What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingDimethiconol
EmollientSalicylic Acid
MaskingCocamide Mea
EmulsifyingSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingTriethanolamine
BufferingParfum
MaskingPiroctone Olamine
PreservativeClimbazole
AntimicrobialGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCapryloyl Glycine
CleansingMenthol
MaskingDisodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate
CleansingLaureth-23
CleansingLaureth-4
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
MaskingDMDM Hydantoin
PreservativePanthenol
Skin ConditioningDichlorobenzyl Alcohol
AntimicrobialHydrogenated Castor Oil
EmollientCocamide Methyl Mea
SurfactantDisodium EDTA
Tea-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
CleansingButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialMagnesium Nitrate
Alcohol
AntimicrobialMethylchloroisothiazolinone
Preservative1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantMagnesium Chloride
Methylisothiazolinone
PreservativeWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Dimethiconol, Salicylic Acid, Cocamide Mea, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Triethanolamine, Parfum, Piroctone Olamine, Climbazole, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Capryloyl Glycine, Menthol, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Laureth-23, Laureth-4, Sodium Benzoate, DMDM Hydantoin, Panthenol, Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cocamide Methyl Mea, Disodium EDTA, Tea-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Magnesium Nitrate, Alcohol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingCocamide Methyl Mea
SurfactantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium Benzoate
MaskingTrimethylolpropane Tricaprylate/Tricaprate
EmollientGlyceryl Oleate
EmollientCoco-Glucoside
CleansingAroma
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingHydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Polyquaternium-7
Citric Acid
BufferingSodium PCA
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantMyristamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Sodium Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
CleansingGlyceryl Behenate
EmollientPhytosteryl Oleate
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyaspartate
HumectantPiroctone Olamine
PreservativePropylene Glycol
HumectantPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantMethyl Alcohol
SolventBisabolol
AntioxidantZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingSqualane
EmollientHydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
EmollientSalicylic Acid
MaskingArtemisia Annua Extract
MaskingPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientCrataegus Pinnatifida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantWater, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Cocamide Methyl Mea, Phenoxyethanol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Benzoate, Trimethylolpropane Tricaprylate/Tricaprate, Glyceryl Oleate, Coco-Glucoside, Aroma, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-7, Citric Acid, Sodium PCA, Glycerin, Myristamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Glyceryl Behenate, Phytosteryl Oleate, Sodium Polyaspartate, Piroctone Olamine, Propylene Glycol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Methyl Alcohol, Bisabolol, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Squalane, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, Salicylic Acid, Artemisia Annua Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Crataegus Pinnatifida Fruit Extract, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate
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
Butylene 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 GlycolWe don't have a description for Cocamide Methyl Mea yet.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, a compound with two amino groups.
This ingredient is a surfactant and cleanser. It helps gather the dirt, pollutants, and other impurities in your skin to be washed away. It also helps thicken a product and make the texture more creamy.
Being created from coconut oil means Cocamidopropyl Betaine is hydrating for the skin.
While Cocamidopropyl Betaine was believed to be an allergen, a study from 2012 disproved this. It found two compounds in unpure Cocamidopropyl Betaine to be the irritants: aminoamide and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. High-grade and pure Cocamidopropyl Betaine did not induce allergic reactions during this study.
Learn more about Cocamidopropyl BetaineDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Piroctone Olamine targets Malassezia, the fungus responsible for dandruff, which is why you'll find it in many anti-dandruff shampoos.
It's also water-soluble, so it blends easily into these formulas.
Salicylic 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 Lauroyl Sarcosinate is a cleansing agent and emulsifier. It is a surfactant derived from sarcosine, and a common source is coconut oil.
As a surfactant, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate helps lift dirts, oil, and other molecules to be washed away. In leave-on products, this ingredient is used as an emulsifier. Emulsifier help prevent ingredients such as oils and waters from separating.
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is also commonly found as a foaming agent in shampoo, toothpaste, and shaving foam. It is amphiphilic, meaning it loves both water and fats.
Learn more about Sodium Lauroyl SarcosinateWater. 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 Water