In haircare, this ingredient:
- Adds shine
- Protects color
- Offers thermal protection
- Boosts hair strength
- Does not build up as easily
Benzoic Acid is an organic acid that shows up in cosmetics as a preservative. It helps keep a product from spoiling by holding back the growth of yeast, mold, and some bacteria.
This ingredient also functions as a fragrance ingredient that helps mask the unpleasant scent of other ingredients.
The way it works is worth understanding; benzoic acid works when the formula is acidic. It is able to sneak into a microbe's cell and mess up how it functions to stop it from growing in an acidic product.
However, the acid switches to an inactive form and stops working if a product isn't acidic enough (above ~5 pH). This is why you'll often see it in low pH products or teamed up with other preservatives to cover the gap.
Safety wise, it's one of the better studied preservatives out there.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded this ingredient to be safe for use in cosmetic formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
A large international review found this ingredient had no effects on the human body and had low irritation potential.
Just so you know, real world use is usually much lower than the 5% ceiling (usually 1% of less).
The EU caps it at 2.5% in rinse-off products, 1.7% in oral care, and 0.5% in leave-on products.
One thing worth mentioning (it's nothing to worry about): some people get a little stinging or flushing where they apply it. This isn't a true allergy; it's a temporary and harmless reaction. This is the same kind of mild tingle you might notice from sorbic acid.
Learn more about Benzoic AcidCarbomer is a synthetic thickening and gelling agent. It's basically the ingredient that gives a lot of serums, gels, creams, and sunscreens their smooth, non-sticky texture.
Although legally permitted at very high levels, carbomers are normally used at concentrations below 1%.
It also needs to be neutralized to actually thicken, and because it is a large molecule, it doesn't really penetrate the skin barrier.
Allergy-wise, the risk is very low. Clinical studies show carbomers have low potential for skin irritation/sensitization even at concentrations up to 100%.
A 2024 UK study patch-tested 1,302 patients and found true allergy to the parent group of carbomer to be rare with no confirmed relevant reactions.
Learn more about CarbomerThis ingredient is a preservative, antimicrobial, and emulsifier. It is often used in cosmetics for its ability to cleanse, condition, and reduce static.
Cetrimonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt, meaning it has a water-soluble structure.
Citric 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-Betaine is the natural version of Cocamidopropyl Betaine. It is often derived from coconuts.
Coco-Betaine is a surfactant, meaning it helps remove dirt and oil from the skin.
Glycol Distearate is an emulsifier and emollient that adds a "pearly" appearance to formulations.
That lustrous look you see in many shampoos is due to this ingredient: when cooled, it crystallizes into small platelets that reflect light to give products that rich, shimmering look.
This ingredient is considered safe at present practices of use and concentration and repeated insult patch test with 50% Glycol Distearate on 125 subjects found no evidence of skin irritation, hypersensitivity, or acute toxicity.
Typical use concentrations range from 0.1-10%.
Because it's an ester of stearic acid, it falls into the range that Malassezia likes to metabolize. This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Glycol DistearateWe don't have a description for PPG-5-Ceteth-20 yet.
Propylene Glycol is a synthetic, colorless, odorless liquid that has been a staple in cosmetics for decades. It is a skin conditioning agent, humectant, and solvent.
As a humectant, it draw water to the skin to reduce flaking and restore suppleness. It's also a solvent that helps dissolve other actives and keeps formulas stable across temperature changes.
The CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be nontoxic and clinical studies show no sensitization at cosmetic use concentrations.
True allergic reactions are quite rare: a 15-year retrospective study of 6,751 patients found only 0.31% had a positive reaction (and less than half were considered clinically relevant).
It seemed that when sensitization does occur, it's most commonly linked to topical medication (like corticosteroids) and not cosmetics. Allergic contact dermatitis also appears largely limited to individuals with underlying skin conditions.
Overall, propylene glycol is a well-studied ingredient that most people can tolerate without issue.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSalicylic 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 AcidSodium 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 BenzoateChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSodium 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 HydroxideSodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate is an organic salt with a naturally sweet odor. It is an alternative to traditional sulfates and is commonly found in "sulfate-free" products.
In cosmetics, this ingredient is used to increase the volume of foam, emulsify ingredients, and as a cleansing agent.
As a cleansing agent, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate helps reduce the surface tension of dirt, oil, and other pollutants so they can be rinsed away easily.
Cosmetic Ingredient Review found this ingredient to irritate the eyes and skin in concentrations of 0.18% and 0.7%.
Learn more about Sodium Lauryl SulfoacetateWe don't have a description for Sodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate yet.
We don't have a description for Trideceth-6 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterZinc Pyrithione is a preservative. It inhibits the multiplying of fungal and bacterial cells.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in Malassezia treatments. In the US, this ingredient is most common in anti-dandruff shampoos. However, the European Union has prohibited the use of this ingredient starting in 2022.
